<b>Policy Impact:</b> Sensex up 236pts; ITC, RIL gain

The Sensex is now up 236 points at 15,497.

Larsen & Toubro has soared 5.3% to Rs 2,575. HDFC has zoomed 5% to Rs 2,003. BHEL has surged 4.5% to Rs 1,717.

Ranbaxy, ACC, HDFC Bank, Reliance Communications and Bajaj Auto have rallied around 3% each to Rs 389, Rs 1,056, Rs 1,196, Rs 558 and Rs 2,359, respectively.

ITC, Hindalco and Reliance are up around 2% each.

Mahindra & Mahindra has plunged 3.7% to Rs 725. Maruti has slipped 2% to Rs 831.

Tata Motors is down 1% at Rs 699.

Out of 2,673 stocks traded so far, 1,644 have advanced, 965 have declined and 64 are unchanged.