Sensex up 19pts; L&T, Hero Honda slips

The Sensex is now up 19 points at 13,700.

NTPC has surged 4.5% to Rs 148. Tata Steel has rallied 2.5% to Rs 483, and Dr.Reddy's has advanced nearly 2% to Rs 751.

Hindalco, ONGC, Cipla and HLL have gained around 1.5% each at Rs 178, Rs 858, Rs 264 and Rs 244, respectively.

Larsen & Toubro has dropped 1.5% to Rs 1,383. Hero Honda has slipped 1% to Rs 740.

Out of 2,559 stocks traded so far, 1,427 have advanced, 1,051 have declined and the rest are unchanged.