Sensex up 28pts; NTPC soars 5%

The Sensex is now up 28 points at 13,709.

NTPC has surged 4.8% to Rs 149. Dr.Reddy's and Tata Steel has rallied over 2% each to Rs 755 and Rs 482, respectively.

HLL has moved up 1.7% to Rs 245. Hindalco and Cipla have gained around 1.5% each at Rs 178 and Rs 264, respectively.

ONGC has added 1.3% to Rs 857.

Hero Honda has slipped 1.5% to Rs 736.

Out of 2,525 stocks traded so far, 1,448 have advanced, 998 have declined and the rest are unchanged.