Sensex up 97pts; HDFC, ITC rallies 2%

The Sensex is now up 97 points at 15,694.

HDFC and ITC have soared around 2% each to Rs 2,150 and Rs 188, respectively.

Larsen & Toubro has moved up 1.4% to Rs 2,614.

Tata Steel, Cipla and Ranbaxy are up over 1% each at Rs 701, Rs 181 and Rs 423, respectively.