ITC kept its firm undertone to stay ahead of the pack on the NSE near the close of trading on Thursday. At 3.30 pm it was quoting at Rs 383.15. This represented a gain of 5.48 per cent on its overnight close at Rs 363.25.

Sesa Sterlite traded firm, building on its morning gains to quote at Rs 237.15. This represented a gain of 2.73 per cent on its previous close at Rs 230.85.

BPCL rallied further to build gains of 2.21 per cent at Rs 726.55 as against Rs 710.85 at close yesterday.

Cipla edged up to hold gains of 1.39 per cent in late trading. The share was quoting at Rs 659.25 as against Rs 650.20 overnight.

NMDC resumed its recent firm trend on the markets, gaining 1.19 per cent to trade at Rs 139.80. The share had closed the previous session at Rs 138.15.