Indian equity benchmarks ended Wednesday on a weak note, extending their early-session declines as global uncertainty and selling pressure in technology stocks weighed heavily on sentiment. The Sensex settled at 78,516, down 757 points or 0.95 per cent, while the Nifty closed 198 points lower at 24,378. Despite the fall in headline indices, broader market participation remained firm, with 2,340 stocks advancing compared to 1,745 declines and 142 remaining unchanged. Meanwhile, volatility ticked higher, with India VIX rising 3.8 per cent to 18.19, signalling increased caution.