Markets ended higher after two-day losses as the RBI's MPC meet and strong earnings lifted investor mood.

• Sensex rose 419 points to 81,018.72; Nifty ended above 24,700 with a 157-point gain amid broad market strength.
• Metals, auto, and IT led sectoral gains; FMCG, financials, and banks lagged behind the Nifty benchmark.
• RBI's rate decision due August 6 after 100 bps cuts since February; 10-year yield eased to 6.331%.