Sensex falls 300 points, Nifty slips below 24,550 as oil rises

Sensex fell over 300 points while Nifty slipped below 24,550 as rising crude oil prices and escalating Middle East tensions weighed on sentiment. However, midcap and smallcap indices remained resilient. Analysts said strong Q1 earnings, a stable rupee and potential FII buying could support the market, while 24,500 remains a key Nifty support.