<h1>Stocks surge after government floats GST draft for Diwali implementation and S&P sovereign rating upgrade</h1> Benchmark equity indices surged in early trade after the government circulated a draft proposing major GST reforms for implementation by Diwali and following an S&P sovereign rating upgrade. The 30-share index rose 1,021.93 points to 81,619.59 and the 50-share index gained 322.2 points to 24,953.50, led by autos, consumer discretionary and durables; several large-cap firms were major gainers while other blue-chips lagged. The draft envisages most goods and services falling into 5% and 18% slabs, potentially reducing the 28% burden on sectors like autos and cement. Foreign investors sold equities worth Rs 1,926.76 crore.