<h1>Equity indices tumble as large IT stocks slump after major H-1B visa fee hike, investors fret over costs</h1> Benchmark equity indices fell sharply as major IT stocks plunged after the US administration announced a steep increase in H-1B visa fees applicable to new applicants, prompting investor concern about earnings and hiring costs. Heavyweight selling in a large conglomerate and several blue-chip names exacerbated losses, with midcap and smallcap segments also down amid profit-taking. Sectoral declines were concentrated in IT, tech and capital goods while utilities, power and select cyclicals rose. Market participants cited domestic tax changes and consumption support as partial offsets, and foreign investors were net buyers helping limit broader losses.