<h1>Benchmark indices slip after six-day rally as profit-taking, weak global cues and weekly options expiry spark volatility</h1> Benchmark indices fell in early trade after a six-day rally, with the 30-share index down about 293 points and the 50-share index off about 83 points, amid profit-taking and weak global cues. Major laggards included large steel, finance, IT and infrastructure stocks, while select defence, telecom, banking and ports stocks gained. Asian and US markets were broadly lower. An analyst warned of pockets of volatility due to weekly options expiry but said the broader tone remains constructive on political stability, easing inflation, softer crude and foreign inflows. Officials said a first-phase India-US trade deal is nearing closure to address high reciprocal tariffs. Foreign and domestic institutions were net buyers; Brent crude eased.