* Equity Alert: Mkt dn 2%; interest rate sensitive sectors worst hit
* Equity Alert: Mphasis down 3% as HP not required to make open offer
* 12.37PM:FTSE 100 opens at 6159.40, down 38.70 pts or 0.6% from Wed
* Praj Industries arm gets 1.2-bln-rupee order from UK co
* Cabinet OKs merger of Sponge Iron with NMDC
* Equity Alert: Technology cos' shares rise led by weak rupee
* Equity Alert: Cairn India rises 1% on record global crude
* Equity Alert: Sylph Tech re-lists at 152 rupee, hits high 640 rupee
* Equity Alert: Cement shrs dn despite govt allowing exports to Nepal
* Equity Alert: Videocon Appliances up on report co to raise prices
* Equity Alert: Bank shares decline on fears of monetary tightening
* Equity Alert: Mphasis down 3% as HP not required to make open offer