Mumbai, Aug. 18 -- The key equity indices continued to trade with strong gains in the mid-morning trade, supported by hopes of big changes to the GST system and a recent upgrade to India's credit rating. On the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government plans to bring "generational" GST reforms before Diwali, which could benefit sectors like auto, FMCG, and consumer goods. However, global worries remain, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and possible 25% US tariffs on Indian products starting August 27.

The Nifty traded below the 24,900 level. Consumer Durables shares extended gains for the three consecutive trading sessions.

At 11:30 ST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, soared 958.78 poin...