Mumbai, May 9 -- The key equity indices traded with major losses in mid-morning trade as escalating tensions between India and Pakistan-intensified by the ongoing Operation Sindoor-kept investors on edge. Market sentiment is likely to remain volatile in the near term, driven by uncertainty surrounding geopolitical developments and upcoming U.S. trade policy updates. The Nifty slipped below the 24,100 level.

Pharma shares witnessed selling pressure for the fourth consecutive trading session.

At 11:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex dropped 578.57 points or 0.72% to 79,756.24. The Nifty 50 index tumbled 184.85 points or 0.76% to 24,088.95.

The broader market underperformed the frontline indices. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index fel...