Extending gains for the sixth session in a row, the BSE benchmark Sensex touched 18,000-mark after six months Wednesday on buying by funds and retailers amid a firm Asian cues, reports Zeebiz.

The Sensex gains 0.5 percent, hitting earlier its highest since March 14, while the Nifty adds 0.5 percent as of 2.30 p.m.Airline shares extend gains after India's aviation minister says he's hopeful the government will allow foreign direct investment into the sector and has talked to most of the ruling coalition's political allies.