The benchmark index of the Indian equities market closed higher on Tuesday with the 30-scrip sensitive index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, closing at 19,040.95 points, 176.20 points or 0.93 percent higher from the previous close of 18,864.75 points.The Sensex had a turnover of 3.83 billion rupees (about 70.85 million U.S. dollars).