The benchmark index of the Indian equities market closed higher on Thursday with the 30-scrip sensitive index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, closing at 20646.64 points, 684.48 points or 3.43 percent higher from the previous close of 19962.16 points. The Sensex had a turnover of 8.54 billion rupees (about 139.99 million U.S. dollars).