India, Aug. 7 -- Benchmark BSE Sensex climbed 374 points on Thursday, drawing support from moderation in crude oil prices and buying in heavyweights Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank. After trading in the positive territory throughout the day, the 30-share Sensex closed higher by 373.76 points, or 0.48 per cent, at 78,954.76. As many as 11 Sensex components closed higher, 16 with losses and three remained unchanged.

The broader NSE Nifty traded in a narrow range during the day and closed marginally higher by 11.35 points, or 0.05 per cent, at 24,636. During the day, the benchmark hit a high of 24,677.05 and a low of 24,604.15.

Since Monday, both the benchmark indices have been facing divergence after stock exchanges introduced a new au...