Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Thursday amid positive global cues, with gains in IT and metal sectors. At 9:29 am, Sensex rose 237.56 points to 81,549.88, and Nifty gained 57 points to 24,809.45. Nifty Bank, Midcap 100, and Smallcap 100 indices also saw early gains, reflecting broad-based optimism across market segments.