Indian benchmarks started Friday higher, with the Sensex advancing to 72,080.09, up 486.85 points or 0.68 per cent from the prior close of 71,593.24 and an open of 71,776.67. The Nifty 50, after closing at 22,231.80 on Thursday, opened at 22,314.95 and moved up to 22,400.05, adding 168.25 points.