India reports highest-ever surge of 3.46 lakh Covid-19 cases, 2,624 deaths

NEW DELHI: India reported 332,730 fresh coronavirus infections on Friday, taking the cumulative caseload to 16,263,695, according to MoHFW. This is the first time any country has recorded over 300,000 cases in just 24 hours. Amid oxygen shortage and the faltering health system in the country, India saw 2,263 deaths in the highest single-day spike. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 186,928. The country now has more than 2.4 million active cases.

Amid the unprecedented Covid situation in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a series of meetings on Friday, including one with chief ministers of states with a high burden of coronavirus cases.

Delhi recorded its highest ever single-day fatalities -- 306 people died as more than 26,000 fresh cases were logged. The national capital is battling a devastating wave of coronavirus and a recurring oxygen shortage. Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 67,013 new Covid-19 cases and 568 deaths in the last 24 hours. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest single-day spike of 34,379 cases.

The six most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (4,094,840), Kerala (1,322,054), Karnataka (1,109,650), Tamil Nadu (962,935), Andhra Pradesh (942,135), Uttar Pradesh (976,765) and Delhi (956,348).