India has registered a record of 2,003 deaths and 10,974 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. This so far is the biggest daily hike in case of deaths due to coronavirus. Until now, the daily death tally was being reported to be between 200 to 350 but today's figures highlight India's lack of preparedness on COVID-19. The current tally increased the total number of positive cases in the country to 3,54,065, including 1,55,227 active cases, 1,86,935 recoveries and 11,903 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

In spite of the rise in cases, India's overall recovery rate has still continued to improve, which is a good sign for the government. The recovery rate increased to 52.8 per cent from yesterday's level of 52.5 per cent, meanwhile death rate now stands at 3.3 per cent against yesterday's 2.8 per cent.

India has overtook the United Kingdom in terms of coronavirus cases and became the fourth worst-hit country in the case of the total number of cases. India is now behind Russia, Brazil and the US only. In terms of deaths, India now stands at the sixth position as the most affected country in the world. COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Maharashtra, which is the most affected state in India, with a tally of 50,057 active cases, 57,851 recoveries and 5,537 deaths and 1,13,445 total cases.

Maharashtra is followed by Tamil Nadu, with 48,019 cases including 20,709 active ones and 26,782 recovered cases. The death toll in the state stands at 528. Delhi's case tally is also increasing rapidly, with active cases reaching 26,351 and recoveries at 16,500. The state has registered 1,837 deaths and 44,688 total cases so far.

The number of cases worldwide, cases have reached 8,264,399, including 4,46,135 and 4,321,495 recoveries. The US stands at the top of the world tally with 2,204,400 cases and 119,132 deaths. Brazil has registered 928,834 cases and 45,456 deaths, while Russia has recorded 545,458 deaths and 7,284 deaths.