COVID-19: India's single-day surge crosses 53,000, 251 deaths reported in last 24 hours

India's single-day COVID-19 tally on Thursday crossed 50,000 for the first time this year with 53,476 new infections reported in the last 24 hours.

A total of 26,490 recoveries and 251 deaths were reported, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

With this, the total cases in the country mounted to 1,17,87,534 including 3,95,192 active cases and 1,12,31,650 recoveries. The death toll has gone up to 1,60,692.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 10,65,021 samples were tested on March 24.

"A total number of samples tested up to March 24 is 23,75,03,882 including 10,65,021 samples tested yesterday," said ICMR.

Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat are reporting a surge in the new COVID-19 cases and together they account for 77.44 per cent of the new cases, informed the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.

A total of 5,31,45,709 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the country.

(With ANI inputs)