Watch: India reports 35,871 new Covid-19 cases

India recorded its highest daily tally this year with 35,871 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry's latest update. The active caseload in the country was logged at 252,364 on Thursday. This accounts for 2.05 % of the total cases.

The death toll soared to 159,216 with 172 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. In a meeting with chief ministers via video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said quick and decisive steps were needed to stop the emerging second wave of Covid-19. PM Modi also flagged the issue of vaccine wastage in some states.