New Delhi

India's Covid caseload surged to 1.45 crore cases with 2,34,692 fresh infections - sharpest-ever daily spike - as the country recorded over 2 lakh cases for the third straight day. With 1,341 deaths, India saw the deadliest day of pandemic this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning appealed in a tweet that the mega Kumbh mela should "now only be symbolic". Gathering of tens of thousands of pilgrims and fears of violation of Covid protocols along the banks of Ganga has sparked nationwide concern.

Maharashtra and Delhi saw the highest-ever surge in infections in the last 24 hours. With 63,729 new infections, Maharashtra's caseload is past the 37-lakh mark now. Delhi, which has surpassed Mumbai, has recorded over 8 lakh cases since the start of pandemic; 19,486 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours.