India has reported 1,761 deaths from Covid-19 overnight, its highest daily toll, with large parts of the country now under lockdown, as the country battles a second wave that has left people fighting for hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.

The health ministry reported 259,170 new infections, the world's highest daily rate. It has reported daily infections above the 200,000 mark for six days, according to Reuters.

Total coronavirus cases in India are now at 15.32 million, second only to the United States.

A patient with a breathing problem is seen inside an ambulance waiting to enter a Covid-19 hospital for treatment in Ahmedabad, India. — Reuters
A patient with a breathing problem is seen inside an ambulance waiting to enter a Covid-19 hospital for treatment in Ahmedabad, India. — Reuters

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