India overtook Brazil as the second worstinfected country behind the United States after data showed that Covid19 cases continued to surge. The South Asian nation reported more than 168,000 new cases over a 24hour period on Monday, according to health ministry data. Around 83 of the new infections were reported in 10 states, including the western state of Maharashtra, which is home to Indias financial capital Mumbai.

Since the beginning of April, India has reported more than 1.37 million cases, bringing the countrys total number of infections since last January to over 13.5 million; cases began rising since February after reaching a peak in September. Though Maharashtra has been the hardesthit state in the second wave, cases in other areas including the populous state of Uttar Pradesh are going up.

Daily reported death rate is also climbing as hospitals face pressure over supplies, including the number of beds available. Still, compared to other countries including the U.S., Indias Covidrelated deaths are relatively low. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has reportedly blamed the second wave of infections on peoples lack of commitment toward wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

Indias health ministry says that more than 100 million doses of vaccines have been administered since the government began an ambitious inoculation program in January. Since April 1, anyone over 45 years old is eligible for their shots. Media reports say that some states, including…