India set a new world record on Sunday, as it registered 78,761 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, according to the figures reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The country recorded 948 deaths on Saturday. It has passed the United States’ record for the highest single-day rise globally, reported news agency AFP.

With more than 63,000 deaths, India has found itself at the third position, among the world’s most affected nations, trailing just behind the US and Brazil.

Read: India records 78,761 COVID-19 cases in a day, tally crosses 35 lakh-mark

On July 17, the US had set the previous record with 77,638 daily infections, according to an AFP tally.

India’s grim record came a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs further eased its COVID-19 lockdown, under the Unlock 4 guidelines. The move came in order to boost the country’s economy. 

The home ministry has permitted gatherings of up to 100 people at cultural, entertainment, sports and political events from September. However, social distancing norms and wearing of face masks have been made mandatory.

Read: Global coronavirus cases surpass 25 million

Metro train services would also resume “in a graded manner” in major cities.

Schools remain closed but students can meet teachers on a voluntary basis on school premises if needed, according to the new guidelines.

India has however recorded 2,713,933 recoveries, according to health ministry data. The recovery rate has increased to 76.61 per cent while the COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.79 per cent according to news agency PTI.