India reported 18,454 new COVID-19 cases and 160 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry data released on Thursday. After adding the new cases, India’s COVID-19 death toll is 4,52,811.

Now, India has 1,78,831 active COVID-19 cases following Thursday’s addition. Active cases account for 0.52%, which is less than 1% of total cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.

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Meanwhile, 17,561 people recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours, taking India’s total recovery numbers to 3,34,95,808. 

At least 12,47,506 samples were tested for coronavirus on Wednesday, October 20. The country now has successfully tested 59,57,42,218 up to October 20, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccination is concerned, India has successfully administered one billion COVID-19 vaccines under the world largest inoculation drive. Out of this figure, 48,08,665 vaccines were given in the last 24 hours   

With that India achieved the landmark one billion COVID19 vaccinations mark on Thursday. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Delhi’s RML Hospital.

“Congratulations to the people&healthcare workers of India. It’s remarkable to reach 1 billion dose mark for any nation, an achievement in just over 9 months since the vaccination program started in India,” said Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog on India crossing 100 crore vaccination.