Washington, August 30 (RHC)-- Global coronavirus cases surged past 25 million, according to data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University, with India setting the record for the highest single-day rise in cases.

The university's running data showed that global confirmed COVID-19 infections stood at 25,009,739 and the number of recoveries had reached 16,411,400.  The data showed steady global growth as the disease's epicentre shifts again, with India taking centre stage from the United States and Latin America.

India's single-day tally of 78,761 new coronavirus infections on Sunday exceeded the one-day increase of 77,299 reported by the US in mid-July. 

According to World Health Organization data, the official number of global coronavirus cases is now at least five times the number of severe influenza illnesses recorded annually.  Several health officials have warned that real numbers are likely far higher than the official number, as testing has not been able to capture the full picture.

Nearly 843,000 people have died of the virus globally, and with no vaccine or effective treatment available yet, governments have been resorted to physical distancing and lockdowns to stop its spread.