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Vancouver, July 9 : France have reclaimed the top spot in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, overtaking defending world champions Argentina ahead of the quarterfinal stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Didier Deschamps’ side moved to the summit following an impressive unbeaten run to the last eight, replacing Argentina at the top of the rankings. Spain slipped to third, while England retained fourth position, reflecting the strong performances of the leading contenders still in the tournament.

France will next face Morocco in a highly anticipated quarterfinal after the African side continued its remarkable rise in world football. Morocco climbed to sixth in the rankings after another impressive World Cup campaign and now trails fifth-placed Brazil by a narrow margin.

Despite relinquishing the No. 1 ranking, Argentina remain unbeaten in the tournament, having won all five of their matches so far. Lionel Scaloni’s men booked their place in the quarterfinals with a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt and will now face Switzerland for a place in the semifinals.

England have strengthened their position among the world’s elite after edging co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. The Three Lions will meet Norway in the quarterfinals, with the Scandinavian nation emerging as one of the tournament’s biggest success stories.

Norway have climbed 12 places to 19th in the latest rankings after a sensational World Cup campaign, highlighted by a shock victory over five-time champions Brazil. Inspired by striker Erling Haaland, Norway have established themselves as one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

Belgium also made gains in the rankings following a convincing Round of 16 victory over the United States and will take on Spain in another marquee quarterfinal clash.

With the race for the World Cup entering its decisive phase, the latest FIFA rankings underline the shifting balance of power in international football as the world’s top teams prepare for a series of high-stakes knockout encounters.

Bristol, July 9 (UDN): India will be fighting to keep the five-match T20 International series alive when they face England in the fourth fixture at the County Ground, Bristol, on Thursday. With England leading the series 2-0, the visitors must register a victory to stay in contention, while the hosts are just one win away from sealing their first-ever bilateral men’s T20I series triumph over the reigning world champions.

India head into the contest after a crushing 125-run defeat in the third T20I at Trent Bridge, where they were comprehensively outplayed with both bat and ball. The loss has placed the team under pressure, with another defeat set to hand India consecutive bilateral T20I series losses for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

Reflecting on the setback, captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that India failed to match England in all departments, describing the team’s overall performance as disappointing. Despite the defeat, head coach Gautam Gambhir has reaffirmed his faith in the squad, insisting that the team will continue to pursue its aggressive style of cricket rather than adopt a conservative approach.

India’s batting unit will be under the spotlight after struggling against England’s pace attack in the previous match. The visitors are expected to reassess their combination, with changes to the playing XI likely as they seek greater stability and firepower against the home side’s formidable bowling line-up.

England, on the other hand, enter the match brimming with confidence. Under captain Harry Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum, the hosts have enjoyed an impressive run in the shortest format and will be eager to capitalise on home advantage to wrap up the series in Bristol.

The County Ground is traditionally known for producing entertaining, high-scoring contests, although recent domestic matches have offered more balanced conditions. With favourable weather forecast, another competitive encounter is expected.

As England chase a historic series victory and India battle to extend the contest, the fourth T20I promises to be a high-intensity clash between two of the world’s leading white-ball teams.

Mumbai, July 9: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory urging citizens to take necessary precautions against Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can spread during the monsoon season, especially through contact with contaminated water.

The civic body has advised residents to avoid walking through stagnant or flood water wherever possible, maintain personal hygiene, and take immediate medical advice if symptoms such as fever, body ache, headache, or weakness appear after exposure to contaminated water.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria commonly found in the urine of infected animals and can enter the human body through cuts or wounds on the skin. Increased waterlogging during heavy rains can raise the risk of exposure.

The BMC has urged citizens to remain cautious during the monsoon, follow preventive measures, and seek timely medical attention to reduce health risks.

The civic authority continues to monitor the situation and has appealed to residents to cooperate with health guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy monsoon season.

New Delhi, July 9 (UDN): In a significant overhaul of the country’s largest undergraduate medical entrance examination, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode over six days from 2027, as part of a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity and transparency of the examination process.

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The decision follows concerns over question paper leaks and examination irregularities that have prompted the Centre to revamp the conduct of high-stakes competitive examinations. Conducting the test in multiple sessions over six days is expected to improve logistics, enhance security and minimise the risk of malpractice.

According to officials, the transition to a computer-based format will enable better monitoring of the examination process, faster evaluation and more efficient management of the large number of candidates appearing for the medical entrance test each year.

The proposed reforms are also expected to include enhanced security protocols, robust digital infrastructure and standardised procedures to ensure fairness and transparency in the examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education are expected to issue detailed operational guidelines and the examination schedule ahead of the 2027 admission cycle.

The move marks one of the most significant changes in the history of NEET, with the government aiming to restore public confidence in the examination system while ensuring a secure and technology-driven assessment process.

Puri, July 9 (UDN): The centuries-old traditions associated with the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath continue to uphold the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Odisha. Among these cherished customs, the preparation of the sacred Ratha Daudi (chariot ropes) remains an integral ritual, symbolising devotion, craftsmanship and continuity of tradition.

The ropes used to pull the three majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are meticulously prepared following age-old practices that have been preserved for generations. The making of these sacred ropes is regarded as more than a technical process; it is a ritual deeply rooted in faith and an essential component of the grand festival.

Officials associated with the Rath Yatra arrangements said every tradition connected with the festival carries its own historical significance, and the preparation of the Ratha Daudi is a vital link in preserving the sanctity and authenticity of the world-renowned chariot festival.

As Puri gears up for Rath Yatra 2026, preparations for every ritual and ceremonial practice are progressing in accordance with established temple traditions, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Jagannath culture that continues to inspire millions of devotees across the globe.