Germany to start FIFA World Cup campaign vs Mexico
Moscow, June 16: Defending champions Germany will kick-off their title defence when they take on Mexico in a Group F match of the FIFA 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium here on Sunday.
In their previous 11 meetings, Germany have won six times while the South Americans managed just a single win.
Germany passed the qualification stage with ease as they won all their ten games, thus becoming the first team to win all their qualification matches.
The Manuel Neuer-led side however, haven't been at their best this year as Germany managed to win just one of their four international friendlies in 2018. While they defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1, they suffered losses against Brazil and Austria.
The biggest concern for Germany was the fitness of their star players Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng. Later, Neuer recovered from a serious foot injury to be fit for the mega event.
Germany's defence will witness Boateng and Mats Hummels as the duo's role will be crucial on Sunday. On the other hand, Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich will form the full backs while Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos will feature in the midfield.
The attacking lineup will be formed by striker Timo Werner, Thomas Muller on the right flank and Mesut Ozil.
On the other side, Mexico too, have a settled squad.
Jesus Gallardo and Miguel Layun are likely to be the full-backs on the left and right sides, respectively. Mexico's defence will feature Hector Moreno and Hugo Ayala, who form a formidable partnership.
With the likes of Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado, Mexico's biggest strength lies in the midfield. The duo will be supported by either Jonathan dos Santos or Marco Fabian, who ever gets a chance in Sunday's game.
Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta will lead the Mexican attack. Also, Javier Hernandez and Raul Jimenez are the other two contenders for the striker's slot.
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PM Modi lauds reduction in tuberculosis incidence in India
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded the reduction in the incidence of tuberculosis in India since 2015, which was twice the global rate of decline and credited it to the expansion of treatment coverage.
India's TB incidence, which refers to new cases emerging each year, reduced by 21 per cent, from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh population in 2024, according to the World Health Organisation's Global TB Report 2025.
The reduction is almost double the pace of the decline observed globally at 12 per cent, the Health Ministry said.
"India's fight against TB is achieving remarkable momentum. The latest WHO Global tuberculosis report 2025 highlights that India has recorded a commendable reduction in TB incidence since 2015 and it is nearly twice the global rate of decline," Modi said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister said the decline in incidence of TB in India was one of the sharpest drops seen anywhere in the world.
"Equally heartening is the expansion of treatment coverage, the fall in 'missing cases' and the sustained rise in treatment success. I compliment all those who have worked towards achieving this success. We remain committed to ensuring a healthy and fit India," Modi said.
