Recently released a major update, added devlog, updated files, cover art, etc, wanted to know how to raise my game in the rankings after the update, I've seen games that were released back in 2021 get into the tops (new and popular).
As explained repeatedly on the forum, a devlog marked as "major release or update" will be reviewed by staff, and might cause your game to be put back at the top of new releases if it's approved. But more likely, the creators of those games you saw kept promoting them, otherwise it wouldn't last long or help much.
Recently released a major update
Your account is 28 days old. Your game 21. You have over 400 followers. People would ask you how to get popular.
In that short a time frame I doubt that an update would get you into recent again. After selecting a tag or two (adult does not count here) you are still, and will be for a while, high in recent. Your game is #6 in sandbox+dating sim.
When you switch from popular to new&popular, you will notice, that there is the same counter displayed. Conclusion: new&popular is just regular popular with an undisclosed ranking adjustment.
The rankings are weighted and adjusted in many such rankings. Jams have this a lot. Or top-rated.