Nirmala Sitharaman NEW DELHI: Amid the Budget discussion that started in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called out DMK member P Wilson for his claim that Tamil Nadu was ignored in the Union Budget. She highlighted various initiatives unveiled in the Budget for the poll-bound state and observed that “sweeping statements like these without any basis, linked with the budget which has been presented only eight days ago, is not right at all”. Participating in the debate on the Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha, DMK and AIADMK also targeted each other over the announcements and projects for Tamil Nadu. During his speech, Wilson alleged that “for several years, Tamil Nadu has consistently argued that the Union govt’s approach to tax devolution has systematically disadvantaged developed and high performing states, including Tamil Nadu”. “If Tamil Nadu is your best performer, you should cherish and showcase the state, not undercut it at every turn, we delivered 11.4% growth last year. Why this discrimination,” he questioned. “Madam, what you give to Tamil Nadu will come back to you. Since you have not given anything, nothing will come back to you. Tamil Nadu is the jewel on India’s crown. We are India’s best performing state… I call upon the PM and the FM to be fair to Tamil Nadu,” Wilson said. The FM rejected his claims saying , “one thing that stood out was Tamil Nadu has been given no new projects, which was absolutely wrong”. TNNEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Trade Deal Wouldn’t Happen Without Him”: Goyal Praises US Envoy GorOpposition Parties’ No-Confidence Move Against Om Birla?; ICC Rejects Pak Demand Over India BoycottRajnath Singh, Greek Counterpart Chart Five-Year Defence Cooperation Roadmap’India Must Find Its Own Elon Musk’: Ex-DGMO Emphasises Superiority In Space Tech To Win Future WarsPunjab Law College Horror: Student Shoots Classmate, Turns Gun On SelfBJP Accuses Mamata of Misleading Nation After SC SIR Ruling, TMC Counters ClaimsWatergate Files Reveal Ex-US President Nixon Was Ready To Back China If It Attacked India In 1971How Sanae Takaichi’s Japan Elections Win Could Alter Indo-Pacific Power Balance, India’s StrategyPariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi Advises Students on Discipline and More for Viksit Bharat 2047’White Collar Terrorism…’: Ex-DGMO AK Bhatt On Biggest Challenge For The Army In Jammu & Kashmir123PhotostoriesValentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfastExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3’s Arjun Bijlani on pairing up with Tejasswi Prakash: I keep teasing her asking when she’s getting married, planning to have kids. even call her ‘bhabhi’Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder net worth: Inside the couple’s USD 260 million empireChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture7 ancient fish species older than dinosaursHow luxurious is Suryakumar Yadav’s garage? 5 cars from his collectionWhat epilepsy really is (and what it isn’t)123Hot PicksUAE Public School RegistrationGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingTravis KelceBad BunnyBrittany MahomesRobert Kraf WifeCoco JonesCandace OwensSuper Bowl 60 Halftime PerformanceNBA Trade RumorsJutta LeerdamKim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton Net Worth

Nirmala Sitharaman NEW DELHI: Amid the Budget discussion that started in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called out DMK member P Wilson for his claim that Tamil Nadu was ignored in the Union Budget. She highlighted various initiatives unveiled in the Budget for the poll-bound state and observed that “sweeping statements like these without any basis, linked with the budget which has been presented only eight days ago, is not right at all”. Participating in the debate on the Union Budget in the Rajya Sabha, DMK and AIADMK also targeted each other over the announcements and projects for Tamil Nadu. During his speech, Wilson alleged that “for several years, Tamil Nadu has consistently argued that the Union govt’s approach to tax devolution has systematically disadvantaged developed and high performing states, including Tamil Nadu”. “If Tamil Nadu is your best performer, you should cherish and showcase the state, not undercut it at every turn, we delivered 11.4% growth last year. Why this discrimination,” he questioned. “Madam, what you give to Tamil Nadu will come back to you. Since you have not given anything, nothing will come back to you. Tamil Nadu is the jewel on India’s crown. We are India’s best performing state… I call upon the PM and the FM to be fair to Tamil Nadu,” Wilson said. The FM rejected his claims saying , “one thing that stood out was Tamil Nadu has been given no new projects, which was absolutely wrong”. TNNEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Trade Deal Wouldn’t Happen Without Him”: Goyal Praises US Envoy GorOpposition Parties’ No-Confidence Move Against Om Birla?; ICC Rejects Pak Demand Over India BoycottRajnath Singh, Greek Counterpart Chart Five-Year Defence Cooperation Roadmap’India Must Find Its Own Elon Musk’: Ex-DGMO Emphasises Superiority In Space Tech To Win Future WarsPunjab Law College Horror: Student Shoots Classmate, Turns Gun On SelfBJP Accuses Mamata of Misleading Nation After SC SIR Ruling, TMC Counters ClaimsWatergate Files Reveal Ex-US President Nixon Was Ready To Back China If It Attacked India In 1971How Sanae Takaichi’s Japan Elections Win Could Alter Indo-Pacific Power Balance, India’s StrategyPariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi Advises Students on Discipline and More for Viksit Bharat 2047’White Collar Terrorism…’: Ex-DGMO AK Bhatt On Biggest Challenge For The Army In Jammu & Kashmir123PhotostoriesValentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfastExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3’s Arjun Bijlani on pairing up with Tejasswi Prakash: I keep teasing her asking when she’s getting married, planning to have kids. even call her ‘bhabhi’Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder net worth: Inside the couple’s USD 260 million empireChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture7 ancient fish species older than dinosaursHow luxurious is Suryakumar Yadav’s garage? 5 cars from his collectionWhat epilepsy really is (and what it isn’t)123Hot PicksUAE Public School RegistrationGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingTravis KelceBad BunnyBrittany MahomesRobert Kraf WifeCoco JonesCandace OwensSuper Bowl 60 Halftime PerformanceNBA Trade RumorsJutta LeerdamKim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton Net Worth

NEW DELHI: Amid the Budget discussion that started in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called out DMK member P Wilson for his claim that Tamil Nadu was ignored in the Union Budget. She highlighted various initiatives unveiled in the Budget for the poll-bound state and observed that “sweeping statements like these…

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Feb 09, 2026, 16:08 IST

Feb 09, 2026, 16:08 IST

England’s Adil Rashid, right, being congratulated by Nepal’s Lokesh Bam, centre, and Karan KC (PTI Photo) Former India batter Aakash Chopra has strongly backed Nepal’s rapid rise in international cricket, calling on the ICC and leading nations to move beyond symbolic praise and provide associate teams with sustained opportunities. After Nepal’s narrow four-run defeat against…

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Coforge, Persistent outperform mid-tier peers amid slowdown

Coforge, Persistent outperform mid-tier peers amid slowdown

BENGALURU: Coforge and Persistent Systems continued to post double-digit revenue growth in the Dec quarter, standing out as several engineering-focused mid-tier IT companies saw growth taper or turn negative. Firms such as Tata Technologies, Cyient, LTTS and Tata Elxsi largely reported slower momentum, with revenue, margins and net profits showing signs of moderation. Coforge reported…

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MPPSC Assistant Town Planner recruitment 2026: Notification out, application to begin on February 20 at mppsc.mp.gov.in

MPPSC Assistant Town Planner recruitment 2026: Notification out, application to begin on February 20 at mppsc.mp.gov.in

The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Town Planner posts for 2026. Candidates who wish to apply can submit their applications online from February 20, 2026. The application process will be conducted through the official website, mppsc.mp.gov.in. A total of 39 vacancies have been announced…

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Ricky Martin feels ‘tsunami of emotions’ after his and Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment: ‘I need several hours to process’

Ricky Martin feels ‘tsunami of emotions’ after his and Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment: ‘I need several hours to process’

Ricky Martin surprised everyone with a heartfelt guest spot during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. The event took place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Ricky Martin joined Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, for a stripped-down acoustic take on ‘Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii’….

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Cute or careless? A viral flight incident that made parents rethink ‘civic sense’ |

Cute or careless? A viral flight incident that made parents rethink ‘civic sense’ |

A young passenger’s emoji sticker art on an IndiGo plane seat ignited a vibrant discussion across social media regarding the intersection of parenting and public spaces. For some, it was a trivial expression of creativity, while others voiced their concern, arguing that it sets a troubling precedent for disrespecting communal areas. A Reddit post from…

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Pisces Horoscope Today, February 10, 2026: Investment in speculation is supported

Pisces Horoscope Today, February 10, 2026: Investment in speculation is supported

Today is all about tranquility, as the stars align in your favor with Jupiter’s touch encouraging positive outcomes and a serene atmosphere. Family life is particularly harmonious, with kids shining in their endeavors and everyday tasks flowing smoothly. In romance, relationships thrive with joyful experiences, and singles might just meet someone special. Things fall into…

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Border 2 Full Movie Collection: ‘Border 2’ box office collection Day 18 and Day 19 LIVE: Sunny Deol starrer crosses Rs 426 crore worldwide, despite HUGE drop |

Border 2 Full Movie Collection: ‘Border 2’ box office collection Day 18 and Day 19 LIVE: Sunny Deol starrer crosses Rs 426 crore worldwide, despite HUGE drop |

‘Border 2’, featuring the dynamic duo Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan, is approaching the final curtain call in theaters, with box office numbers tapering off in its third week. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 war, it gathered Rs 1.85 crore on its 18th day, culminating in a domestic total of Rs 311.60 crore….

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Candace Owens explains why neither Bad Bunny nor Kid Rock Super Bowl halftime shows felt worth watching

Candace Owens explains why neither Bad Bunny nor Kid Rock Super Bowl halftime shows felt worth watching

Candace Owens explains why neither Bad Bunny nor Kid Rock Super Bowl halftime shows felt worth watching (Image via Getty) Candace Owens did not pick a side during the 2026 Super Bowl halftime debate. Instead, she rejected both choices in one blunt post that quickly spread online. The political commentator criticized the official halftime show…

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AI-generated image for representation HYDERABAD: At a time when a knife attack that left four Indian students injured in Russia has put the spotlight on the challenges faced by them in the country, latest external affairs ministry data shows that over 50% of all complaints of exploitation and racial discrimination reported by Indian students globally originate from Russia, with Moscow emerging as the biggest hotspot. As per the data, Indian students across 196 countries registered around 350 complaints of exploitation, harassment and racial discrimination in 2025. Of these, more than 200 came from Russia alone. What has raised serious concern is the steep rise in such cases over the past three years – from 68 complaints in 2023 to 78 in 2024, before surging to 201 in 2025. The majority of Indian medical students in Russia belong to states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While Russia remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, particularly those pursuing medical education, due to relatively lower tuition fees and easier admission processes, the sharp increase in complaints has triggered serious safety concerns. Cases unreported for  fear of expulsion Students in Russia whom TOI spoke to said they are routinely discriminated against by students from other countries, with some even alleging mental harassment by universities themselves, including threats of expulsion over minor issues or violations. They said many of their grievances never reach official channels due to fear of retaliation from varsities or complications related to visas and immigration. “During my sixth year, a group of foreign students attacked Indian students in the hostel kitchen over a minor argument and threatened them with a knife,” said Kanishka K, a graduate from Bashkir State Medical University, Moscow. He reiterated that “many such incidents are never reported because students are scared of being targeted or expelled”. Members of Foreign Medical Graduates associations admitted to widespread racial profiling, verbal abuse and a lack of institutional support for Indian students in Russia. “Complaints are rarely taken seriously. Students suffer in silence as universities often sideline them,” said D Kaushal, coordinator of All FMGs. He further claimed that while Russian regulations limit foreign intake to around 200 students per institution, some universities admit over 1,200 students and later expel them, sometimes even in sixth year, in violation of norms. “Such expulsions leave students in severe financial and psychological distress,” he said. Owing to the deteriorating situation, FMGs say many Indian students are now opting for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan instead. “The number of Indian students choosing Russia has declined significantly, by at least 50%, in recent years due to these issues. Moreover, since the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Indian students have shown declining interest in pursuing MBBS in Russia because of safety concerns and academic uncertainty,” said Manoj Kumar, president of the FMGs Association of India. Missions for student  welfare matters Meanwhile, replying to a recent LS query on Indian workers and students facing exploitation, detention, wage denial and racial discrimination abroad, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said dedicated officers have been posted in Indian missions and posts overseas to handle education and student welfare-related matters. “Our missions maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled abroad and brief them on challenges and threats, if any, that they may confront during their stay there. Heads of missions and senior embassy officers visit foreign educational institutions in their respective countries of accreditation to interact with Indian students and students’ associations,” he said.About the AuthorSunny BaskiHe is specialized in reporting on civic issues, municipal affairs and administrative challenges within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and Water Board. His reportage includes in-depth analytical stories on transportation sectors, encompassing aviation, railways, and regional transport authority. He also venture into rural areas to document compelling human interest narratives that resonate across the nation.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Trade Deal Wouldn’t Happen Without Him”: Goyal Praises US Envoy GorOpposition Parties’ No-Confidence Move Against Om Birla?; ICC Rejects Pak Demand Over India BoycottRajnath Singh, Greek Counterpart Chart Five-Year Defence Cooperation Roadmap’India Must Find Its Own Elon Musk’: Ex-DGMO Emphasises Superiority In Space Tech To Win Future WarsPunjab Law College Horror: Student Shoots Classmate, Turns Gun On SelfBJP Accuses Mamata of Misleading Nation After SC SIR Ruling, TMC Counters ClaimsWatergate Files Reveal Ex-US President Nixon Was Ready To Back China If It Attacked India In 1971How Sanae Takaichi’s Japan Elections Win Could Alter Indo-Pacific Power Balance, India’s StrategyPariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi Advises Students on Discipline and More for Viksit Bharat 2047’White Collar Terrorism…’: Ex-DGMO AK Bhatt On Biggest Challenge For The Army In Jammu & Kashmir123PhotostoriesValentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfastExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3’s Arjun Bijlani on pairing up with Tejasswi Prakash: I keep teasing her asking when she’s getting married, planning to have kids. even call her ‘bhabhi’Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder net worth: Inside the couple’s USD 260 million empireChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture7 ancient fish species older than dinosaursHow luxurious is Suryakumar Yadav’s garage? 5 cars from his collectionWhat epilepsy really is (and what it isn’t)123Hot PicksUAE Public School RegistrationGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingTravis KelceBad BunnyBrittany MahomesRobert Kraf WifeCoco JonesCandace OwensSuper Bowl 60 Halftime PerformanceNBA Trade RumorsJutta LeerdamKim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton Net Worth

AI-generated image for representation HYDERABAD: At a time when a knife attack that left four Indian students injured in Russia has put the spotlight on the challenges faced by them in the country, latest external affairs ministry data shows that over 50% of all complaints of exploitation and racial discrimination reported by Indian students globally originate from Russia, with Moscow emerging as the biggest hotspot. As per the data, Indian students across 196 countries registered around 350 complaints of exploitation, harassment and racial discrimination in 2025. Of these, more than 200 came from Russia alone. What has raised serious concern is the steep rise in such cases over the past three years – from 68 complaints in 2023 to 78 in 2024, before surging to 201 in 2025. The majority of Indian medical students in Russia belong to states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While Russia remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, particularly those pursuing medical education, due to relatively lower tuition fees and easier admission processes, the sharp increase in complaints has triggered serious safety concerns. Cases unreported for fear of expulsion Students in Russia whom TOI spoke to said they are routinely discriminated against by students from other countries, with some even alleging mental harassment by universities themselves, including threats of expulsion over minor issues or violations. They said many of their grievances never reach official channels due to fear of retaliation from varsities or complications related to visas and immigration. “During my sixth year, a group of foreign students attacked Indian students in the hostel kitchen over a minor argument and threatened them with a knife,” said Kanishka K, a graduate from Bashkir State Medical University, Moscow. He reiterated that “many such incidents are never reported because students are scared of being targeted or expelled”. Members of Foreign Medical Graduates associations admitted to widespread racial profiling, verbal abuse and a lack of institutional support for Indian students in Russia. “Complaints are rarely taken seriously. Students suffer in silence as universities often sideline them,” said D Kaushal, coordinator of All FMGs. He further claimed that while Russian regulations limit foreign intake to around 200 students per institution, some universities admit over 1,200 students and later expel them, sometimes even in sixth year, in violation of norms. “Such expulsions leave students in severe financial and psychological distress,” he said. Owing to the deteriorating situation, FMGs say many Indian students are now opting for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan instead. “The number of Indian students choosing Russia has declined significantly, by at least 50%, in recent years due to these issues. Moreover, since the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Indian students have shown declining interest in pursuing MBBS in Russia because of safety concerns and academic uncertainty,” said Manoj Kumar, president of the FMGs Association of India. Missions for student welfare matters Meanwhile, replying to a recent LS query on Indian workers and students facing exploitation, detention, wage denial and racial discrimination abroad, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said dedicated officers have been posted in Indian missions and posts overseas to handle education and student welfare-related matters. “Our missions maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled abroad and brief them on challenges and threats, if any, that they may confront during their stay there. Heads of missions and senior embassy officers visit foreign educational institutions in their respective countries of accreditation to interact with Indian students and students’ associations,” he said.About the AuthorSunny BaskiHe is specialized in reporting on civic issues, municipal affairs and administrative challenges within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and Water Board. His reportage includes in-depth analytical stories on transportation sectors, encompassing aviation, railways, and regional transport authority. He also venture into rural areas to document compelling human interest narratives that resonate across the nation.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Trade Deal Wouldn’t Happen Without Him”: Goyal Praises US Envoy GorOpposition Parties’ No-Confidence Move Against Om Birla?; ICC Rejects Pak Demand Over India BoycottRajnath Singh, Greek Counterpart Chart Five-Year Defence Cooperation Roadmap’India Must Find Its Own Elon Musk’: Ex-DGMO Emphasises Superiority In Space Tech To Win Future WarsPunjab Law College Horror: Student Shoots Classmate, Turns Gun On SelfBJP Accuses Mamata of Misleading Nation After SC SIR Ruling, TMC Counters ClaimsWatergate Files Reveal Ex-US President Nixon Was Ready To Back China If It Attacked India In 1971How Sanae Takaichi’s Japan Elections Win Could Alter Indo-Pacific Power Balance, India’s StrategyPariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi Advises Students on Discipline and More for Viksit Bharat 2047’White Collar Terrorism…’: Ex-DGMO AK Bhatt On Biggest Challenge For The Army In Jammu & Kashmir123PhotostoriesValentine’s Week special: Luxury stays for solo reflection and self connection8 easy and delicious ways to add fruit jam to your breakfastExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3’s Arjun Bijlani on pairing up with Tejasswi Prakash: I keep teasing her asking when she’s getting married, planning to have kids. even call her ‘bhabhi’Replace your cookware immediately if you notice these 5 signs (number 3 is a warning)Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder net worth: Inside the couple’s USD 260 million empireChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 10 smart tips and tricks for deep frying for better taste and nutrition6 unique homes in India; redefining contemporary residential architecture7 ancient fish species older than dinosaursHow luxurious is Suryakumar Yadav’s garage? 5 cars from his collectionWhat epilepsy really is (and what it isn’t)123Hot PicksUAE Public School RegistrationGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingTravis KelceBad BunnyBrittany MahomesRobert Kraf WifeCoco JonesCandace OwensSuper Bowl 60 Halftime PerformanceNBA Trade RumorsJutta LeerdamKim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton Net Worth

AI-generated image for representation HYDERABAD: At a time when a knife attack that left four Indian students injured in Russia has put the spotlight on the challenges faced by them in the country, latest external affairs ministry data shows that over 50% of all complaints of exploitation and racial discrimination reported by Indian students globally…

Read More
Feb 09, 2026, 18:02 IST

Feb 09, 2026, 18:02 IST

Maintenance staff clean ‘bird droppings’ during the men’s singles round of 16 match between India’s H.S. Prannoy and Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew at the India Open 2026 badminton tournament in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) India’s presence on the global badminton calendar has taken a hit in the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) revamped schedule. While the…

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DSSSB MTS recruitment 2025 exam date to be announced soon: Check vacancy details for 714 posts here

DSSSB MTS recruitment 2025 exam date to be announced soon: Check vacancy details for 714 posts here

DSSSB MTS recruitment 2025 exam date to be announced soon The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) will announce the exam date for the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) recruitment 2025 soon. The recruitment drive aims to fill 714 vacancies across various departments under the Delhi government. The application process was conducted online on the official website,…

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Capricorn Horoscope Today, February 10, 2026: Saturn steadies your choices

Capricorn Horoscope Today, February 10, 2026: Saturn steadies your choices

Great financial opportunities await, promising both security and the chance to fulfill lifelong goals. Anticipate enriching relationships—whether in love or family—with an emphasis on sincerity and warmth. Career advancements are on the rise, and your hard work will not go unnoticed. It’s wise to strategize your finances carefully, especially when it comes to saving and…

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