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New Orchid Species Discovered in Kerala’s Western Ghats

February 03, 2026

Botanical Discovery in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Researchers have identified a new orchid species in the high-altitude regions of Kerala, further highlighting the exceptional botanical diversity of the Western Ghats. The species was discovered in Kanthalloor near Marayoor in Idukki district, an area known for its unique montane ecosystems. The find adds to the growing list of endemic plant species from the southern Western Ghats.

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Ancient Zapotec Tomb Discovered in Mexico’s Oaxaca Valley

February 02, 2026

Rare Archaeological Find from Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica

Archaeologists in southern Mexico have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved 1,400-year-old tomb belonging to the Zapotec civilization, shedding new light on Indigenous burial practices and belief systems. The discovery was made in 2025 at San Pablo Huitzo, located in the state of Oaxaca, following an investigation triggered by an anonymous tip-off about illegal excavation activity.

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Union Budget 2026-27 SHE Marts to Strengthen Women-Led Enterprises

February 02, 2026

Budget Push for Women-Led Market Institutions

The Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed the establishment of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts as community-owned retail outlets aimed at expanding market access for women-led enterprises. The initiative seeks to strengthen the self-help group (SHG) ecosystem by providing a structured and reliable platform for marketing products made by women entrepreneurs, particularly in states with a strong SHG base such as Jharkhand.

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Union Budget 2026-27 Telecom Allocation Moderates, BSNL Support Strengthened

February 02, 2026

Telecom Budget Reflects Shift from Headline Spending to Targeted Support

The Union Budget 2026–27 has earmarked Rs 73,990.94 crore for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signalling a calibrated approach to telecom spending. While the overall allocation is lower than the previous year’s Budget Estimate, the revised outlay underscores the government’s intent to prioritise public sector-led telecom infrastructure revival, with a strong focus on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

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Union Budget 2026-27 Excise Duty Relief for Biogas Blended CNG

February 02, 2026

Excise Duty Exemption Signals Policy Shift Towards Renewable Gas

The Union Budget 2026–27 has introduced a targeted excise-duty exemption on the biogas / compressed biogas (CBG) component used in blended compressed natural gas (CNG). This fiscal measure marks a clear policy intent to accelerate the adoption of renewable gas while reducing India’s structural dependence on imported fossil fuels. Importantly, the move resolves a long-standing issue of double taxation that had weakened the commercial viability of biogas blending.

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