National

Researchers Uncover New Species of Fish-Parasitic Isopod Near Odisha Coast

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2025

A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with Berhampur University and the Estuarine Biology Regional Centre, has identified a new species of parasitic fish isopod, named Lobothorax bharat. This significant discovery was made at the Bahabalpur and Gopalpur fish landing centers along the Odisha coast.Members of the Cymothoidae family of fish parasitic isopods are known to attach themselves to the buccal cavity, branchial cavity, and the exterior surfaces of host fish. Some species can even invade the host’s body tissues, as highlighted by the research team.

Specimens were collected from both the Bahabalpur and Gopalpur fish landing centers. Using forceps, the isopods were extracted from the mouths of the host fish and preserved in 90% ethanol within 10 ml vials. The team captured microphotographs of the specimens with a Leica S9i camera microscope.

The scientists validated the L. typus species by comparing them with entries in the National Repository of the Zoological Survey of India. They also assessed the prevalence and intensity of the newly isolated isopod across the infected host species. The type specimens have been deposited at the Estuarine Biology Regional Centre’s National Repository in Gopalpur-on-Sea, Odisha.

The newly discovered species was found to be morphologically distinct from previously classified species within the same genus. Additionally, molecular characterization of L. bharat sp. nov. and L. typus will enhance understanding of their evolutionary divergence and streamline their identification. The researchers concluded, “We classify it as a new undescribed species that coexists with L. typus in the marine waters of the northern Bay of Bengal.”

This research initiative was conducted by the ZSI with support from Berhampur University and received financial backing from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science & Technology of the Union Government.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

3 days ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.

National

Man Killed by Wife’s Lover in Andhra Pradesh, Son Raises Alarm

Published

4 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: A 45-year-old man was killed by his wife’s lover in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on Monday night in a forest area near Chowdepalli.

The victim, Gandhi from Tamil Nadu, had come with his five-year-old son to search for his wife. Police said the wife was in a relationship with another man named Narasimhulu.

Narasimhulu allegedly took Gandhi and the child into the forest. He and his aides then attacked Gandhi with a stone and killed him in front of the boy.

The frightened child hid in nearby bushes. After the attackers left, he stayed beside his father’s body the whole night.

At sunrise, the boy walked to a nearby village and informed locals. The police were alerted and started an investigation.

Police have taken the accused and his two aides into custody. The child has been placed in a care centre.

National

Woman Delivers Baby Girl on Train in Andhra Pradesh

Published

4 days ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh : A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl on a moving train in Andhra Pradesh. The incident ended safely with the help of railway staff.

The woman was eight months pregnant. She boarded the train with her family, believing she still had one month left for delivery. She was travelling from Chennai to Dhanbad on Train No. 13352.

After the train crossed Annavaram station, she began to feel labour pain. Her family members became worried and immediately informed the ticket examiner.

Railway staff member G. Jyothi responded quickly and helped the woman. Understanding the emergency, the train was given a special halt at Elamanchili station. An ambulance was also arranged.

The woman delivered a healthy baby girl on the train. After the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were shifted to Elamanchili Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Officials confirmed that both the mother and baby are safe and healthy. The train was halted at the station for about 40 minutes to manage the situation.

Railway staff ensured privacy by asking male passengers to leave the coach. Their timely action helped ensure a safe delivery.

This incident highlights the importance of quick response and human support during emergencies.