NewsBytes

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) said that a group of scientists associated with it discovered a species of soil-dwelling roundworm in Keonjhar district of Odisha. The species, Crassolabium dhritiae, is named after ZSI Director Dr Dhriti Banerjee in recognition to her outstanding contributions to zoology and taxonomic research. The ZSI said in a statement that the discovery was made in the 'deccan peninsula biogeographic zone' in Keonjhar by a research team led by Dr Debabrata Sen, while Dr G P Mandal and Samprit Deb Roy were its other members. "These microscopic organisms, though often overlooked, are vital to soil health and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Their diverse feeding habits contribute significantly to maintaining a balanced and healthy soil ecosystem," the ZSI director said. Crassolabium dhritiae is characterised by its medium-sized, slender body, rounded lip region, long pharynx and certain specific features in its female reproductive system and a distinct tail shape. Crassolabium Dhritiae brings the total number of known Crassolabium species worldwide to 39, with nine now recorded in India. This highlights the importance of continued research in these understudied ecosystems," Sen said.

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The United States has withdrawn from the board of the UN's hard-negotiated climate damage fund, dedicated to helping poor and vulnerable nations cope with climate change-fueled disasters. The withdrawal is one of many steps taken by President Donald Trump's administration to end US support for addressing climate change and comes amid a broader pullback by the world's richest country from multilateral initiatives.