Telangana

Telangana, India’s 29th state, was carved out of Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2014, following a long-standing demand for a separate state by the Telangana movement. The state, with its capital in Hyderabad, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and rapid economic growth. Telangana is home to a blend of traditional heritage sites and a booming IT industry, with Hyderabad being one of the country's major technology hubs. The city is known for its iconic landmarks like Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Hussain Sagar Lake, alongside global tech giants operating in HITEC City.

Since its formation, Telangana has been governed primarily by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), now renamed Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). He was the first Chief Minister of the state and has served multiple terms. Under KCR's leadership, the state has focused on irrigation projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, social welfare programs like Rythu Bandhu (farmer support), and the development of infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) are major opposition parties, competing to gain a foothold in the state.

Telangana has a strong agrarian economy, with rice, cotton, and turmeric being significant crops. The state also excels in the pharmaceutical sector, earning Hyderabad the nickname "Pharma City" due to its extensive drug manufacturing facilities. The state government has promoted initiatives to boost investments in sectors like IT, biotechnology, and renewable energy, aiming for sustainable economic development. Additionally, Telangana has a vibrant culture, marked by traditional festivals like Bonalu, Bathukamma, and the Hyderabad Literary Festival, reflecting its multicultural identity.

In January 2019, BOOM fact-checked a viral video claiming to show a terror attack in Andhra Pradesh.

BOOM found that the video was actually from a mock drill conducted by Octopus Commandos, a special forces unit of the Telangana police, in Warangal. The drill was part of a security exercise, but misleading messages falsely portrayed it as a real terror incident.