United News of Bangladesh

Authorities in the southern Indian state of Telangana have launched an investigation after hundreds of stray dogs were reportedly killed across at least six villages in the past month. Police have confirmed at least 354 deaths so far and arrested nine individuals in connection with some of the cases. While animal welfare activists told the BBC that the dogs were either poisoned or injected with lethal substances, police said they are awaiting forensic reports to determine the exact method used. Villagers claimed that the killings were linked to promises made by candidates during recent local election campaigns to remove stray dogs and monkeys from public areas. The incidents have come amid a nationwide debate on stray animals, with the Supreme Court currently hearing petitions on controlling street dogs, including in the capital Delhi. Killings on such a large scale remain rare and have sparked public outrage. Stray animals, mainly dogs but also cattle and monkeys, are considered a persistent problem in many parts of India. They are often blamed for attacks on people, crop damage, and traffic accidents. Experts cite gaps in sterilisation and vaccination programmes, rising garbage, animal abandonment, shrinking forest habitats, and inconsistent law enforcement as contributing factors. While stray dogs often form strong bonds with local communities, animal rights activists have repeatedly flagged cruelty and warned that penalties for harming them are insufficient. Telangana State Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka described the killings as “illegal” and “inhumane,” promising strict action against those responsible. The Supreme Court has also been addressing the issue. In August 2025, it ordered authorities in Delhi and surrounding areas to relocate stray dogs to shelters within two months. After public protests, the order was modified to require immunisation and vaccination before releasing the animals back to their neighbourhoods. Animal welfare groups argue that overcrowded shelters are unscientific, while proponents of removal claim uncontrolled populations threaten human safety and livelihoods. The killings in Telangana occurred across three districts between late December and mid-January. In Kamareddy district, police said 244 dogs were buried in four locations, with government veterinary doctors conducting post-mortems and sending samples to laboratories. Village council heads were found involved. In Shayampet and Arepally villages near Warangal, 110 dogs were killed, and nine people, including village council heads, were arrested. In Jagtial city, police are investigating claims that around 40 dogs were killed at the end of December, though no bodies were recovered. Minister Seethakka told the Hindu newspaper that killing stray dogs under the pretext of population control is unjustifiable, and the government has issued instructions to village councils to prevent recurrence. Activists suggest the actual number of culled dogs may be higher than police figures. Some residents defended the killings. Raju, son of the Arepally village head, said only rabid dogs were killed due to disease, aggression, and involvement in road accidents. Another resident, Vijay, claimed most villagers supported the actions over fears of bites and disease. Telangana recorded nearly 122,000 dog bite cases in 2024, though no rabies deaths were reported. The dog killings coincide with other alleged incidents involving stray animals in Telangana, including reports of monkeys found dead or critically injured, allegedly tranquillised and dumped along highways in Kamareddy district.   With inputs from BBC

An explosion followed by a massive fire at a pharmaceutical plant in India’s southern state of Telangana has left at least eight people dead and several others injured, officials confirmed on Monday. The incident occurred at a factory of Sigachi Industries, located in an industrial zone around 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Hyderabad, the state capital, according to G.V. Narayana Rao, Director of Telangana's Fire Services. Firefighters recovered the charred remains of six workers from the site, while two others died from severe burn injuries after being rushed to a hospital. Rao said the explosion took place in the factory's spray dryer unit, which processes raw materials into fine powder used in drug manufacturing. Emergency crews continued clearing debris from the gutted facility to ensure no one else remains trapped. India restricts land-route imports of certain Bangladeshi jute and other products  India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical sector, known for its large-scale production of generic medicines and vaccines. However, industrial accidents, especially those involving chemical processes, remain a frequent concern, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety measures and regulatory oversight in this crucial industry. Sigachi Industries Limited specializes in active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and vitamin-mineral blends. The company operates five manufacturing sites across India and has subsidiaries in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, according to its website. 'Prepared to engage' with Dhaka on all matters, but frustrations persist: Indian MEA 

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Telangana’s Mulugu district on Wednesday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:27 am, originating at a depth of 40 kilometers near Mulugu, as per NCS data. The tremors were felt across Mulugu and neighboring districts, including Hyderabad, prompting residents to share videos and reactions on social media. “For the first time in 20 years, Telangana experienced one of the strongest earthquakes, with a 5.3 magnitude quake centered in Mulugu. Tremors were felt across the state, including Hyderabad. Yet again, an earthquake at the Godavari riverbed, but this time, a stronger one,” wrote a user named Telangana Weatherman on X. Read: Moderate earthquake strikes Eastern Turkey Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. Telangana lies in Seismic Zone II, which is categorized as the lowest-risk zone in India’s seismic classification system. The country is divided into four seismic zones, with Zone V being the most earthquake-prone. Source: With inputs from agencies  

Drones are commonly used for surveillance or photography. But if it is said that the lifesaving medicines will be delivered by drones, it is normal to get surprised! The Govt of Telangana is thinking of such an initiative, which is called 'Medicine From The Sky.’ With the help of this initiative of the Telangana government, drones will be able to reach different parts of the state with medicines, vaccines, blood, various samples for lab tests, and various medical supplies. The project was launched on September 11, 2021, from the Vikarabad district of Telangana. The Telangana government has already obtained clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. What is Medicine from the Sky (MFTS)? This project is initiated by the state IT department’s Emerging Technologies Wing which has a partnership with the World Economic Forum, NITI Aayog, and HealthNet Global. The goal of MFTS is to experiment with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights for vaccine delivery using the Vikarabad district air space. Read Digital Healthcare Startups in Bangladesh: An Overview In 2020, the Telangana government has signed a partnership with the World Economic Forum to start the MFTS project. Later they released an expression of interest (EOI) to identify the drones’ capability to provide accurate, safe and dependable pickup as well as delivery of the health care products. However, about 16 consortia or logistic farms and drone operators showed interest in the project and the government shortlisted 8 of them. India never initiated this kind of project before and it is believed to be the first organized BVLOS drone trial in the country. Moreover, it is also the first initiative in the healthcare domain. Before the launching event three consortia Hepicopter Consortium (Marut Drones), Bluedart Med Express Consortium (Skye Air), and CurisFly Consortium (TechEagle Innovations) reached Vikarabad for test flights. After the launch, all the eight consortia will continue testing for long-distance travel and heavier payloads to see the reliability. Read Top health apps for online doctor consultation services in Bangladesh What are the opportunities? Although drones are widely used for photography, video shot, mapping, and other operations. But, the current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the scope of using drones beyond the limit. As per the published plan, the selected consortia will demonstrate BVLOS flights’ utilization in the Vikarabad district. They will use the Government Area Hospital to take off and different primary health centers (PHC) and sub-centers will be landing sites. So, the startups and private sector firms can collaborate with the state government and integrate with the government healthcare system to improve the traditional delivery system for the life-saving elements. Thinking of the ongoing pandemic, the medicine from the sky project can give access to healthcare centers in rural and remote locations. Hepicopter consortium, one of the selected consortiums, has mentioned that India can use up to five UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicle) or drones per district with a range of 40km. Within this distance, the payload can be up to 15 kg with an endurance of two hours. As per the assumption, the government can cover 718 districts in India using 3600 drones and distribute 15,000 kg vaccines in a single day. Read Online Pharmacy: Where to Buy Medicine in Dhaka during Coronavirus Home Quarantine

A leopard that ran into a house and sparked a frantic search and a frenzy of attention in southern India on Monday has been caught and tranquilized.