Kanpur is a major industrial city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Kanpur is known for its historical significance, industrial heritage, and as a hub for leather and textile manufacturing. The city played a crucial role during the Indian independence movement and is home to prestigious educational institutions such as IIT Kanpur (Indian Institute of Technology).

Kanpur is also one of the most populous cities in India and serves as a key center for trade and commerce in the region. Over the years, it has been known for its leather products, chemicals, and fertilizers. However, like many industrial cities, Kanpur faces challenges such as pollution and urban overcrowding.

In January 2021, BOOM investigated a viral claim that linked a 2018 newspaper clipping about the side effects of the measles-rubella vaccine to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BOOM found that the clipping, originally reported by Hindustan Times, referred to side effects seen in children after being administered the measles-rubella vaccine in 2018 and was falsely linked to COVID-19.