Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is regarded as the financial, commercial, and entertainment hub of India. It is the most populous city in the country, with over 20 million residents as of 2023, making it one of the largest and most densely populated urban areas globally. Located on the west coast of India along the Arabian Sea, Mumbai has a natural deep-water harbor, making it a critical port city for trade and commerce.

The city is renowned for its diverse culture, historic landmarks, and iconic structures like the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Marine Drive, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Mumbai also hosts Bollywood, India’s prolific film industry, making it a cultural capital recognized for cinema, music, and arts. The city is known for its cosmopolitan character, with people from across India contributing to its dynamic culture.

Economically, Mumbai is considered the financial capital of India, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and numerous multinational corporations, banks, and financial institutions. It is a major center for industries such as finance, real estate, entertainment, textiles, and IT. The city attracts migrants from across India, seeking better economic opportunities, adding to its vibrant but overcrowded urban landscape.

Mumbai faces challenges like traffic congestion, overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The city’s location makes it prone to flooding during the monsoon season, which often disrupts transportation and daily life.

In September 2024, BOOM fact-checked a viral video claiming to show massive potholes on roads in Maharashtra, attributed to Mumbai’s infrastructure issues.

BOOM found out that the video was actually from China, showing vehicles driving over a large pothole, debunking the false narrative associating it with Mumbai.