India's UFO base, and other Indian conspiracy theories | #76
Also, when Anil Kumble ate 2 Bears for lunch ➡
Hello
If you’ve ever been a part of any family WhatsApp group, you know that conspiracy theories are always a hit. These forwards have a pattern - They slightly twist facts, correlate seemingly unrelated events, and usually put forth a speculative, yet tantalizing possibility. Unfortunately, it’s so hard to ignore a juicy “What actually happened,” story, regardless of whether we believe it or not.
In this week’s newsletter we put on our tinfoil hats and talk about some popular Indian conspiracy theories that leave us wanting to know more. Unfortunately, all we can do is speculate.
Things we learnt this week 🤓
The 2004 Tsunami - Was the earthquake that triggered the devastating tsunami a result of an Indian nuclear bomb test gone wrong? Some have suggested that the underwater nuclear explosion was from a dormant bomb which was placed there during World War II by the US and New Zealand armies. Hmm.
Sanjay Gandhi’s Death - Parents always have a way of keeping us grounded, but this instance might be a tad bit over the top. The plane crash that killed Sanjay Gandhi was allegedly orchestrated by his own mother, Indira Gandhi. She was known to be ambitious and shrewd, and speculators suggest that the conflict between the two had risen to an extent where he apparently slapped her six times at a private dinner party. But still, could she have done it? Unfortunately the dead do not speak.
India's UFO Base - Besides being a Line of Control between China and India, Kongka La Pass is believed to be a hotspot for UFO activities. Locals believe that there exists a UFO base with knowledge of both the governments who pass off their claims of UFO sightings as Chinese Fire Lanterns. Google Earth even captured a 1:500 scale detailed terrain model of the area on the Chinese side of the border which is enclosed by buildings resembling a military facility. Maybe if we naruto run Kongka La Pass, we can see them aliens.
Homi Jehanghir Bhabha’s Death - Regarded as the father of the Indian Nuclear Programme, Dr. Homi Bhabha died in an airplane crash in 1966 near Mount Blanc, France. This was shortly after his announcement that India would be ready to produce its first nuclear device in 1964. The conspiracy theorists suggest that the death was a CIA intervention, possibly to cripple the programme. It's not just Bhabha, India’s nuclear scientists continue to die under mysterious circumstances.
First aircraft invented - In 1895, eight years before the Wright Brothers invented their first plane, Shivkar Babuji Talpade built an unmanned aircraft with the financial support from the Maharaja of Baroda. Apparently the machine flew to a height of 1500 feet before it crashed, however there are no records of it. The 2015 Ayushmann Khurrana movie ‘Hawaizaada’ is based on his life.
IWTK Recommendations 💌
Story time: When Anil Kumble ate 2 Bears for lunch
And speaking of conspiracy theories, why not also look up the most famous Internet hoaxes. This post is certified by UNESCO.
Only in India 🇮🇳
A 'petty' thief in Madhya Pradesh left a snide node for his victim, the Sub divisional Magistrate, who had the good wisdom not to leave all his valuables at home. The note read, “Jab paise nahi the toh lock nahi karna tha na collector!” (“if there was no money at home, you didn't have to lock it.”)
Quiz Alert 🔎
We have two quizzes this weekend! First - the first-ever Mental Health quiz organised in association with One Future Collective. Expect an online FUNdraiser quiz about mental health.
Second - Ready to watch the India-Pakistan T20 match on Sunday? Warm up with a cricket quiz. We're bringing to you the FREE ‘Kyun & A’ Cricket Quiz this weekend. Prelims on Saturday and comedian Kumar Varun will host the finals on Sunday.
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