IndiaOwnership & classification
Founded: 2011
Ownership
Firstpost is an English-language news website owned by the Network18 group. Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, originally built by Raghav Bahl in the 1990s, came under the control of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries through a financing arrangement in 2012 and a full takeover finalised in May 2014. Reliance, via Independent Media Trust, holds the controlling majority stake, making Firstpost ultimately part of India's largest private conglomerate.
Funding
Firstpost is financed by digital advertising and is cross-subsidised within the broader Network18/Reliance media empire (which also owns CNBC-TV18, CNN-News18 and Moneycontrol). It does not rely on a hard paywall.
Affiliation & stance
Because Firstpost is controlled by Reliance Industries, an industrial conglomerate with extensive business ties to the Indian state and a record of editorial coverage seen as favourable to the Modi government, it is classified as DEPENDENT rather than independent. Critics and media monitors note the conflict between Reliance's commercial interests and editorial neutrality. This corporate-oligarch control, not party membership, is the basis for the DEPENDENT label, which matches the site's existing guess.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 403
75/100
Factual
69/100
Objective
709
Articles
709
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
Kerala monsoon onset: Why southwest monsoon arrival matters for India
PM Modi likely to visit Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand in July
UN to evacuate 11,000 stranded sailors from Strait of Hormuz
Seychelles says citation for Modi that contained typos was not final, shouldn’t have been circulated
Lucknow building exceeded power load limit for months before blaze killed 15
The lack of accountability within the NTA
Iran says it’s closed key shipping route again
Two Agniveervayus among 5 killed in IAF AN-32 crash in Assam
Recent coverage
An American gets the maximum amount of recovery time at Wimbledon.
The article discusses the scheduling of the first-round doubles match at Wimbledon involving American tennis player Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams against the Argentine-Colombian pair Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. The match was initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but has been postponed due to Serena's injury during her singles match. Tournament organizer Andy Murray (likely a misstatement, as Andy Murray is a British player, and the correct name might be someone like Ashley Barker or another official) stated they are giving Serena as much time as possible to recover. They ruled out postponing the match to later dates unless necessary for safety or tournament flow. The match is expected to take place on a larger court to accommodate the large crowd attracted by Serena and Venus, who are major stars. Serena returned to professional tennis after four years, but she lost her first singles match and injured her knee. She did not attend a press conference afterward due to health reasons and expressed her commitment to participating in the doubles event. Serena and Venus have won six doubles titles together, including a title in 2016.
Viral: Ukrainian Woman Says Indian Gyms Are Better Than Europe's | Firstpost America | N18G
An Ukrainian woman has shared her opinion online, stating that Indian gyms offer a superior experience compared to those in Europe. This statement has gained attention and gone viral, prompting discussions about fitness infrastructure and standards across different regions. The woman's comments highlight perceived differences in gym facilities, equipment, and overall service quality between India and Europe. Her remarks reflect personal experience and subjective evaluation rather than an objective comparison. The situation underscores the variability in global fitness environments and the influence of individual perspectives in shaping such perceptions.
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Rush Hour: Six Uddhav Sena MPs switch sides, 14 students die in Lucknow fire and more
Six Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Lok Sabha MPs defected to the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reducing the Uddhav Sena's representation in the Lok Sabha to three members while increasing the Shinde group's count to 13. The MPs who switched include Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omprakash Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. Before their formal joining of the Shinde faction, Uddhav Thackeray met with his faction's leaders in Mumbai to discuss future political strategies. Separately, 14 students died in a fire at a three-story building housing a coaching center in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with four others injured. In Odisha, the Assembly Speaker rejected a petition from the Biju Janata Dal seeking the disqualification of eight MLAs over allegations of cross-voting during Rajya Sabha elections, calling the petition 'vague' and lacking legal basis. Additionally, opposition leaders accused authorities of targeting Muslim places of worship, citing reports of at least 14 mosques and dargahs demolished in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, with notices issued to hundreds of other religious sites. These actions,据称
Trump's America at 250: Big Wins, Losses and MAGA Debate | Firstpost America | N18G
The article discusses the state of 'Trump's America' after 250 days, highlighting significant wins and losses associated with former President Donald Trump's policies and the ongoing debate surrounding the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. It examines the political landscape shaped by Trump's influence, including his impact on public policy, governance, and the broader political discourse. The piece explores both supporters' and critics' perspectives on Trump's legacy and the implications of the MAGA ideology on American politics.
Former India coach delivers unvarnished take as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's landmark debut is delayed: 'He should've played in Ireland'
A former India cricket coach has expressed strong criticism regarding the delay in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut, suggesting he should have made his international debut earlier, specifically in Ireland. The comment comes amid discussions around Sooryavanshi's potential inclusion in the Indian team, highlighting concerns over his readiness for international competition. The coach's remarks reflect broader debates within cricket circles about player development timelines and selection criteria. While the delay has been attributed to various factors including fitness and form, the coach's direct critique underscores the pressure on young talents to perform at the highest level. This situation illustrates ongoing challenges in balancing youth development with competitive demands in professional sports.
Fuming Trump or Dealmaker Trump? NATO Summit Faces Crucial Test | Firstpost America
The article titled 'Fuming Trump or Dealmaker Trump? NATO Summit Faces Crucial Test' from Firstpost America explores the contrasting portrayals of U.S. President Donald Trump during the NATO summit. It highlights the tension between Trump's perceived impatience and his potential role in negotiating critical defense agreements. The piece examines how different narratives about Trump could influence the outcomes of the summit, particularly regarding commitments to NATO's financial obligations and military cooperation.
Govt flags fraud and impersonation risks in WhatsApp username feature, MeitY to call Meta for talks
The Indian government, specifically the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is planning to consult with Meta-owned WhatsApp regarding its new username feature due to concerns over potential risks such as impersonation and fraud. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Delhi Police, have raised alarms that the feature might enable users to create fake profiles resembling legitimate organizations, making it easier to commit fraud. Officials worry that the feature could complicate law enforcement efforts by allowing users to operate anonymously using international phone numbers, thereby hindering investigations. There are also concerns about WhatsApp's slow response times to data requests from authorities. The government is evaluating the feature's potential risks and has expressed worries that the change could align WhatsApp with platforms like Telegram and Signal, which already use usernames instead of phone numbers.
Jason Kelce and Taylor Swift’s fiance Travis Kelce interview Prince William
This article reports on an upcoming interview between Prince William and Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce on the New Heights podcast. The interview was announced on social media, with Jason Kelce delivering an unusually lengthy introduction for Prince William. The article highlights the timing of the interview, which coincides with the impending wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. It mentions past interactions between Prince William and Taylor Swift, including her attendance at a charity event with Bon Jovi and a photo opportunity during his 2024 tour. The article suggests that the interview might serve as a distraction from the wedding plans, referencing previous speculation about the wedding location and a comment from a journalist about such tactics. The episode is scheduled to release on July 3 at 12:00 PM ET on YouTube.
PM Modi to announce Big Bash League's entry into India during visit to Australia next week: Report
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly set to announce the entry of the Big Bash League (BBL), a professional cricket league based in Australia, into the Indian market during his upcoming visit to Australia next week. The announcement comes amid growing interest in expanding international sports franchises into emerging markets like India. The BBL has been looking to expand its reach beyond Australia, and this potential move could bring increased exposure and revenue opportunities for the league. However, the report does not provide specific details about the nature of the partnership or the timeline for the league's operations in India. This development highlights the increasing global influence of Indian leaders in shaping international sports landscapes.
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Why is Amritsar known for kulcha and langar culture?
The article explores the cultural significance of kulcha and langar in Amritsar, highlighting their deep roots in Sikh traditions. Kulcha is a traditional flatbread served with various fillings, while langar refers to the communal meal shared by all visitors at gurdwaras. The piece explains how these practices reflect the values of equality, hospitality, and community central to Sikhism. It emphasizes Amritsar's role as a spiritual and cultural hub, where these customs are preserved and celebrated. The article provides historical and religious context, illustrating how these elements contribute to the city's unique identity.
Govt to summon Meta over Instagram ads promoting child sexual abuse material: Sources
The Indian government is set to summon Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, over allegations that Instagram ads promoted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to request an explanation from Meta regarding these ads and the measures taken to address them. This follows a BBC investigation that uncovered Instagram ads in India linking users to Telegram channels selling CSAM for as low as ₹99. The report indicated that despite Meta's moderation systems, some ads were allowed to run without violating community guidelines. Additionally, the government recently issued a notice to Meta concerning WhatsApp's proposed username feature, citing potential risks related to fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
'What's the point of VAR?' Drogba fumes after Ivory Coast's World Cup exit
China urges US over Taiwan issue as Wang Yi holds call with Rubio
JD Vance slams Israeli 'freakout' over Iran deal, says Trump is your only ally
