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 Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 645
61/100
Factual
56/100
Objective
815
Articles
798
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken back to jail after brief hospital visit
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi after a brief hospital visit, despite a Supreme Court order requiring him to stay in a medical facility for up to two weeks. The court had mandated the visit due to concerns over Khan's health and incarceration conditions, citing a medical board recommendation for more family interaction and access to his physician. However, the government opposed the order, arguing that no formal notice had been given and that immediate hospitalization was not feasible. Khan, who has faced multiple corruption charges and has been imprisoned since September 2023, has been a focal point of international human rights organizations like Amnesty International and the UN's special rapporteur on torture, which have criticized his treatment as potentially constituting torture.
Bangladesh open to joining Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence pact: ministers
The article reports that Bangladesh's ministers have expressed openness to joining a defense pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. This potential alliance aims to strengthen regional security cooperation among these countries. While the exact terms and timeline for the pact remain unspecified, the discussion highlights growing diplomatic engagement in South Asia and the Middle East. The move could signal a shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy toward greater alignment with strategic partners in the region.
3 dead, 21 injured as pickup vehicle crashes into pole in Karnataka: Police
A pickup vehicle carrying laborers collided with an electric pole in Karnataka's Yadgir district, resulting in three deaths and 21 injuries. The incident occurred near Mandal village around 9:30 am as the workers returned from agricultural tasks. The pickup was traveling at high speed and lost control, leading to the crash. Among the injured, an 11-year-old boy is in critical condition. The deceased have been identified, and police have registered a case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, with further investigations ongoing.
How Bangladesh's loss to Australia boosts India's WTC final hopes
Bangladesh's loss to Australia in the second Test in Mackay has improved India's chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. With Bangladesh dropping from a points percentage of 66.67 to 55.56, India, currently fifth in the nine-team standings, can potentially move up to fourth by defeating Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo. Australia maintained their lead with 96 points and an 80% points percentage, while South Africa and New Zealand hold the next two spots. Bangladesh, despite the defeat, achieved a historic milestone by reaching No. 6 in the ICC Test rankings, their highest ever position. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the accomplishment and emphasized the importance of continued exposure to conditions like those in Australia.
Cargo vessel sinks off Odisha coast with 24 crew onboard, rescue operation underway
A cargo vessel sank off the coast of Odisha, India, with 24 crew members onboard. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate and assist the stranded sailors. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety and emergency response protocols in the region. Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of the crew and prevent further complications. Details regarding the cause of the sinking remain under investigation.
Putin at the pre-election party congress promised victory in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged victory in the war against Ukraine during a congress of the United Russia party, just a month before parliamentary elections. He emphasized the importance of unity among Russians and the courage of Russian soldiers. Party leader Dmitry Medvedev echoed this sentiment, describing Ukraine as a 'phantom state' that has already lost 20% of its territory and half its population. Medvedev also labeled those who fled Russia as traitors and stated they should not be allowed to return. The upcoming elections, scheduled between September 18 and 20, will not include the opposition party Yabloko due to restrictions imposed by authorities, leaving only ten pro-war parties on the ballot.
US government tells Apple: Find alternatives to China for memory chips
The U.S. government, through Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is pressuring Apple to find alternative sources for memory chips beyond Chinese manufacturers, citing concerns over reliance on foreign supply chains and rising costs due to a global shortage. Lutnick emphasized the preference for 'American companies using Chinese memory' and urged Apple to explore other solutions, particularly within the United States. This comes amid heightened demand for memory chips driven by AI development, leading to higher prices and forcing Apple to consider Chinese suppliers like CXMT and Yangtze Memory Technologies. While Apple's COO, Sabih Khan, acknowledged the need to evaluate all options, including expanding U.S.-based production, the company faces regulatory hurdles under U.S. laws requiring licenses for sharing sensitive information with Chinese firms. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Apple and the Trump administration over supply chain strategies and national security considerations.
Israel strikes Syria again as US criticism exposes growing tensions over Damascus
The article reports that Israel has conducted another strike against Syrian territory, highlighting increasing regional tensions involving Damascus. The incident comes amid U.S. criticism of Israeli actions, suggesting a broader geopolitical conflict unfolding in the region. The situation underscores the complex relationships between Israel, Syria, and international actors like the United States. While the article provides basic information about the strike and the diplomatic reactions, it does not offer detailed background or extensive analysis.
Bangladesh PM's early trip to India falls through, August visit possible
Plans for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's early visit to India have been canceled, although discussions remain ongoing to arrange the trip during August. The visit was initially scheduled for August 23-24, with preparations including a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and official meetings. However, the exact reasons for the cancellation remain undisclosed. Backchannel talks between India and Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, continue to explore options for Rahman's visit later in the month. The Indian side has expressed willingness to host Rahman and has prepared an agenda to advance bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government has not yet confirmed final arrangements. Notably, Rashtrapati Bhavan initially announced a press release related to the planned visit but later withdrew it.
Gambhir issues scathing rebuke to criticism over India's poor Test results: 'My job is to win trophies'
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly criticized the current team's performance in Test matches, calling out the lack of success and emphasizing his responsibility to secure victories. The comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of India's struggles in Test cricket, where the team has faced consistent challenges in maintaining competitiveness. Ganguly's remarks highlight the pressure on coaches and players to deliver results, particularly in formats that require longer preparation and strategic depth. His statement reflects broader frustrations within the cricketing community regarding the team's inability to consistently perform at the highest level.
How US-Canada trade talks failed as Trump and Carney clashed again
The article discusses the failure of recent US-Canada trade negotiations, highlighting tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The discussions reportedly broke down due to disagreements over trade policies and economic interests. Trump has previously criticized Canada's trade practices, particularly regarding steel and aluminum imports, which led to previous tariffs. This latest clash underscores ongoing friction between the two nations over trade relations.
Trump allows 300,000 metric tons of beef imports to tackle rising prices
The article reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the importation of 300,000 metric tons of beef to address increasing prices in the United States. The decision was aimed at increasing supply and stabilizing market prices for consumers. The move reflects broader efforts by the administration to manage food costs during periods of economic uncertainty. While the action is presented as a practical solution to price pressures, the article does not delve into potential impacts on domestic producers or long-term implications for trade policies.
Mitchell Starc unleashes carnage on Bangladesh, storms past Dale Steyn
Mitchell Starc delivered a dominant opening spell in the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh, taking five wickets in the first session and surpassing Dale Steyn's record for the most Test wickets by a fast bowler. Starc claimed his first wicket with the very first ball of the match, removing Shadman Islam, and continued his dominance by dismissing several key Bangladeshi players, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and skipper Litton Das. His performance helped Australia reduce Bangladesh to 29 for five before Pat Cummins added to the damage by removing Mushfiqur Rahim. This marked a crucial turnaround for Australia after losing the first Test in Darwin. Starc now holds 440 Test wickets, placing him fifth on the all-time list of fastest wicket-takers.