IndiaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1924
Ownership
Hindustan Times is published by HT Media Ltd, a company listed on the BSE and NSE but majority-owned and controlled by the K. K. Birla branch of the Birla industrial family. Shobhana Bhartia, daughter of industrialist Krishna Kumar Birla and granddaughter of G. D. Birla, is chairperson and editorial director. The paper was founded in 1924 amid the independence movement and incorporated under HT Media in 2002.
Funding
HT Media earns revenue chiefly from print and digital advertising and newspaper/subscription sales, supplemented by other group media businesses such as Hindustan (Hindi) and Mint. It is a commercial, profit-oriented listed company.
Affiliation & stance
Hindustan Times is privately and commercially controlled by the Birla/Bhartia family with no party or state ownership, which is why it is classified as INDEPENDENT. Its editorial line is broadly centrist, though it has at times been criticised for caution toward the government given the family's business interests. This corporate-but-private ownership supports the INDEPENDENT label, matching the site's guess.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1731
81/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
1869
Articles
1823
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
KPSC 'scam' case ED raids IAS officer Gangwar's premises in Karnataka, UP
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the premises of IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar in Bengaluru and Bareilly, linking the action to a money laundering investigation related to alleged irregularities in a Veterinary Officers recruitment exam managed by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Gangwar, who previously served as Controller of Examinations at KPSC and was recently replaced, is now posted as Director-MSME in Karnataka. The ED alleges that middlemen demanded bribes between ₹70 lakh to ₹80 lakh per candidate and investigated claims of paper leaks, OMR tampering, and favoritism towards relatives of KPSC officials. While Gangwar was initially reported missing, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that the officer was in Uttar Pradesh due to a family emergency and denied any connection between his absence and the ED actions. The probe includes searches at KPSC headquarters and other officials, with the state cabinet recommending the suspension of former KPSC chairman Shivashankarappa S Sahukar, despite a recent court order for his reinstatement.
Italian blood ... : HD Kumaraswamy attacks Sonia Gandhi over Vande Mataram row
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy criticized Sonia Gandhi during a political debate over the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at the Congress party's Independence Day celebration. Kumaraswamy accused Gandhi of having 'Italian blood' and questioned the party's explanation for the incident. During the event at Congress headquarters, the full version of the national song was sung despite the party's stance against it. Sonia Gandhi reportedly signaled to party leader Mallikarjun Kharge to stop the singing, prompting reactions from both parties. The BJP alleged that Gandhi opposed the full rendition, but Congress denied the claim, stating she merely requested a chair for Kharge. The incident intensified tensions between the BJP and Congress over the national anthem's usage.
Trump forgot India's ‘no questions’ request at G7, held 45-min presser with PM Modi, claims US envoy Sergio Gor
US Ambassador Sergio Gor claimed that before a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit, India had requested that no questions be asked following the discussion. However, according to Gor, Trump forgot the request and instead initiated a 45-minute press conference where all topics were openly discussed. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet commented on the claim. During the meeting, Modi expressed concern over the safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump pledged support for India in case of an attack.
4 of family killed after being hit by speeding SUV on Jaipur highway
A family of four was killed and one member injured when a speeding SUV struck them on the Fagi-Chaksu Road in Jaipur district, according to police reports. The victims included Satyanarayan (65), his wife Manmouj (60), and their daughters-in-law Amrita Devi (35) and Shimla Devi (23). The surviving family member, Badrinarayan Kumhar (38), described witnessing his relatives being crushed by the vehicle. The driver fled the scene, leaving the SUV behind. Local residents protested, demanding compensation and employment opportunities for the victims' families. Officials including Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal expressed condolences and called for an investigation.
‘Represented India in 3 nations’: Ex-envoy Navdeep Puri shares ordeal as Punjab SIR details ‘do not match’
Former Indian diplomat Navdeep Suri, who served as a foreign envoy in the UAE, Egypt, and Australia, encountered difficulties verifying his citizenship during Punjab's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. After submitting his voter ID and Aadhaar card, he was informed that his 2003 records did not match and was required to provide additional documentation, including a passport, to prove his Indian citizenship. Suri criticized the process, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals like himself, who have international experience, and questioned the implications for ordinary citizens. The Election Commission of India and relevant authorities have not yet commented on the issue. Meanwhile, AAP leader Somnath Bharti raised concerns about missing names in the electoral rolls, with reports indicating up to 2-3 million names might be removed during the revision. The SIR process in Punjab involves collecting and digitizing data from nearly 1.94 crore electors, with over 20 lakh categorized as absent, relocated, deceased, or duplicates.
Defence ministry officer found dead in Delhi home; family alleges harassment by in-laws: Cop
A 30-year-old assistant section officer (ASO) employed by the Ministry of Defence was discovered dead in her Dwarka residence on Friday afternoon. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 4 pm, and the body was subsequently taken to a hospital mortuary. The deceased, who was newlywed and had been posted as an ASO in the Ministry of Defence, was found locked in a room by her husband, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. Her family has alleged that she was three months pregnant at the time of the incident, though this has yet to be confirmed through a post-mortem examination. Following the discovery, the family submitted statements to the authorities, initially expressing no suspicions against the in-laws but later filing a complaint alleging harassment by the husband and in-laws. Based on these allegations, police have initiated a formal inquiry under relevant legal provisions related to domestic abuse and potential abetment of suicide.
Rahul Gandhi’s popularity will restore Cong. glory in A.P.: ex-Union Minister
Former Union Minister Killi Kruparani claimed that Rahul Gandhi's growing popularity among youth due to his 'innovative' programs could restore the Congress Party's glory in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at a media conference in Srikakulam, she stated that the party would achieve significant success in upcoming local body elections, attributing this to Rahul Gandhi's initiatives like 'Chhatron Ki Goonj.' She criticized the NDA parties for failing to connect with the public despite holding power at both the central and state levels. Kruparani emphasized that young people are dissatisfied with examination irregularities, unemployment, and other socio-economic issues, which Rahul Gandhi's programs aim to address.
Ramdev says ‘don’t want to escalate’ war of words with Kangana Ranaut after ‘Gen Z, jawani' remarks row
Swami Ramdev, a prominent yoga guru and political figure in India, has chosen not to escalate his verbal dispute with BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over recent comments regarding Generation Z and young protesters. The conflict began when Ranaut referred to the younger generation as 'Generation Gutter,' which drew widespread criticism. In response, Ramdev questioned her background and criticized her characterization of youth, stating that calling them 'gutter' reflects a 'corrupted mind.' Kangana Ranaut retaliated by accusing Ramdev of invading her personal space by commenting on her youth and private life. She defended herself by pointing out that unlike her, Ramdev faced legal scrutiny from the Supreme Court over allegations of false claims about the efficacy of his products.
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 a bureaucrat has forced Maharashtra’s eateries and other food businesses to clean up their act
Tukaram Mundhe, the newly appointed Commissioner of Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has launched a stringent campaign against unhygienic food practices across the state. Since taking office in May, Mundhe has ordered increased surprise inspections and immediate suspension notices for severe violations, targeting both small businesses and major chains like Domino's and Pizza Hut. Legacy establishments such as K Rustom ice-cream parlors and Parsi Dairy have faced temporary license suspensions due to issues like fungal growth and pest infestations. Mundhe's actions have extended to quick-commerce warehouses of companies like Blinkit and Zepto, leading to shutdowns for unsanitary conditions. While the crackdown has garnered public praise and social media attention, including support from actor Paresh Rawal, many business owners argue that Mundhe bypasses standard procedures by issuing immediate penalties. The Bombay High Court recently criticized the FDA for overreach, fining a Pune sweet shop for failing to reinstate its license despite high compliance rates.
3 FIRs filed against 28 named, 900 unnamed people over police-students clash in Jharkhand
Three FIRs have been filed against 28 named individuals and over 900 unnamed persons in Jharkhand following clashes between police and protesting students. The protests, which occurred in Giridih and Hazaribag districts, were sparked by allegations of irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams. Students gathered to burn an effigy of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, leading to scuffles with law enforcement. In Hazaribag, an FIR was registered against 18 named accused and 700 unnamed individuals for obstructing government work and assaulting police personnel. In Giridih, two FIRs were filed, with the first targeting JMM leaders and workers, including the district president Sanjay Singh, and the second involving 10 named accused and 200 unidentified individuals. These developments follow recent legal actions and court interventions related to the recruitment exam controversies.
Swine flu spike in Delhi: Govt urges masks, avoid crowds, seek medical help
Delhi has experienced a significant increase in swine flu (H1N1) and other influenza cases, prompting the government to issue a public health advisory. As of the latest update, over 1,777 H1N1 cases have been reported this year, with 114 new infections recorded on Thursday alone. The total number of Influenza-A cases exceeds 2,300, leading to heightened surveillance and preparedness efforts. The advisory encourages residents to practice good respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded areas, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms. Health officials emphasized that the city is well-equipped to handle the surge, with 35 hospitals under special monitoring and two dedicated laboratories for testing. The Delhi Health Ministry confirmed there is no shortage of medical resources, and ongoing monitoring through programs like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme continues.
‘Paise Ki Goonj’: BJP claims Congress paid influencers to draw crowds for Rahul Gandhi’s Pune event
The BJP accused the Congress of spending approximately ₹10 crore to pay social media influencers to attract attendees to Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune, dubbing it 'Paise Ki Goonj'. BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban claimed that influencers were offered between ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 each to promote the event, including travel expenses. He questioned the source of the funds and suggested potential links to foreign funding or illicit financial activities. Opposition leader Sachin Sawant countered that the BJP was fearful of Gandhi's increasing appeal among young voters, particularly Gen-Z. The BJP also criticized the event as a political maneuver by Gandhi to exploit student concerns, while the Congress defended the program as genuine engagement with youth issues.