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 745
76/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
988
Articles
988
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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The lack of accountability within the NTA
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Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army Chief
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Recent coverage
₹35 crore to topple Vijay govt: TVK MLA alleges horse-trading; ‘DMK link’ emerges
An MLA from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, C Joseph Vijay's governing party in Tamil Nadu, has alleged that he was offered ₹35 crore to switch allegiance and influence a legislative vote against the Speaker. The MLA, N Elaiyaraja, claims he was contacted by an individual named Thirunavukkarasu, who purportedly represented an organization linked to a major political party. After rejecting the offer, Elaiyaraja was threatened and subsequently filed a complaint, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Investigations revealed a potential connection between the accused and the DMK, TVK's main opposition party, with V Ashok Kumar, brother of a former DMK minister, reportedly involved. TVK leaders have accused the DMK of attempting to poach their MLAs and undermine the new government.
Traffic snarls on NEET day: Congress and BJP indulge in war of words
On June 22, 2026, a political dispute erupted between India's ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP regarding traffic congestion in Bengaluru that allegedly caused some students to miss the NEET re-examination at RC College. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya claimed that several students were unable to reach the exam venue due to heavy traffic around Palace Grounds, where a Congress event was being held. Congress denied these claims, with Home Minister Priyank Kharge stating that only a small number of students were absent, citing specific cases such as a student who missed the exam due to a delayed bus and another who had an incorrect admission ticket. He also accused Surya of spreading misinformation, noting that the BJP had previously remained silent during a major NEET question paper leak that affected 22 lakh students. B.K. Hariprasad, leader of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, acknowledged traffic congestion but stated that efforts were made to minimize disruption, including arranging parking within the venue. He also pointed out that similar absences occurred in other districts and questioned why the BJP was focusing on the Congress event rather than addressing the larger
In top gear: Electric passenger vehicle sales may cross 3 lakhs in 2026
India's electric passenger vehicle (EPV) market is projected to surpass 300,000 unit sales in 2026, up from nearly 200,000 units sold in 2025. As of early 2026, registration numbers are approaching 150,000 units, indicating strong growth. This increase is attributed to new model introductions, aggressive marketing by manufacturers, and advancements in charging infrastructure. Monthly EPV registrations have averaged approximately 27,000 units over the past four months, significantly higher than previous years. Analysts predict that the second half of the year, influenced by festive demand and new product launches, will drive annual sales beyond the 300,000-unit threshold. Frost & Sullivan forecasts this outcome under an optimistic scenario, while Crisil highlights factors like increased model availability, improved battery technology, and reduced cost barriers as drivers of growth.
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
Sailor's body returned from Venezuela with 'missing' organs; Indian embassy seeks probe
The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has requested a thorough investigation after the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan was returned to India with missing internal organs. Chauhan's wife, Ranjana, alleges that her husband died under suspicious circumstances while working on a vessel in Venezuela and that his organs were removed before his remains were repatriated. She claims the employer's company provided no clear explanation about his death and failed to return his personal belongings. The family conducted a second post-mortem in India, which revealed that none of the internal organs were present. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) took up the case, highlighting the absence of an autopsy report and the lack of information from Venezuelan authorities. The union called on the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy to intervene.
Bengal braces for UCC battle as BJP government prepares to table Bill in assembly
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in West Bengal is preparing to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state assembly, following similar moves in Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari emphasized procedural adherence to counter criticisms about insufficient consultation on this major legal reform. The UCC aims to replace religion-based personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption with a unified legal framework, though it will exclude constitutionally protected tribal communities. The BJP claims the UCC aligns with their political commitments and promises of equality under the law, while the ruling Trinamool Congress opposes it, accusing the BJP of using the legislation for political gain rather than genuine reform. Opposition leaders argue the issue requires broader societal consensus and caution against rushing through such a contentious bill.
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.
India approves ₹52,000 crore defence purchases, anti-tank missiles and kamikaze drones included
India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the procurement of defense equipment valued at ₹52,000 crore to enhance military capabilities. The approval includes systems such as the V-SHORADS air defense system, active protection for tanks, and kamikaze drones. These acquisitions aim to strengthen the Army's defenses against UAVs, mechanized threats, and aerial attacks. The DAC meeting marked the first under India's new military leadership structure, including Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani and Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth. Additional approvals cover naval assets like the multi-influence ground mine (MIGM) and unmanned aerial systems, alongside infrastructure for electric propulsion testing.
Govt orders Apple and Google to remove 7 mobile apps that stall e-rickshaws
The Indian government has directed Apple and Google to remove at least seven mobile applications that allow users to remotely disable electric rickshaws by exploiting vulnerabilities in their Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems. These apps, such as BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion, were identified after videos showing pranksters immobilizing e-rickshaws via smartphone taps went viral on social media. According to officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), these apps connect to the BMS of e-rickshaws and can shut down the vehicle during operation. The government is not blocking the apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which is commonly used for such actions, but rather citing potential legal violations that could revoke the legal protection provided to Apple and Google under Section 79 of the same act. The specific laws allegedly violated by the apps were not disclosed, nor was there mention of any action against the app developers or manufacturers of the vulnerable battery systems. In a test, Hindustan Times successfully disabled an e-rickshaw using one of the apps, highlighting the security risks posed by these un-
Assam: Excess fluoride in groundwater is causing bent limbs, body deformation
An article reports on the health crisis caused by excessive fluoride in groundwater in parts of Assam, India, leading to skeletal fluorosis and physical deformities. It profiles Amjad Hussain, whose family suffered from the condition, and highlights efforts by local social workers like Dharani Saikia to document the issue. The Ministry of Jal Shakti acknowledged fluoride contamination in nine districts but has not released detailed data since 2017–'18. Scientific research indicates that geogenic factors, such as mineral-rich Precambrian rocks, contribute to fluoride leaching into groundwater. While some local leaders, including BJP legislator Jitu Goswami, have raised concerns and sought action, progress remains limited.
HC cites inconsistencies in 15 docs, upholds order declaring Assam man foreigner
The Gauhati High Court upheld a tribunal's decision to declare Aminul Hoque, a 38-year-old Guwahati resident, a foreigner. The court cited inconsistencies in 15 documents Hoque provided to prove his Indian citizenship, including the 1951 National Register of Citizens, voter lists, land records, and identity proofs. The court emphasized that the burden of proof under Section 9 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, falls on the individual to demonstrate their citizenship. Hoque's family members were unable to provide consistent documentation linking them across generations and locations, despite oral testimony. The ruling followed a recent clarification by the External Affairs Ministry stating that a passport alone does not confirm citizenship, reigniting debates over citizenship verification. The case highlights ongoing tensions in Assam regarding citizenship claims and the legal challenges faced by individuals seeking to prove their status.
Ethanol mixing an experiment, results by next year: Govt to SC amid E20 worries
The Indian government informed the Supreme Court that the 20% ethanol blending program in petrol remains an experimental initiative, with results expected by next year. The statement comes as concerns grow among some citizens, particularly car enthusiasts, who worry that higher ethanol blends might harm older vehicles and reduce fuel efficiency. The government argues there is no conclusive evidence linking E20 petrol to mechanical damage and highlights benefits for energy security, farmers, and the environment. This discussion unfolded during legal proceedings involving Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), which challenged a Karnataka High Court order affecting ethanol allocation for the 2025-26 supply year. The Attorney General emphasized that the 20% ethanol blend is a fixed policy decision and that supply levels may vary based on demand. India met its 20% ethanol blending target five years early, and the government aims to increase this to 30% by 2030.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
West Bengal Assembly passes OBC amendment Bills, removes 77 Muslim communities from list
Bengal passes bill allowing year-long preventive detention for ‘anti-social’ activities
Pakistan back in FATF Grey List? India to cite Operation Sindoor evidence in fresh push
'Age does not reduce human potential': PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations in Bengal
Rebuild education system to reduce cost and stress, says Rahul in Kota
CPI(M) attacks Rahul Gandhi over remarks on Vijayan: 'Stop being facilitator for ED, Modi govt'
