IndiaOwnership & classification
Founded: 2015
Ownership
The Wire is a non-profit digital news site launched in May 2015 by journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Sidharth Bhatia and M.K. Venu, who initially self-funded it. It is published by the Foundation for Independent Journalism (FIJ), a not-for-profit company in which the three founding editors each hold an equal one-third stake. No corporate parent or proprietor controls it.
Funding
Financed as a non-profit through reader donations and grants rather than a proprietor; it has received multi-crore grant funding from the Independent and Public Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF) and relies on voluntary reader contributions plus limited advertising.
Affiliation & stance
Owned by a journalist-run non-profit foundation with no party, corporate or state owner, The Wire is editorially independent and known for adversarial, investigative reporting and a left-leaning stance critical of the BJP-led government. Its non-profit, founder-controlled structure makes it INDEPENDENT (matching the site's current guess).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 222
67/100
Factual
59/100
Objective
231
Articles
225
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
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.
After Sharmila and Kangana, Mukesh Khanna weighs in on 'Vande Mataram' debate
Actor-producer Mukesh Khanna has joined the ongoing debate over whether 'Vande Mataram' should replace 'Jana Gana Mana' as India's national anthem. Khanna argues that 'Jana Gana Mana' was written during British colonial rule and is tied to King George V, suggesting it reflects continued British influence. He claims 'Vande Mataram' is more aligned with devotion to the nation and criticizes the continued preference for English education post-independence. Khanna has previously suggested that 'Jana Gana Mana' was written as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth, a claim that has been historically disputed. He has also expressed interest in promoting his own recording of 'Vande Mataram' as an iconic version.
A threat hiding in plane sight: Why the food on our plates may be riskier than we think
The article discusses the issue of food adulteration in India, highlighting how it often goes unnoticed compared to more dramatic threats like terrorism or pollution. It argues that food safety is frequently overlooked until a specific incident draws public attention, such as the 2016 Centre for Science and Environment study that found harmful additives in bread samples in Delhi. The piece explains that food adulteration involves adding harmful substances or substituting ingredients for economic gain, which can pose significant health risks. It emphasizes that the danger persists throughout the year, not just during festivals, but public concern tends to resurface only when incidents occur.
Bangladesh links Tarique Rahman's India visit to Hasina extradition demand
Bangladesh has tied the potential visit of its Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, to India to the resolution of its extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During a press briefing in Dhaka, Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim stated that officials from both nations have been discussing the visit for weeks, but progress has been hindered by Hasina's recent public appearance in New Delhi. Hasina, who was convicted by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, held an open press interaction on August 5, which Bangladesh claims has obstructed diplomatic efforts. Karim emphasized that a 'propitious environment' must be established before the visit can proceed, and urged India to expedite the extradition of Hasina and others, including those accused of murdering Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The remarks reflect Bangladesh's broader 'Bangladesh First' foreign policy, prioritizing sovereignty and non-interference while seeking bilateral cooperation.
Champat Rais ‘Letter’ Names Firms Brought on Board by Construction Committee Head and Ex Modi Adviser Nripendra Misra
The article reports on a 'letter' attributed to Champat Rais, which allegedly names firms associated with Nripendra Misra, the head of the Construction Committee and former adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The document appears to suggest potential conflicts of interest or undisclosed connections between Misra and private construction companies. The report highlights concerns about transparency and ethical standards within government advisory roles, particularly in sectors involving infrastructure development.
Rahul Gandhi protests at DCP office after police allegedly refuse FIR for pellet-injured student
Rahul Gandhi, a senior opposition leader, protested outside the Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police's office, demanding that a first information report (FIR) be filed regarding a student named Sahil Lochav who was injured by pellet gunfire during a youth protest in New Delhi on July 20. The Congress party alleges that despite Lochav submitting a written complaint on August 14 and follow-up attempts on August 17, the police refused to register an FIR. Hours after Gandhi's protest, the police finally registered an FIR. Gandhi accused the police of using pellet guns against protesters and criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the crackdown. The protest was part of a larger movement against alleged mismanagement of competitive exams, which began in June and led to nationwide unrest. Despite claims by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju that no one was seriously injured, medical records show 10 individuals were treated for pellet injuries.
‘Biased, lacks credibility': India on USCIRF seeking ban on RSS
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for being 'biased' and lacking credibility after the commission accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of violating religious freedoms. In a statement, the MEA claimed that USCIRF has historically made 'inflammatory remarks' about India and urged avoiding engagement with such organizations. The USCIRF, established in 1998, opposes the planned U.S. visit by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and has previously recommended sanctions against India's external intelligence agency and the RSS. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that the organization operates with 'own agendas' and lacks trustworthiness.
Stones, Eggs, Bricks, Shoes, Fire: 12 Hours of Saffron Mob Violence at Jadavpur University After BJP MLA’s ‘Tandav’ Call
The article reports on a violent incident at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, where a saffron mob engaged in attacks lasting 12 hours. The violence reportedly followed a call by a BJP MLA named 'Tandav,' which was interpreted as inciting religious tensions. Students and faculty were targeted with stones, eggs, bricks, shoes, and fire, leading to injuries and disruption of academic activities. The event highlights concerns over communal harmony and the potential influence of political rhetoric on public behavior. Local authorities were called upon to manage the situation, but the exact nature of the MLA's remarks and their direct connection to the violence remain unclear.
The US Wants the World to Believe its Still Creditworthy – But Even its Allies Wont Bite
The article discusses concerns regarding the United States' financial credibility, suggesting that despite efforts by the US to maintain its image as a reliable economic entity, its allies are skeptical. It implies that there is doubt among international partners about the US's ability to uphold its financial commitments, potentially affecting global trust in American fiscal policies.
Mr Prime Minister, Please Stop Heaping Insults Upon Your Fellow Citizens
The article criticizes the Indian Prime Minister for using derogatory language against citizens during public addresses, arguing that such rhetoric undermines national unity and democratic values. It highlights specific instances where the leader's comments were perceived as disrespectful and divisive, prompting calls for more inclusive communication. The piece emphasizes the importance of respectful discourse in governance and suggests that leaders should avoid language that could incite social tension. While the article does not directly reference any official statements or documents, it draws on public reactions and media coverage to illustrate the controversy.
Island Administration Withdraws Call to Develop ‘Green’ AI Data Centre in Andaman and Nicobar
The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has withdrawn its earlier call to develop a 'green' artificial intelligence data center. The decision comes amid growing concerns over environmental impact and sustainability. The proposed facility was intended to leverage renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. However, local authorities have now opted to reassess the project's feasibility and potential ecological consequences. This shift reflects broader debates around balancing technological advancement with environmental protection.
Centenary Outreach or Chance to Shake Hands With MAGA? Report Unmasks Mohan Bhagwat’s US Trip
The article reports on Mohan Bhagwat's recent trip to the United States, highlighting potential connections between his visit and the rise of the MAGA movement. It suggests that the trip could be seen as an outreach effort aimed at aligning with conservative ideologies prevalent in the U.S., particularly those associated with the 'Make America Great Again' campaign. The report raises questions about the motivations behind the visit and whether it represents a strategic move to engage with American conservative politics. The piece emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the objectives and outcomes of such diplomatic engagements.
As School Failures Go Viral, Several UP Districts Restrict YouTubers From Campuses
The article discusses how school failures in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, have been widely shared online, leading several districts to restrict YouTube creators from entering educational institutions. The restrictions aim to address concerns over inappropriate content and distractions affecting students' academic performance. Officials argue that social media platforms often amplify negative narratives about schools, which can harm institutional reputation and student morale. However, educators and some parents support the measures, believing they protect children from exposure to unverified information. Critics, including digital rights advocates, warn that such bans could limit access to valuable educational resources and stifle open dialogue between students and content creators.