Firstpost

#VantageOnFirstpost: On this day in 1996, a tiny game called pocket monsters was born in Japan. What started on a handheld console exploded into a global empire - with games, movies and tv series. Today, Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise in history attracting new generations even after 30 years. | #FPRewind with @palkisharmaupadhyay

China urges citizens to leave Iran, boost vigilance in Israel amid rising tensions

What Does India's E20 Petrol Mandate Mean for Your Vehicle? | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18L

India’s Economy Grows at Faster-Than-Expected Pace of 7.8% | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18L

Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing, says he was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes

Pakistan vs Taliban: Who Has the Upper Hand in a Full-Scale War? | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: Here are today's #VantageShots – images that tell the story | -Indian Army Dominates 4th Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon in Ladakh -Argentina: Greenpeace activists protest on makeshift toilets -Arizona zoo welcomes a new pygmy hippo called Jellybean

Denmark Calls For Snap Polls Amid Trump's Greenland Threat | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: Kolkata residents rushed to social media after tremors shook the city earlier today. Panic turned to amusement with memes shaking up the internet. @Palkisu brings you the best ones on Joke of the Day.

Ethiopia Becomes Horn's Power Hub | Firstpost Africa | Subscribe to Firstpost | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: Protein intake has become a growing focus in India, as data shows nearly 50 percent of total protein consumption still comes from cereals. The recommended intake is 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day, yet several studies suggest many households consume less. Rising urban lifestyles, obesity and persistent child undernutrition have added to health concerns. Doctors report fatigue and slow recovery among patients. India’s protein supplements market reached about 913 million US dollars in 2025 and is projected to grow further. Experts caution that protein added to ultra processed foods does not guarantee healthier diets.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Protein intake has become a growing focus in India, as data shows nearly 50 percent of total protein consumption still comes from cereals. Experts caution that protein added to ultra-processed foods does not guarantee healthier diets. | @palkisu

#VantageOnFirstpost: India is overhauling how it measures its economy. The Ministry of Statistics has shifted the GDP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23, aiming to better reflect post-pandemic recovery, structural reforms and the rise of the digital economy. The new series expands the use of GST data beyond quarterly estimates, incorporates high-frequency indicators such as vehicle registrations and fuel consumption, and improves tracking of household enterprises and gig workers. It also replaces proxy estimates with real data in multiple areas. The objective is clearer measurement — a GDP framework that mirrors the economy India has today, not the one it had a decade ago.

#VantageOnFirstpost: India is overhauling how it measures its economy. The Ministry of Statistics has shifted the GDP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23, aiming to better reflect post-pandemic recovery, structural reforms and the rise of the digital economy. | @palkisu

Trump's $10MN Bounty on Mexico Drug Lords | Firstpost America | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain high, with talk of “open war” raising fears of escalation. If conflict intensifies, how do the two sides compare militarily? @palkisu tells you.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain high, with talk of “open war” raising fears of escalation. If conflict intensifies, how do the two sides compare militarily? Pakistan fields over 660,000 active personnel, more than 400 aircraft, thousands of armoured vehicles, and over 100 nuclear warheads. Much of its recent arsenal comes from China, though questions remain about battlefield performance. The Taliban controls around 172,000 fighters, limited air power, and inherited US equipment from 2021. While no match in conventional warfare, the Taliban’s strength lies in asymmetric tactics and terrain advantage. If war breaks out, numbers alone may not decide the outcome.

#FirstpostAfrica: Two African nations, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe, are tightening control over critical battery metals—cobalt and lithium—affecting China's electric vehicle supply chain. The DRC, responsible for over 70% of global cobalt production, has restricted its cobalt exports and introduced a quota system to assert sovereignty and enhance its resource value. Consequently, cobalt prices have more than doubled. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has halted raw lithium exports, demanding that processing occurs domestically to retain jobs and economic benefits. While these moves cause short-term supply issues for China, some analysts believe increased processing capacity in Zimbabwe may strengthen China's long-term position in the battery supply chain as African nations gain leverage.

#VantageOnFirstpost: India calls itself a young nation, banking on its demographic dividend. But a new global study ranking 84 countries reveals a troubling reality: Indian youth (18–34) rank 60th in mental health, with a Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) of just 33. Meanwhile, Indians above 55 score 96 — nearly triple. Researchers describe this as a structural generational shift, not a temporary slump. Young adults are struggling with emotional control, focus, relationships, and stress recovery. Rising ultra-processed food consumption and early smartphone exposure are key factors. Palki Sharma tells you more.

#FirstpostAfrica: Ramaphosa's Ultimatum on Iran Probe President Cyril Ramaphosa has escalated a brewing crisis within South Africa’s security cluster by taking direct control of the investigation into Iran’s participation in the "Will for Peace 2026" naval exercises. Initially managed by the Defence Ministry, the probe was moved to the Presidency this week to ensure independence after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) allegedly ignored a presidential directive to exclude Iranian warships. The controversy stems from the January drills held off Cape Town, where three Iranian vessels joined Chinese and Russian forces despite Ramaphosa’s orders to scale back Tehran's role.

#FirstpostAfrica: Ethiopia is increasingly becoming a diplomatic hub in the Horn of Africa, hosting leaders from Israel, Turkey, and Italy within three weeks. Israeli President Isaac Herzog's recent visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties and Israel's regional presence. This comes after Israel's recognition of Somaliland in late 2025, which altered dynamics in the region. Meanwhile, Turkey's President Erdogan emphasized mediation in disputes and warned against unilateral recognitions affecting regional tensions, signing agreements with Ethiopia to boost trade. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni promoted energy cooperation and migration management during her visit. Ethiopia's political significance, economic potential, and strategic location are attracting global powers seeking influence in the region.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Netflix has withdrawn from its 83 billion dollar agreement to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery after Paramount Skydance increased its rival offer to 31 dollars per share, valuing the company at about 111 billion dollars including debt.| @palkisu

#VantageOnFirstpost: Netflix has withdrawn from its 83 billion dollar agreement to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery after Paramount Skydance increased its rival offer to 31 dollars per share, valuing the company at about 111 billion dollars including debt. Paramount pledged a 7 billion dollar termination fee if regulators block the deal and agreed to cover Warner’s 2.8 billion dollar penalty owed to Netflix. Warner’s board declared the revised bid superior. The proposed merger would combine HBO Max and Paramount Plus and bring CNN and CBS News under one owner. The transaction faces antitrust scrutiny from lawmakers and regulatory authorities.

Pakistan Bombs Afghanistan, Claims 274 Fighters Killed | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: Days before China’s National People’s Congress convenes, 19 officials have been removed from its membership list without public explanation. Nine of them are from the military, including senior commanders such as Li Qiaoming and Shen Jinlong. This follows a broader purge that has sidelined around 100 senior officers since 2022, including generals and lieutenant generals. Reports suggest even retired officers have not been spared. President Xi Jinping frames the campaign as anti-corruption, but its scale now raises questions about continuity and military readiness. As China modernises its armed forces, it is simultaneously reshaping their leadership at the highest levels. @palkisharmaupadhyay tells you more.

#FirstpostAfrica: Trump's "Secret Deportation Deal" With Africa A new report from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has claimed that the Trump administration is paying millions of dollars to move migrants to third-party countries. The 30-page document reveals that over $32 million has been funnelled to five nations, including Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, and Eswatini, to accept deportees who have no prior connection to these regions. In some instances, the cost exceeded $1.1 million per person. The report highlights a double standard, noting that while the Trump administration slashes traditional foreign aid, it is funding these secretive, high-cost transactions with little to no oversight. Watch this video to know more.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called a snap election for March 24, months before the scheduled October vote. The decision follows renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States should own Greenland, citing national security concerns. Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, holds strategic Arctic importance and hosts a U.S. military base. Denmark and Greenland have rejected any proposal of ownership transfer. Frederiksen’s party has risen in opinion polls during the dispute. The development reflects a broader trend in which responses to Trump’s foreign policy positions are influencing domestic politics in several countries. @palkisharmaupadhyay tells you more.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Days before China’s National People’s Congress convenes, 19 officials have been removed from its membership list without public explanation. Nine of them are from the military, including senior commanders such as Li Qiaoming and Shen Jinlong. | @palkisu

#VantageOnFirstpost: Denmark's PM Mette Frederiksen has called a snap election for March 24, months before the scheduled October vote. The decision follows renewed remarks by Trump that the United States should own Greenland, citing national security concerns. | @palkisu

Canada PM Mark Carney Begins India Visit Amid Diplomatic Reset | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G

Why Indian Students Are Ditching US For Europe, Asia For Higher Studies? | Firstpost America | N18G

#FirstpostAmerica with Cary Johnston -Why Trump Wants to Impose Curbs on Iran’s Ballistic Missiles? -Trump Govt Offers $10 Million Reward for Capture of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel Members

#VantageOnFirstpost: The showdown between the U.S. Department of Defense and Anthropic has escalated. At the centre is Claude, the company’s AI model already embedded in defence systems. @palkisu tells you.

Israel, Turkey, and Italy Deepen Diplomatic Ties With Ethiopia | Firstpost Africa | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: The Indian government has mandated 20% ethanol-blended petrol with minimum 95 RON from April 1st. Why is the government shifting to E20 fuel? What impact will it have on your petrol vehicles? @palkisu tells you.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Pakistani fighter jets bombed Afghan cities and military sites after Taliban fighters launched a retaliatory attack across the border on Thursday night. Islamabad claims to have killed 274 Taliban fighters, while Kabul claims to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers. Will this escalate into all-out war? @palkisharmaupadhyay tells you.

India’s rising global clout driving trade deals with developed countries, says PM Modi at Rising Bharat Summit

#VantageOnFirstpost: Pakistani fighter jets bombed Afghan cities and military sites after Taliban fighters launched a retaliatory attack across the border on Thursday night. Will this escalate into all-out war? @palkisu tells you.

How Africa’s Cobalt and Lithium Bans are Crushing China’s EV Supply Chain | Firstpost Africa | N18G

#VantageOnFirstpost: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun his visit to India as Ottawa looks to reset diplomatic ties with New Delhi. Carney landed in Mumbai on Friday (27th February) and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Monday (2nd March). Relations between India and Canada collapsed in 2023 following allegations surrounding the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, triggering a major diplomatic standoff between the two countries. @palkisharmaupadhyay tells you more.

#VantageOnFirstpost: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun his visit to India as Ottawa looks to reset diplomatic ties with New Delhi. @palkisu tells you more.

#FirstpostAfrica: Ethiopia is increasingly becoming a diplomatic hub in the Horn of Africa, hosting leaders from Israel, Turkey, and Italy within three weeks. Israeli President Isaac Herzog's recent visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties and Israel's regional presence.

Ramaphosa Takes Back Control of Probe into Iran's Role in BRICS Drills | Firstpost Africa | N18G

#FirstpostAfrica: Two African nations, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe, are tightening control over critical battery metals—cobalt and lithium—affecting China's electric vehicle supply chain.

UN nuclear watchdog says Iran blocks access to bombed nuclear sites

A ring of light: Inside the "halo hair" trend

US Paid Millions to African Nations for Third-Country Deportations: Report | Firstpost Africa | N18G

Taliban Strikes Pakistan; Mosque & Residential Buildings Hit | N18G

#FirstpostAfrica: President Cyril Ramaphosa has escalated a brewing crisis within South Africa’s security cluster by taking direct control of the investigation into Iran’s participation in the "Will for Peace 2026" naval exercises.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes: Kabul Residents Assess Damage After Bombing | N18G

Indian-Origin Texas Candidate Faces Racist Backlash Over Campaign Billboard | Firstpost America

World Reacts To Pak-Afghan "Open War" | Spotlight

#FirstpostNews: Drawn in 1893, the Durand Line still shapes Afghanistan–Pakistan's fragile relationship today. But why does this border remain so contested? Swipe to know.

#FirstpostAmerica: In the heated arena of American politics, a single campaign billboard for Pooja Sethi ignited a fierce online storm. After conservative commentator Savanah Hernandez shared the image, debate quickly shifted from policy to identity.

Trump Govt's $10 Million Reward for Capture of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel Members | Firstpost America

'I have to put him under pressure': UFC legend Marlon Vera looks ahead to mega fight against 'new blood' David Martinez

LIVE: Bill Clinton Deposed by House in Epstein Investigation | Epstein Files

#FirstpostAmerica: The United States is stepping up its crackdown on Mexican drug cartels, announcing a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of alleged Sinaloa Cartel leaders René and Alfonso Arzate-García.

Jeffrey Epstein Probe: Hillary Clinton Defends Husband Bill in US Congress | Firstpost America

IMF approves $8.1 bn loan to Ukraine, $1.5 bn to be released immediately amid EU aid dispute

Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: Who are the key Afghan Taliban leaders?

Indian Student Enrolment in US Universities Drop 45% Amid Trump’s H-1B Curbs | Firstpost America

As US, Iran Talks End, How Powerful Are Tehran’s Ballistic Missiles? | Firstpost America | N18G

#FirstpostAmerica: A new GMAC report shows international student enrolment in the US falling sharply, down 19%, with Indian student numbers dropping 45%, signaling a major shift in global higher education trends.

#FirstpostNews: Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday (February 27, 2026), with Islamabad’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declaring the neighbours at “open war” following months of tit-for-tat clashes.

#Spotlight: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after Islamabad carried out strikes on multiple Afghan cities, declaring "open war" following border clashes. As fighting intensifies, global powers are stepping in to prevent further deterioration. China has called for an immediate ceasefire, urging restraint and warning of heavy losses if violence continues. Saudi Arabia has engaged Pakistan diplomatically, while Iran has offered to facilitate dialogue. Russia has pushed for an end to cross-border attacks and offered mediation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both sides to uphold international humanitarian law and prioritise civilian protection as fragile truce efforts falter.

#FirstpostNews: Pakistan has launched overnight strikes on Taliban government forces in major Afghan cities, the first direct attacks on its former allies over claims they are sheltering militants, and has described the escalation as “open war”. Swipe to see the Pakistan–Afghanistan conflict timeline since the Taliban takeover.

Everyone Would Want Good Relations With India: Former Singapore FM George Yeo | Rising Bharat 2026

Bill Clinton to testify before House panel over Epstein ties

#FirstpostNews: The East India Company, once one of the most powerful trading companies in the world, has shut down again. The company was originally founded in 1600 and played a major role in British colonial rule in India before it was dissolved in 1874. In 2010, businessman Sanjiv Mehta revived the famous name as a luxury retail brand in London, selling high-end teas, chocolates and spices from a store in Mayfair. However, the modern version of the company struggled financially and went bankrupt after building up large debts, including unpaid taxes and employee payments. The company officially entered liquidation in 2025. This marks the second and likely final closure of one of history’s most well-known corporate names.

Pakistan in ‘open war’ against Afghanistan: Which military is more powerful?

Diving World Cup In Mexico Cancelled Due To Violence | First Sports With Rupha Ramani