Balaji15 at 08:44, 6 April 2026

2026-04-06T08:44:30Z

New page

{{Short description|Indian news magazine}}
{{About|the news magazine|the news channel|India Today (TV channel){{!}}''India Today'' (TV channel)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox magazine
| title =
| logo = India Today logo.png
| image_file = India Today January 2026 edition.jpeg
| image_size = 180px
| image_caption = 50th anniversary issue of ''India Today''
| editor = [[Aroon Purie]] <br />[[Madhu Trehan]] (founding editor)
| editor_title = Editor-in-chief
| staff_writer =
| frequency =
| circulation = 1,600,000<ref>[http://mruc.net/irs2012q1-topline-findings.pdf "IRS 2012 Q1 Topline Findings"]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092737/http://mruc.net/irs2012q1-topline-findings.pdf |date=7 April 2014}}. mruc.net. Retrieved 31 March 2013.</ref>
| category = [[News magazine]]
| company = [[Living Media]]
| publisher = Living Media India Limited
| founder = Vidya Vilas Purie
| firstdate = 1–15 December 1975
| country = [[India]]
| based = [[Noida, Uttar Pradesh]]<ref name="indiatodaygroup1">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiatodaygroup.com/new-site/publications/ite.html |title=Publications |publisher=India Today Group |access-date=28 September 2010 |archive-date=5 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805024837/http://www.indiatodaygroup.com/new-site/publications/ite.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| language = English, Hindi
| website = {{URL|indiatoday.in}}
| issn = 0254-8399
}}
'''''India Today''''' is a weekly Indian English-language news [[magazine]] published by [[Living Media|Living Media India Limited]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Douglas Bullis|title=Selling to India's Consumer Market|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J4dWLuerJl4C&pg=PA46|access-date=7 May 2016|year=1997|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-56720-105-5|page=46|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629114410/https://books.google.com/books?id=J4dWLuerJl4C&pg=PA46|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Advertising N Promotion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QQEiBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA713|access-date=5 May 2016|year=2009|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-008031-7|page=713}}</ref> It is the most widely circulated magazine in [[India]], with a readership of close to 8 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/irs-2017-india-today-most-read-magazine-in-the-country-business-today-no-1-among-business-magazines/story/268717.html|title=IRS 2017: India Today most-read magazine in the country, Business Today No.1 among business magazines|date=10 February 2018|website=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]]|access-date=2019-07-20|archive-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720083940/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/irs-2017-india-today-most-read-magazine-in-the-country-business-today-no-1-among-business-magazines/story/268717.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, ''India Today'' launched a new online opinion-orientated site called the ''DailyO''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.medianama.com/2014/09/223-india-today-dailyo/|title=India Today Group launches Medium clone DailyO|author=Vivek Pai|date=15 September 2014|access-date=27 March 2019|quote=It looks like The India Today Group has launched a new opinion-oriented site called DailyO that provides commentary on news from various categories like politics, sports, life, sci-tech, money, humour and art & culture.|work=Medianama|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327180743/https://www.medianama.com/2014/09/223-india-today-dailyo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As per the [[Indian Readership Survey]] 2019, the ''India Today'' magazine's English edition had a readership of 9.24 million and the Hindi edition 7.02 million, making them among the most read magazines in India.<ref name="IRS"/> As of 2026, ''India Today'' has published 2,006 issues.<ref name="bestmediainfo">{{cite news |title=India Today unveils 50th anniversary special issue 'The Remaking of India: 1975–2025' |url=https://bestmediainfo.com/mediainfo/print/india-today-unveils-50th-anniversary-special-issue-the-remaking-of-india-19752025-10979318 |work=BestMediaInfo |date=2026-01-07}}</ref>

==History==
''India Today'' was established in 1975<ref>{{cite book|title=The Far East and Australasia 2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LclscNCTz9oC&pg=PA490|access-date=2 June 2016|year=2002|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-1-85743-1 33-9|page=490|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629114427/https://books.google.com/books?id=LclscNCTz9oC&pg=PA490|url-status=live}}</ref> by Vidya Vilas Purie (owner of Thompson Press), with his daughter [[Madhu Trehan]] as its editor and his son [[Aroon Purie]] as its publisher.<ref name="HT">Bhandare, Namita. [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/70-s-The-decade-of-innocence/Article1-700294.aspx "70's: The decade of innocence"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817115158/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Brunch/Brunch-Stories/70-s-The-decade-of-innocence/Article1-700294.aspx |date=2012-08-17 }}.''[[Hindustan Times]]''. Retrieved 29 July 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/slideshow-india-s-top-50-influentials-1218058#top | title=India's Top 50 Influentials | date=1 January 2009 | publisher=Daily News and Analysis (DNA) | access-date=7 July 2018 | archive-date=8 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708110733/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/slideshow-india-s-top-50-influentials-1218058#top | url-status=live }}</ref> Trehan later returned to the [[United States]], after which editorial leadership passed to other editors as the magazine continued to expand its coverage.<ref name="newslaundry"/>

The magazine began with a circulation of about 5,000 copies and grew to 15,000 by the end of the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]] in January 1977. Its circulation increased to around 50,000 by March 1977 and crossed 100,000 by December 1978.{{cn|date=April 2026}}

The magazine was originally launched as a news-focused publication and later broadened its scope to include reporting and analysis across politics, business and public affairs. Over time, the magazine became the [[India Today Group]]'s flagship print title. In addition to its English edition, the magazine was also published in several Indian languages including [[Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Malayalam]].<ref name="newslaundry">{{cite news |last1=Bhula |first1=Pooja |title=Who Owns Your Media: The highs and lows of the India Today Group |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/07/18/who-owns-your-media-the-highs-and-lows-of-the-india-today-group |publisher=[[Newslaundry]] |date=July 18, 2022}}</ref>

The magazine is credited with introducing scientific election polling (psephology) to Indian media through its collaboration with [[Prannoy Roy]] and [[David Butler (psephologist)|David Butler]] in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Rai |first=Praveen |date=2021 |title=Psephological Advancements and Pitfalls of Political Opinion Polls in India |journal=Open Political Science |publisher=De Gruyter |doi=10.1515/openps-2021-0023|doi-access=free }}</ref> In June 1997, to keep pace with the accelerating news cycle after economic liberalization, the publication transitioned from a fortnightly to a weekly format.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Far East and Australasia 2003 |publisher=[[Psychology Press]] |year=2002 |page=490 |isbn=978-1-85743-133-9}}</ref>

In 1982, ''India Today'' launched an international edition, which was well received and circulated in 104 countries.<ref>{{cite news |title='Sometimes success is born out of failure' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/editors-note/story/20001225-sometimes-success-is-born-out-of-failure-778661-2000-12-24 |publisher=India Today |date=November 22, 2012}}</ref> During the late 1980s, ''India Today'' was first Indian news organisation sending staff reporters to cover global events firsthand, including the [[1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre|Tiananmen Square protests]], [[Afghan War]] and the [[collapse of the Soviet Union]].<ref>{{cite news |title=India’s most consequential decade|url=https://jammuuniversity.ac.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/English%20HD%20Editorials-03-01-26.pdf |work=[[Indian Express]]|date=2026-01-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Purie |first=Aroon |date=2026-01-03 |title=From the Editor-in-Chief |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/50th-anniversary-special/story/20260112-from-the-editor-in-chief-january-12-2026-50th-anniversary-special-2844416-2026-01-03 |work=India Today |access-date=2026-01-13}}</ref>

In October 2017, Aroon Purie handed over operational control of the [[India Today Group]] to his daughter Kallie Purie, who became vice-chairperson.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ray |first=Shantanu Ray |date=18 October 2017 |title=Aroon Purie hands over reins of India Today to daughter Kallie; appoints her as group vice-chairperson |url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/aroon-purie-hands-over-reins-of-india-today-to-daughter-kallie-appoints-her-as-group-vice-chairperson-4155361.html |work=First Post |access-date=5 December 2017 |archive-date=25 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625021605/https://www.firstpost.com/india/aroon-purie-hands-over-reins-of-india-today-to-daughter-kallie-appoints-her-as-group-vice-chairperson-4155361.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi releasing a special booklet of India Today on Safaigiri for Swachh Bharat, at Safaigiri Summit & Awards 2015, in New Delhi on October 02, 2015.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] releasing a special ''India Today'' Safaigiri booklet in 2015]]

[[File:The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu releasing a special edition of India Today at an event to present ‘India Today Safaigiri Awards 2017’, organised by India Today, in New Delhi.jpg|thumb|Vice President of India, [[M. Venkaiah Naidu]] releasing a special edition of ''India Today'' in [[New Delhi]], 2017]]

In December 2021, the magazine reported an increase in circulation following changes in distribution during and after the [[COVID-19 lockdowns]].<ref>{{cite news |title=India Today magazine reports highest ever revenue in its 46th anniversary issue |url=https://www.exchange4media.com/industry-briefing-news/india-today-magazine-records-highest-revenue-with-its-46th-anniversary-issue-117565.html |publisher=Exchange4media |date=December 28, 2021}}</ref> In March 2024, ''[[Gulf News]]'' partnered with ''India Today'' magazine to distribute the magazine in the [[Middle East]], extending its availability among readers in the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite web | title=India Today now available in the UAE through Gulf News | date=25 March 2024 | url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/india-today-now-available-in-the-uae-through-gulf-news-1.1711278739193 }}</ref>

In January 2026, the magazine marked its 50th anniversary with a 600-page commemorative double issue titled ''The Remaking of India: 1975–2025''. The issue was the largest in the publication's history, documenting five decades of Indian political, economic, and cultural history.<ref name="bestmediainfo"/>

In February 2026, U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] shared the cover of ''India Today''’s Newsmakers of the Year 2025 edition featuring himself and Indian PM [[Narendra Modi]] on [[Truth Social]], amid renewed [[India–United States relations|diplomatic engagement between India and the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |title=US President Donald Trump shares India Today cover featuring him and PM Modi |url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-others-news/us-president-donald-trump-shares-india-today-cover-featuring-him-and-pm-modi-151596.html |website=Exchange4media |date=2 February 2026}}</ref>

The magazine is published by [[Living Media India Limited]], which is jointly controlled by the Purie family and IGH Holdings, an investment company associated with the [[Aditya Birla Group]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Aditya Birla Group acquires stake in Living Media India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/aditya-birla-group-acquires-stake-in-living-media-india-112051900022_1.html |publisher=[[Business Standard]] |date=January 21, 2013}}</ref>

== Circulation and readership ==
According to the [[Indian Readership Survey]] 2019 Q3, the English edition of ''India Today'' had a total readership of 9.24 million, while the Hindi edition recorded 7.02 million, making them the two most-read magazines in India.<ref name="IRS">{{cite news |title=Indian Readership Survey 2019 Q3 |url=https://mruc.net/uploads/posts/2ae140929953aed4f314ad5b2a4546ad.pdf |agency=[[Indian Readership Survey ]] |publisher=Media Research Users Council}}</ref>

In the Indian Readership Survey 2017, India Today and India Today Hindi were ranked first and second respectively among all magazines in the country, with readership figures of over 7.9 million for the English edition and 7.1 million for the Hindi edition.<ref>{{cite news |title=India Today most-read magazine |url=https://www.printweek.in/news/irs-2017-indian-readership-survey-india-today-most-read-magazine-27923
|work=[[PrintWeek]] India |date=2018-01-31}}</ref>

==Civic survey==
''India Today'' conducts an annual civic behaviour survey titled Gross Domestic Behavior (GDB), which measures social and civic indicators across Indian states. It was launched in 2025. The survey evaluates Indian states on parameters such as civic sense, public safety, gender equality and diversity. It publishes an overall ranking of states as well as rankings for each parameter.<ref name=gdb1>[https://gdb.indiatoday.in/india-national-behavioural-index Gross Domestic Behavior], India Today, accessed 6 Sept 2025.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gross domestic behaviour survey: Here are India's 2 most well-behaved states |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/gross-domestic-behaviour-survey-here-are-indias-two-well-behaved-states/ |publisher=[[Tribune India]] |date=March 24, 2025}}</ref>

== India Today Conclave ==
[[File:The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee speaking at the inaugural session of the 'India Today Conclave - 2004' in New Delhi on March 12, 2004.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] speaking at the inaugural session of the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, 2004]]

The India Today Conclave is an annual conference organised by ''India Today''. It has been held since the early 2000s. The event brings together speakers from politics, business, defence, media and academia. They discuss issues related to India and international affairs. Over the years, the conclave has covered topics such as governance, the economy, foreign policy, technology and culture.<ref>{{cite news |title=World's Most Powerful Leaders convene at India Today Conclave 2019 |url=https://archive.adgully.com/world-s-most-powerful-leaders-convene-at-india-today-conclave-2019-83853.html |publisher=Adgully |date=February 27, 2019}}</ref> In 2025, the conclave focused on [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]], innovation and India's role in international affairs.<ref>{{cite news |title=India Today Conclave 2025: Embracing the Age of Acceleration |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-today-conclave-2025-embracing-the-age-of-acceleration-2680228-2025-02-14 |publisher=India Today |date=February 14, 2025}}</ref>

Over the years, the conclave has featured political leaders and public figures such as [[Bill Clinton]], [[Narendra Modi]], [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]], [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], [[Manmohan Singh]], [[Hillary Clinton]], [[Bill Gates]], [[Imran Khan]], [[Sachin Tendulkar]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], and [[Mukesh Ambani]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India Today Conclave marks a milestone of two decades of intellectual exchange with its 20th edition on 17th–18th March 2023 |url=https://www.afaqs.com/companies/india-today-conclave-marks-a-milestone-of-two-decades-of-intellectual-exchange-with-its-20th-edition-on-17th-18th-march-2023 |website=afaqs! |date=16 March 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of newspapers in India]]
* [[List of magazines in India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.indiatoday.in Official website]

{{Social surveys}}

[[Category:1975 establishments in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:English-language magazines published in India]]
[[Category:India Today Group]]
[[Category:News magazines published in India]]
[[Category:Weekly magazines published in India]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 1975]]
[[Category:Multilingual magazines]]
[[Category:Weekly news magazines]]
[[Category:Mass media in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Godi media]]
[[Category:Right-wing politics in India]]
[[Category:Conservatism in India]]

India Today - Revision history

Balaji15 at 08:44, 6 April 2026