Mumbai, January 30, 2026 — In a surprise yet poised announcement, renowned journalist and news anchor Palki Sharma Upadhyay has officially stepped down as Managing Editor of Firstpost (Network18 Group). The news was shared internally with employees during a town hall meeting on January 29, 2026, and confirmed by multiple media outlets including Exchange4Media, Newslaundry, OpIndia, and others.
Santosh Menon, Chief Content Officer at Network18, described the departure in an email as coming “with a heavy heart,” praising her “remarkable tenure.” Palki addressed the team, reflecting on her contributions over the past three years before revealing her plans to launch her own independent venture—likely an entrepreneurial project in media, journalism, or digital content. No further details on the new initiative have been disclosed yet.
Firstpost has appointed Binoy Prabhakar, previously Chief Content Officer at Hindustan Times Digital, as the new leader to steer the platform ahead.
Palki Sharma Career Journey : From Accidental Start to Global Recognition
Palki Sharma Upadhyay’s entry into journalism was serendipitous—she often calls it a career that “chose her.” Born on May 29, 1982, in Pilani, Rajasthan, and raised in Delhi, she initially pursued other interests (her father encouraged medicine), but in 2002, during her college years, a Doordarshan representative offered her a news anchor/reporter role paying ₹800.
• 2002–2004 : Started at Doordarshan as a news anchor and reporter.
• 2004 onward : Moved to Hindustan Times as a journalist.
• Later years : Joined CNN-News18 (formerly CNN-IBN), where she spent over a decade as anchor and senior editor, honing her skills in sharp, fact-driven reporting.
• 2016/2019–2022 : Transitioned to WION (World Is One News) as Managing Editor. Here, she launched and hosted the flagship prime-time show Gravitas, which became a massive hit for its no-nonsense, India-centric take on global affairs. Gravitas earned the “Best International News Show in English” award in 2020, cementing her as a standout voice in international journalism.
• Early 2023–January 2026 : Joined Firstpost after her high-profile WION exit. She launched and anchored Vantage, a multi-platform global affairs program that quickly gained traction for its in-depth analysis, challenging Western narratives, and presenting complex geopolitics through an assertive Indian lens. Under her leadership, Firstpost strengthened its global news presence, built a robust editorial team, and boosted digital engagement.
Her move from WION in September 2022 was attributed to a desire for fresh creative control—she mentioned in interviews that she had achieved what she set out to do there and wanted to tell the “India story” her way, without clashing directions.
Why She Left Firstpost : A Bold New Chapter
Similar to her WION departure, Palki’s exit from Firstpost appears driven by entrepreneurial ambition rather than conflict. Sources describe it as amicable, with leadership acknowledging her “significant contributions.” After revitalizing Firstpost’s flagship offerings and building loyalty among viewers, she is now poised to start her own media venture—potentially an independent platform, show, or digital startup. This mirrors a pattern of bold, self-directed moves in her career.
Personality and Massive Popularity of Palki Sharma
Palki Sharma is celebrated for her calm, composed, and articulate delivery—no shouting, no drama, just razor-sharp facts and subtle, incisive commentary. Her style is often described as “clutter-free,” “fearless yet measured,” and deeply patriotic, with a knack for simplifying global complexities while amplifying India’s perspective.
Viewers love her for :
• Subtle digs at global hypocrisy or political figures without raising her voice.
• Prioritizing depth over sensationalism.
• Championing an “assertive India” in world affairs.
This has earned her a devoted fanbase, often calling her the “unofficial ambassador of rising India.” Shows like Gravitas and Vantage have millions of views, and her social media following (Instagram, etc.) reflects widespread admiration—many followers vow to follow her wherever she goes next. Accolades include multiple awards for best news presentation and international shows.
As Palki embarks on her next independent chapter, the Indian media landscape watches eagerly. Her track record suggests whatever she builds will be bold, fact-first, and unapologetically India-focused.