MAM
IRS Q3: Vanitha retains top spot among magazines
MUMBAI: The Indian Readership Survey (IRS) 2011 for the third quarter carried out and released by Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research revealed that there isn’t much change in the readership base of the top five magazines in the country.
Retaining its numero uno position, Malayalam fortnightly Vanitha recorded an average issue readership (AIR) of 2.59 million. Pratiyogita Darpan also maintained its position at number two with an AIR of 2.02 million.
Last quarter‘s number nine and ten, Kumudam (Tamil) and Grehlakshmi (hindi) respectively lost their positions to English magazine General Knowledge Today (with an AIR of 1.09 million at number nine) and Bengali magazine Karmakshetra (AIR 1.05 million at number 10).
Among the Hindi magazines Pratiyogita Darpan‘s AIR stood at 2.02 million topping the list while Saras Salil followed second with an AIR of 1.94 million.
Slipping down to seventh position, Grehlakshmi recorded an AIR of 983,000 while Grih Shobha, which took its place at number six, clocked in an AIR of 990,000.
Among the English magazines, India Today continues to lead with 1.64 million AIR. Reader‘s Digest (AIR 998,000) made way for General Knowledge Today (AIR 1.09 million) at number two while it slipped down to number three.
Further down the list Stardust climbed up to number seven with AIR of 385,000 and while Business Today moved up to number eight (from number 10 last quarter) with an AIR of 345,000. Recording the deep plunge in the ranking, Filmfare fell to number 10 from previous quarter’s number seven with an AIR of 327,000.
In the regional languages sector, the Malayala Manorama continued to be second with an AIR of 1.31 million while Kumudam slipped down to number four with an AIR of 1.03 million. Taking its place, Bengali weekly magazine Karmakshetra recorded a readership of 1.05 million.
Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan fell from number six in the last quarter to number nine in Q3 with a readership of 781,000 while Bengali weekly Karmasangsthaan climbed three spots to reach number six with a readership of 855,000.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
