News Broadcasting
Sakal Media Group Emerges as the No.1 Marathi News Platform in India – ComScore Jan 2025
MUMBAI: The Sakal Media Group has once again cemented its position as Maharashtra’s leading media powerhouse. According to the Comscore report for January 2025, esakal.com has emerged as the number one Marathi news platform, attracting 13.05 million monthly active users. This remarkable feat underscores Sakal’s ability to connect with its audience through compelling storytelling and cutting-edge digital strategies. With a significant lead over its competitors, Sakal’s dominance in the digital space is undeniable.
esakal.com: The digital powerhouse
At the heart of Sakal Media Group’s success is esakal.com, a platform that has redefined digital journalism in Maharashtra. Launched as the online extension of the iconic Sakal newspaper, esakal.com has grown into a standalone powerhouse, offering a seamless blend of traditional journalism and modern digital innovation. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive coverage, and commitment to quality have made it the go-to source for Marathi-speaking audiences.
The January 2025 Comscore rankings highlight esakal.com’s unparalleled reach, with 13.05 million monthly active users – a figure that speaks volumes about its popularity and trustworthiness. This achievement is not just a win for Sakal Media Group but also a reflection of esakal.com’s ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.
What sets esakal.com apart? Several key factors have contributed to esakal.com’s dominance in the digital news space:
1. Credibility and trust: In an era of fake news and misinformation, esakal.com has remained a beacon of truth. Its rigorous fact-checking process and commitment to unbiased reporting have earned it the trust of millions.
2. Hyper-local focus: esakal.com understands the pulse of Maharashtra. From breaking news in Mumbai to cultural events in Pune and agricultural updates in rural areas, the platform covers it all. This hyper-local approach ensures that readers stay connected to the issues that matter most to them.
3. Innovative storytelling: esakal.com has embraced multimedia storytelling, using videos, infographics, and interactive features to make news more engaging. This dynamic approach has resonated with younger audiences while retaining the loyalty of older readers.
4. Real-time updates: In the fast-paced world of news, esakal.com stands out for its ability to deliver real-time updates. Whether it’s breaking news, live coverage of events, or instant analysis, esakal.com ensures its readers are always informed.
5. Community engagement: esakal.com goes beyond just reporting the news. Through initiatives like reader polls, feedback forums, and community-driven stories, the platform has fostered a strong sense of connection with its audience.
Outperforming competitors
The January 2025 Comscore rankings highlight esakal.com’s significant lead over other prominent Marathi news platforms. With 13.05 million monthly active users, esakal.com has not only secured the top spot but also demonstrated its ability to attract and retain a massive audience. This achievement is a reflection of esakal.com’s relentless focus on quality content and user satisfaction.
esakal.com’s role in Sakal Media Group’s legacy
Sakal Media Group has been a trusted name in Maharashtra since 1932, and esakal.com has played a pivotal role in carrying this legacy into the digital age. By seamlessly transitioning from print to digital, esakal.com has ensured that Sakal’s values of credibility, integrity, and community focus remain intact. The platform has become a bridge between the group’s rich history and its future, offering readers the best of both worlds.
Sakal Media Group CEO Uday Jadhav stated, “This achievement is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering credible and engaging content. We are honored by the trust Maharashtra has placed in esakal.com. With over two decades of experience in business strategy and operational management, I’ve seen the group grow, but this digital growth is truly exceptional.”
Sakal Media Group editor-in-chief Nilesh Khare added, “This recognition from Comscore reaffirms our commitment to delivering news that resonates with the people of Maharashtra. At Sakal Media Group, we understand the power of credible journalism, and we strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in our reporting.”
Sakal Media Group director Janhavi Pawar emphasised, “At esakal.com, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of digital journalism. Our focus on innovation and community engagement has made us the preferred choice for Marathi-speaking audiences. We are always looking to bring a global perspective to our local operations.”
Sakal Media Group business head – digital Swapnil Malpathak highlighted, “Our success is rooted in understanding the pulse of Maharashtra. By providing real-time updates and hyper-local content, we ensure our readers are always informed and connected. Our focus on digital product monetization and digital transformation has been a key driver in this achievement.”
The future of esakal.com
As esakal.com celebrates this milestone, it is also looking toward the future. The platform plans to invest further in cutting-edge technology, expand its digital offerings, and explore new ways to engage with its audience. From AI-driven personalisation to immersive storytelling techniques, esakal.com is committed to staying ahead of the curve.
Maharashtra’s trusted digital voice
esakal.com’s success is not just about numbers; it’s about the trust it has built with its readers. For millions of Maharashtrians, esakal.com is more than just a news platform – it’s a reliable companion that keeps them informed, engaged, and connected to their community. The January 2025 Comscore ranking is a validation of esakal.com’s efforts and a reminder of why it continues to be Maharashtra’s most trusted digital voice.
Sakal Media Group’s achievement in topping the Comscore rankings for January 2025 is a testament to the excellence of esakal.com. With 13.05 million monthly active users, esakal.com has set a new benchmark for digital news platforms in Maharashtra. Its commitment to credibility, innovation, and community engagement has made it the preferred choice for readers across the state. As the media landscape continues to evolve, esakal.com remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, trustworthy, and engaging content.
Key takeaways:
. esakal.com ranked number one in Comscore’s January 2025 rankings among Marathi news platforms.
. Attracted 13.05 million monthly active users, outperforming its competitors.
. Success driven by credibility, hyper-local focus, innovative storytelling, and real-time updates.
. Future plans include investments in technology and enhanced audience engagement.
. esakal.com is Maharashtra’s most trusted digital news platform, carrying forward Sakal Media Group’s legacy.
esakal.com’s journey is a shining example of how a digital platform can thrive by staying true to its core values while embracing innovation. As Maharashtra’s leading digital news destination, esakal.com continues to set the standard for excellence in journalism.
News Broadcasting
Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
