Brands
CFTI launches Cup of Care to boost rural women’s menstrual health
MUMBAI: Centre For Transforming India (CFTI) has rolled out its new campaign, The Cup of Care, aiming to provide low-income women in Raigad with sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. The initiative seeks to tackle menstrual poverty and promote dignity through affordable, medically tested silicone cups.
Menstrual hygiene remains a challenge across India, with 42 per cent of women in Maharashtra relying on unhygienic methods. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, the numbers rise sharply above 60 per cent. High costs of sanitary products often prevent women from accessing safe options. Menstrual cups, which are GST-free, offer a long-term and eco-friendly alternative, giving up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection and reducing risks of infections and discomfort, especially for women working in agriculture or informal sectors.
CFTI’s campaign not only addresses health and hygiene but also environmental sustainability. India produces over 113,000 tons of sanitary napkin waste annually, much of it unmanaged in rural areas. The Cup of Care blends affordability, health, dignity, education, and practicality into a single initiative.
CFTI founder Chitralekha Patil said, “True transformation begins with giving women the dignity and freedom they deserve. The Cup of Care is not just a campaign; it is a movement towards long-term empowerment and change. Our goal is to reach every village still struggling and ensure that no woman compromises her health due to financial constraints. This campaign marks the start of a larger national effort, inviting citizens, organisations, and policymakers to build a future where menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege.”
The campaign encourages open conversations, promotes eco-friendly choices, and empowers women to take control of their menstrual health.
CFTI, established in 2009 and recognised by NITI Aayog, has transformed rural communities through education, skill development, water and sanitation projects, women’s empowerment, and healthcare initiatives. Its work has reached over 85,000 lives, built sustainable homes, improved school infrastructure, strengthened water security, and enhanced community well-being through skill and sports programmes. Partnerships with organisations such as PPFAS Asset Management, Vodafone Foundation, JSW, and Swades Foundation have amplified the impact, helping CFTI scale its solutions to the most underserved communities.
With The Cup of Care, CFTI continues its mission to blend dignity, health, and sustainability, ensuring rural women can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and sustainably.
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.
