The story of the adaptation(s) of the VSBK technology and brick production processes in India is an example of collaboration among a range of partners coming from varied backgrounds, experience, expertise and skill sets, across formal and informal sectors, from artisans to technical experts and public sector agencies.

In this blog, Dr. Soumen Maity discusses Development Alternatives' view of innovation as the effective implementation of creative ideas. For Development Alternatives, technology goes beyond the mere creation of new products; it encompasses the entire product development process, emphasising the mechanisms that drive change and highlighting the importance of practical technologies for a thriving and sustainable India.

Rural India is driving change, but outdated finance systems are holding entrepreneurs back. In this editorial, Kanika Verma explores how new models—rooted in trust, flexibility, and innovation—are unlocking dignified finance for women and the ‘missing middle’. Through AI-driven underwriting, community-based credit, and a new Credit Guarantee Fund, a bold financial architecture is emerging—one that empowers first-time entrepreneurs, fuels aspirations, and moves finance closer to those who deserve it most.

Water is crucial for life, but water usage varies significantly by region, from 47 litres per person per day in Africa to 578 litres in the USA. The UN Water Summit highlights a potential 40% shortfall by 2030 due to pollution and misuse. In this blog, Dr Soumen Maity discusses the various initiatives taken by Development Alternatives that emphasises community awareness and innovative conservation strategies to address these challenges.

Bundelkhand faces significant climate challenges, but Development Alternatives is driving sustainable, community-led solutions for 4 decades now. In this blog, Maj. Gen. Rahul Bhardwaj highlights the impact of Radio Bundelkhand, a community radio station reaching over 150 villages.

By promoting gender-inclusive climate communication, the station empowers women to participate in discussions on sustainable practices, inspires individuals to take action, and trains community journalists to report on local climate issues. Through this initiative, Radio Bundelkhand strengthens resilience and fosters empowerment, particularly among women.

India’s urban population is projected to reach 1 billion by 2050, posing significant social, environmental, and economic challenges. Dr. Swayamprabha Das and Mohak Gupta emphasise that with the built environment contributing 38% of global carbon emissions, collaboration across architecture, planning, and industry is essential. They highlight the importance of engaging stakeholders and the government, as demonstrated by the National Mission for Sustainable Habitats. Key priorities for sustainable urban development include technological innovation, green public procurement, incentives for eco-friendly buildings, and improved access to green materials and skilled labor.

In this blog, Shrashtant Patara addresses job scarcity and rural imbalances despite economic growth. He highlights DA's 'SAMUDYAM' initiative, which promotes inclusive entrepreneurship and empowers job seekers. Patara emphasises the vital role of women in community development and notes that DA's sessions create dignified job opportunities, leading to a high survival rate for supported businesses and the establishment of over 1,600 new enterprises each month, boosting local economies.

COP29 is pivotal for global commitments to nature-based solutions, which address both climate change and biodiversity loss. Given Baku's context as a fossil fuel-rich city, it is a prime location for advancing these crucial pledges. In this blog, Dr Ashok Khosla says that civil society must ensure accountability by scrutinising commitments, and frameworks to keep entities on track.

This International Day of Rural Women, this blog is dedicated to highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by rural women and showcasing initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering them. Maj. General Rahul Bhardwaj urges us to recognise that empowering rural women is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for building resilient communities and a sustainable future.

The past five years have been the warmest ever, highlighting the need for urgent climate action. Achieving net-zero emissions is crucial for a sustainable future. In this blog, Dr Soumen Maity and Dr Debojyoti Basuroy discusses the benefits of green technologies and innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future.