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.

In this blog, Dr Ashok Khosla discusses the work of Development Alternatives (DA) in the Bundelkhand region in 1985, under the leadership of Air Vice Marshal Surinder Sahni. He recounts the various programs initiated by the organisation to combat poverty, restore the environment, and promote sustainable livelihoods. He notes that DA’s work in the region serves as a model for holistic and cost-effective interventions in impoverished areas.

In today's rapidly evolving world, young people have the potential to drive sustainable development. However, they need the necessary skills to overcome challenges related to their backgrounds and market access. In this blog, Maj. Gen. Rahul Bhardwaj and Mohd. Azeem discuss various programmes being implemented to equip young people with technical, vocational, and soft skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Collective action has been an integral part of Development Alternatives’ approach to creating impact at scale. In this blog, written by CEO, Development Alternatives, Shrashtant Patara, discusses DA’s efforts in collective action and social innovation in entrepreneurship to generate widespread impact. It also outlines how DA has been prioritizing building partnerships, engaging deeply with rural communities, and promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth.

Land degradation, desertification and drought are pressing crises that impact ecosystems, agriculture, biodiversity and human societies. India is experiencing land degradation and desertification, driven by natural factors and human activities. In this blog, Dr Swayamprabha Das discusses various measures India is taking to counter this issue.

Technology innovation involves developing new products or processes that disrupt the way we work and live. In this blog, Dr Soumen Maity describes TARA’s work on profitable implementation of creative ideas that brings about a disruptive change in people's lives. He explains how TARA focuses on developing technologies that are climate-friendly, resource-efficient, socially acceptable and profitable.

In this blog, Zeenat Niazi discusses the need for novel forms of learning to plan for resilient water systems in human settlements. Resilient systems require flexible internal structures that can adapt or transform to deliver desired outcomes in response to changing circumstances. Learning mechanisms within governance and management systems are critical to ensure adaptive capacities. However, most monitoring and evaluation systems used by local governance in India are merely trackers and do not bridge with learning to support planning and plan implementation. The editorial suggests four areas of consideration to address this issue.

Gender equality is crucial for any nation's economic growth and development. India is witnessing women entrepreneurs breaking gender norms and making a place for themselves in decision-making. They are being included in mainstream economic activities and co-creating entrepreneurship solutions that align with the local community's needs. In this blog, Kanika Verma discusses how women entrepreneurs are creating numerous job opportunities and solving local challenges. She highlights the ways women entrepreneurs have come together, creating solidarity networks and unlocking resources that provide access to renewable energy and digital technology.

Radio Bundelkhand is a community radio station that empowers the local community in the Bundelkhand region of India. In this blog, Maj. Gen Rahul Bhardwaj and Aakriti Uttam discusses the radio station's work in climate change adaptation and other development information in the region and its transforming actions and decisions at the grassroots towards a more climate-resilient and sustainable society.