As the Government of India aims to improve the quality of rural housing through the flagship Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin, this study analyses a host of housing typologies from across the country that can be recommended to build quality, sustainable and disaster resilient homes. The study identifies a range of rural technologies, based on locally available skill sets and building materials, that can be adopted immediately by 11 states to realise this vision. The study is a result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Rural Development and the United Nations Development Programme in 10 states, and with the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, in 3 states.

Many households have begun to benefit from newly constructed toilets with bathrooms via a two-and-a-half-year partnership between the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, the Government of Jharkhand and UNDP.

Watch how local fishing communities are coming together to conserve whale sharks in the east coast of India, and contributing to conserving the rich marine life of the area.

Kiran, a vaccine cold chain handler in the desert state of Rajasthan in India, explains how the electronic vaccine intelligence network has made management of vaccine stocks much simpler. eVIN is a mobile and web app that enables real-time visibility of vaccine stocks across all vaccine storage centres encouraging effective vaccine logistics management.

India has pledged about USD 10.95 million for development activities across several UN bodies for the year 2017. "India has been a regular contributor to the UN since its founding. India believes that the UN should have the necessary resources to finance, in an appropriate and balanced manner, the activities and programmes of its three main pillars; Peace and security, Development and Human Rights," First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said at a Pledging Conference for Development Activities on November 7.

India Skills Report 2017 presents a quantitative and qualitative analysis of demand and supply in the labour market. The report takes stock of the talent landscape by analysing the employability of youth and the needs and expectations of employers. Currently in its fourth edition, it also captures various initiatives taken by the government and its impact on economic growth. The report is a joint initiative by Confederation of Indian Industry, PeopleStrong, Wheebox, UNDP and AICTE.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Initiatives, Singapore will welcome over 600 business & sustainability leaders, senior government officials, UN agencies, NGOs from across the globe for the Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development (RBF) in Singapore on 22-24 November 2016.

ON DD News | Preparations and Investments Crucial for Disaster Risk Reduction Says Jaco Cilliers

One of the fastest growing economies in the world, India still faces significant challenges from rising inequality and service delivery shortfalls, particularly in poor communities. UNDP is helping the Government of India to meet these challenges through the Development Support Services. Funded with a combination of domestic and international finance, these allow the ready application of UNDP expertise and technical resources, on demand, to current and emerging development priorities. Services are carefully chosen to unlock rapid progress, on a large scale, under flagship national and state development programmes.

Functional and Aesthetically Pleasing Low-cost Housing Could Make A Difference

Stories from 25 years of environmental innovation for sustainable development

Young women like Muskaan in Maharashtra are spreading the word that women can secure meaningful jobs. Watch how a growing cadre of committed young women are pushing change in their communities.

We're bringing together young leaders, youth related regional institutions, civil society and experts from Asia-Pacific. We are focusing on core challenges of online civic space, as well as practical solutions and considerations for action. Speakers will include young researchers, activists and practitioners, civil society and development organisations, governance experts and country representatives. Do you want to join us?

A new initiative in Jharkhand aims to rejuvenate the Ganga river by improving sanitation practices and linking them to livelihoods. This exciting partnership was launched by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, NAMAMI GANGE and the Government of Jharkhand. Its supported by UNDP. Watch the launch of the project here.