Classical languages – Recent Additions and Their Contributions

Why in News?

The classical languages of India have contributed a large to the Indian literature and it is important to mention some of them.

What are the recently added classical languages?

• Already recognised languages – Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia, were earlier accorded the status of classical languages between 2004 to 2024.
• Languages added in 2024 – Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
• Marathi – It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly in Maharashtra, India.
• It boasts a rich literary history spanning more than a thousand years.
• With approximately 110 million native speakers, Marathi is one of the world’s top 15 most spoken languages.
• It traces its roots back more than 2500 years, originating from languages such as
  • Prachina Maharatthi
  • Marahatthi
  • Maharastri Prakrta
  • Apabhramsa Marathi.
• The language has undergone significant changes but has maintained its continuity through various historical phases.
• Modern Marathi evolved from ancient languages spoken in the region, starting with Maharastri Prakrta, a dialect of the Prakrit languages spoken during the Satavahana era (2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE).
• Pali – The study of Pali is essential for reconstructing the history of ancient India, as its literature contains valuable materials that shed light on the past.
• Many Pali texts are still hidden in manuscripts that are difficult to access.
• Pali continues to be studied in Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and regions like Chittagong, as well as in Japan, Korea, Tibet, China, and Mongolia, where most Buddhists live.
• The earliest references to Pali are found in the commentaries of the Buddhist scholar Buddhaghosa.
• Prakrit – Prakrit, representing a spectrum of Middle Indo-Aryan languages, is integral to understanding India's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
• This ancient language not only serves as a foundation for many modern Indian languages but also encapsulates the diverse traditions and philosophies that have shaped the subcontinent’s historical narrative.
• According to Adi Shankaracharya, "Vachah Prakrit Sanskritau Shrutigiro"- Prakrit and Sanskrit languages are the true vehicles of Indian wisdom.
• Assamese – The official language of Assam has its roots in Sanskrit, with its development tracing back to as early as the 7th century A.D.
• Its direct ancestor, however, is the Magadhi Apabhramsa, a dialect closely linked to the Eastern Prakrit. Linguist G.A.
• Grierson noted that Magadhi was the predominant dialect of the region, while the eastern counterpart, Pracya Apabhramsa, spread south and southeast, ultimately evolving into modern Bengali.
• As Pracya Apabhramsa expanded eastward, it crossed north of the Ganges and reached the Assam valley, where it transformed into Assamese.
• The earliest recorded mention of Assamese can be found in the Katha Gurucharit.
• The etymology of the term "Axomiya" (Assamese) is subject to diverse interpretations; some scholars link it to geographical features, while others connect it to the Ahom dynasty, which ruled the region for six centuries.
• The Brahmaputra valley, including North Bengal, is referred to as Pragjyotishpura in the Mahabharata and as Kamrupa in the pillar inscription of Samudragupta from the fourth century A.D.
• The anglicised term "Assam" originated from "Axom," denoting the Brahmaputra valley, and from this evolved "Assamese," referring to the language spoken in the region.
• By the eighth century A.D., Assamese was already flourishing as a language.
• Assamese shares a common linguistic heritage with Oriya and Bengali, all of which descended from the same parent dialect, Magadhi Apabhramsa.
• Bengali – It is one of India's most prominent languages, holds a significant place in the cultural and linguistic history of the subcontinent.
• Bengali has poets, authors, and scholars who have shaped not only Bengal's cultural identity but also India’s national consciousness.
• The earliest works in Bengali can be traced back to the 10th and 12th Century AD.
• From the earliest translations of Sanskrit epics to the revolutionary writings of the 19th and 20th centuries, Bengali literature has played a pivotal role in mobilising social, political, and intellectual movements.
• Bengali, along with Assamese and Oriya, as well as Magadhi, Maithili, and Bhojpuri, forms a linguistic group in the south-east zone, along with the languages.
• Its immediate source can be traced back to the Magadhi Prakrit, also known as Eastern Prakrit, which originated from Magadh (or Bihar).
• The language of Gauda-Banga, with other eastern languages, developed through Magadh Apabhramsa.
• Genetically, Bengali is derived from Indo-Aryan (IA) languages, which belong to the Indic sub-branch of the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family.

What are the contribution of the recently added classical languages?

• Contribution of Marathi languages – The Gathasaptasati, the earliest known Marathi literary work, is around 2000 years old and highlights the excellence of early Marathi poetry.
• It is a collection of poetry attributed to the Satavahana King Hala, believed to have been compiled in the 1st century CE.
• Following this, Lilacharitra and Jnanesvari emerged after Marathi reached a mature linguistic stage about eight centuries ago.
• Many stone inscriptions, copper plates, manuscripts, and old religious texts (pothis) beautifully show Marathi's rich historical roots.
• The Naneghata inscription is an extraordinary artefact that highlights the use of Marathi over 2500 years ago.
• Additionally, Marathi is mentioned in ancient Indian writings, including the Vinayapitaka, Dipavamsa, and Mahavamsa, as well as works by renowned authors such as Kalidasa and Vararuci.
• Marathi’s literary heritage includes works by saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, and Tukaram, among many others, whose contributions remain widely revered.
• Contribution of Pali Language – Pali is a rich tapestry woven from various dialects, adopted by Buddhist and Jain sects in ancient India as their sacred language.
• Lord Buddha, who lived around 500 B.C., used Pali to deliver his sermons, making it a key medium for spreading his teachings.
• The entire corpus of Buddhist canonical literature is written in Pali, most notably the Tipitaka, which means "Threefold Basket."
  • Vinaya Pitaka – It outlines the monastic rules for Buddhist monks, providing a framework for ethical conduct and community living.
  • Sutta Pitaka – It is a treasure trove of speeches and dialogues attributed to the Buddha, encapsulating his wisdom and philosophical insights.
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka – It explores into various topics related to ethics, psychology, and the theory of knowledge, offering a profound analysis of the mind and reality.
• Pali literature includes the Jataka Kathas, non-canonical tales of the Buddha’s previous lives as the Bodhisattva or future Buddha.
• These stories connect with Indian common heritage, reflecting shared moral values and traditions.
• Together, they highlight Pali's role in preserving Indian thought and spirituality.
• Contribution of Prakrit Language – The Prakrit is widely acknowledged among linguists and scholars.
• Acharyas like Panini, Chand, Vararuchi, and Samantbhadra shaped its grammar.
• Prakrit was used by Mahatma Buddha and Mahavira to deliver sermons, helping them reach the masses.
• Its influence is seen in regional literature, with dramatic, poetic, and philosophical works contributing to fields such as astrology, mathematics, geology, chemistry, and botany.
• Prakrit is vital to Indian linguistics and dialects and has a rich legacy. The Rastrabhasha Hindi tradition is developed from Prakrit-Apabhransa.
• Vedic language also shows significant Prakrit elements, highlighting the importance of studying it to understand India’s linguistic evolution.
• Prakrit inscriptions serve as vital historical records, providing insights into India’s past.
• The inscriptions from the pre-Mauryan period, as well as those from King Ashoka and Kharvel, are primarily written in Prakrit.
• Acharya Bharatmuni, in his seminal work ‘Natyashastra,’ recognised Prakrit as the language of the majority of Indians, rich in artistic expression and cultural diversity.
• This acknowledgement emphasises Prakrit's accessibility and importance as a mode of communication among the common people.
• Languages like Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi trace their development back to Prakrit, highlighting the importance of understanding Prakrit literature for a comprehensive grasp of the origins and evolution of modern languages.
• Literary Contributions of Assamese Language – The earliest example of pre-modern Assamese script is found in the Charyapadas.
• Charyapadas are  ancient Buddhist Tantric texts composed by Buddhist Siddhacharyas and dates back to times between the 8th and 12th centuries.
• The Charyapadas share a close relationship with Assamese and other Magadhan languages, revealing the evolutionary stages of several Indian languages.
• The vocabulary in the Charyapadas includes words that are distinctly Assamese.
• Additionally, in terms of phonetics and morphology, the vocabulary closely resembles typical Assamese words, many of which have remained in the modern language.
• Literary Contributions of Bengali Language – The earliest extant specimens of ancient Bangla are the 47 spiritual hymns now known as charyapada composed by Buddhist monks.
• The Charyapada hymns possess both linguistic and literary value.
• The Siddhacharya, or composers of the Charyapada hymns, include Luipa, Bhusukupa, kahnapa and Savarpa.
• The earliest Bengali literary works can be traced back to the 10th and 12th centuries AD, initiated by extensive translations of great Sanskrit epics.
• The 16th century marked a turning point with religious reforms led by Chaitanyaand and the sacred law fostered by Raghunath and Raghunandan.
• The subsequent centuries witnessed the rise of original compositions, with notable figures such as Mukunda Ram, often referred to as the "Chaucer of Bengal," and later literary masters like Bharat Chandra and Ram Prasad.
• The 19th century marked a golden era for Bengali literature, with influential figures such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar making significant contributions.
• Newspapers like Samvad Kaumudi, Som Prakash, and Bande Mataram played pivotal roles during the freedom struggle, highlighting the power of the written word in mobilising the masses.
• Bankim Chandra Chatterjee pioneered Bengali fiction, while poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Sukanta Bhattacharya, and Kaji Nazrul Islam significantly contributed to the literary revolution that fuelled the fight for independence.
• Slogans like 'Jai Hind' by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and 'Vande Mataram' by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay resonated throughout the nation, inspiring generations.
• Our National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', composed by Rabindranath Tagore and our National song 'Vande Mataram' by Bankim Chandra have both emerged out of Bengali poets.

Reference

PIB| Recently Added Classical Languages of India

Navigating India’s Maritime Path

Why in news?

India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformative journey under the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) and the ambitious Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

What is Maritime India Vision 2030?

• Comprehensive roadmap – It is a comprehensive roadmap to develop India's maritime sector, encompassing ports, shipping, and waterways.
• Launched in - 2021
• It outlines over 150 initiatives to make India a global maritime leader by modernizing infrastructure, improving logistics efficiency, and promoting sustainability.

Nearly 95% of the country’s trade by volume & around 70% by value moves through maritime routes.

• Promoter of growth – More than a blueprint for cargo movement, MIV 2030 is a catalyst for trade, investment, and employment, charting India’s course toward economic growth and global competitiveness.

How has India’s ports sector evolved between 2014 and 2025?

• Capacity expansion – Total port capacity nearly doubled from 1,400 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 2,762 MMTPA due to significant infrastructure investments.
• Cargo growth – Cargo volumes rose from 972 MMT to 1,594 MMT, with major ports handling 855 million tonnes in FY 2024–25, up from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023–24.
• Efficiency gains – Average vessel turnaround time improved dramatically from 93 hours to 48 hours, enhancing overall productivity and global competitiveness.
• Net surplus growth – Annual surplus jumped from Rs. 1,026 crore to Rs. 9,352 crore, reflecting stronger revenue and better cost control.
• Efficiency boost – Operating ratio improved from 73% to 43%, indicating more sustainable and profitable operations.

How has India’s shipping sector evolved between 2014 and 2025?

• Fleet expansion – Indian-flagged vessels has charted steady growth from 1,205 to 1,549, expanding India’s maritime presence.
• Capacity growth – Gross tonnage of Indian fleet rose from 10 million gross tonnes (MGT) to 13.52 MGT, enhancing shipping strength.
• Coastal shipping surge – Cargo movement nearly doubled from 87 MMT to 165 MMT, promoting cost-effective and eco-friendly transport modes.

How has India’s Inland Waterways evolved between 2014 and 2025?

• Cargo surge – As per the reports of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the cargo movement rose from 18 MMT in 2014 to 146 MMT in 2025 — a 710% increase.
• Network expansion – No of operational waterways expanded from 3 to 29, enhancing India’s inland transport network.
• Infrastructure boost – Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal built with World Bank support, was handed over to IRC Natural Resources under the PPP model, enhancing inland waterway infrastructure and promoting multimodal logistics.
• Passenger growth – Ferry and Ro-Pax services (a ship that carries both vehicles and passengers) carried over 7.5 crore passengers in 2024–25, showing rising public preference for water-based travel.

How has India’s seafaring workforce evolved between 2014 and 2025?

• Workforce expansion – Increased from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh in 10 years, now represents 12% of the global seafaring workforce.
• Top supplier – Ranked among the world’s top three providers of trained seafarers.
• Career opportunities – Boosts prospects in navigation, ship operations, logistics, and maritime industries both domestically and internationally.

How the major investments made between 2014 and 2025 contributed to the transformation of India’s maritime sector?

• MIV 2030 Vision – Rs. 3–3.5 lakh crore projected across ports, shipping, and inland waterways.
• Shipbuilding boost – Rs. 69,725 crore package to revitalize the maritime ecosystem.
• Maritime Development Fund (MDF) – Rs. 25,000 crore for long-term financing of shipping and shipbuilding.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) – Rs. 24,736 crore to offset domestic cost disadvantages and promote ship-breaking.
• Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) – Rs. 19,989 crore for greenfield clusters, yard expansion, and risk coverage.
• Indian Ship Technology Centre (ISTC), Visakhapatnam – Rs. 305 crore hub for ship design, R&D, engineering, and skill development.
• Northeast infrastructure – Rs. 1,000+ crore has been invested in the development of Inland Waterway Infrastructure.
• River Tourism upgrade – 2 luxury cruise ships currently being built at the Hooghly Cochin Shipyard in Howrah, Kolkata .
• To launch in 2027, on Brahmaputra river to transform Assam’s river tourism landscape, under Cruise Bharat Mission.
• Sagarmala Programme – 840 projects are being implemented by 2035, which focuses on cutting logistics costs, enhancing trade efficiency, and creating employment through smarter, greener transport networks.

Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative to transform India into a global maritime hub - core pillar of the MIV 2030 & Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

What are the future prospects?

• Strategic Vision – India’s maritime sector is entering a decisive decade, with new laws, mega projects, and global investment ambitions shaping the Maritime India Vision 2030.
• MIV 2030 & Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outline a Rs. 80 lakh crore roadmap for ports, coastal shipping, inland waterways, shipbuilding, and green initiatives.

India is preparing to not only meet its trade demands but also emerge as a maritime leader.

• Focus on green corridors, green hydrogen bunkering at major ports, and methanol-fueled vessels to drive sustainable maritime operations.
• Over 300 actionable initiatives aim to position India among the top global maritime and shipbuilding powers by 2047.
• Major milestones & MoUs – At the Samudra Se Samriddhi event (Sept 2025), 27 MoUs worth Rs. 66,000 crore were signed.
• It aims at creating more than 1.5 lakh jobs across port infrastructure, shipping, shipbuilding, sustainable mobility, finance, and heritage.

What are the some of the notable projects  that further reinforce India’s vision?

• Bahuda Greenfield Port, Odisha – 150 MTPA capacity, with an expected investment of Rs. 21,500 crore.
• Patna Water Metro – Using electric ferry system, valued at around Rs. 908 crore.
• A strategic Vessel Owning Joint Venture Company between Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) & Oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to reduce foreign fleet dependence and boost Indian-built ships.
• Shipbuilding MoUs – Across five states with major yard investments and financing tie-ups.
• Lothal Lighthouse Museum – Rs. 266 crore investment at the National Maritime Heritage Complex to preserve maritime heritage.
• Initiatives of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) – 8 new projects including cruise gate for international tourists, 150-bed multi-speciality hospital under PPP mode, etc, to enhance user experience and operational capacity.

What lies ahead?

• With Maritime India Vision 2030, the nation is not just building ports, it’s building futures, empowering millions with jobs, skills, and sustainable growth.
• This is India’s moment to rise as a global maritime leader, proving that vision, strategy, and determination can turn waves into pathways of prosperity.

Quick Facts

Reference

PIB | India’s Maritime Path: From Vision 2030 to Amrit Kaal 2047

Bailout plan for State-run power distribution companies

Why in news?

In a major move to revive India’s struggling discoms, the government is considering multiple reform measures to improve their financial health.

• India is considering a bailout plan of exceeding Rs. 1 trillion ($12 billion) to support these reforms and put discoms on a sustainable growth path.

Bailout – When a government or big organization gives money to a struggling company or industry to avoid failure. They can take the form of loans, cash infusions, and/or stock purchases.

• Aim – To improve the financial health of the  debt-laden state-run power distribution companies.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Power.

Key proposals  

• Mandatory privatization – States would be required to ensure that at least 20% of the State’s total power consumption must be met by private companies.
• The states must assume part of the retailer’s debt.
• Partial divestment to pay off existing debt –
  • Create a new distribution company, divest 51% equity, and gain access to long-term, interest-free loans and 5 years of low-interest federal loans.
  • Privatize up to 26% of an existing state-owned discom's equity in exchange for 5 years of low-interest federal funding.
• Listing in Stock Exchange – Alternative to privatization, states that decide to retain their managerial control must list their utilities on a recognized stock exchange within 3 years to receive low-interest loans for infrastructure management.
• Cost reflective tariffs – Recommends to make electricity tariffs more cost-reflective, aiming to reduce losses and ensure operational viability.

Cost-reflective means that the price charged for a service, like electricity, reflects its actual cost of production and supply.

• Elimination of banking for open access – It currently allows power producers to store surplus energy for later use, help improve the efficiency & financial performance of key lenders like Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
• Present privatized distribution zones — Including Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

References

1. The Hindu | Bail-out plan for State power distributors
2. CNBCtv18 | Bail-out plan for State power distributors

 CALIBRE Research Centre

Why in news?

Recently, NCBS and ICTS announce establishment of Centre for Artificial Learning and Intelligence for Biological Research and Education (CALIBRE).

• CALIBRE – It will be an interdisciplinary centre dedicated to advancing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in biological research, education and innovation.
• Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Established jointly by – National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) + International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) - both under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Funding – It will be set up    from Reed India Consulting LLP, a private company in India that provides financial consulting services.
• Primary objectives – 
  • Establish state-of-the-art infrastructure to harness the power of AI to transform biology research.
  • Develop advanced AI tools for basic, applied, and translational biology research.
  • Employ neuromorphic, brain-inspired computing approaches to advance AI technology.
  • Provide education and training to young Indian researchers to apply AI tools in biological research.
  • Create named Chair Professorships and Research Travel Fellowships to support biology research.
• Areas of application – It will cover a wide range of biological scales, from molecules to forest ecosystems, and apply AI to fields such as medicine, agriculture, public health, and ecology to provide science-based solutions.
• Focus – The initiative focuses on "AI for Biology and Biology for AI," will serve as the national hub where biological insight meets AI innovation.

References

1. The Hindu | NCBS + ICTS announce  - CALIBRE
2. New Indian Express | Agreement signed, establish national AI centre
3. ICTS | CALIBRE

‘Model Youth Gram Sabha’ (MYGS) Initiative

Why in news?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) on 30th October 2025 in New Delhi.

• MYGS – It is  first of its kind initiative to promote participatory local governance by engaging students in simulated Gram Sabha sessions.
• Launched by – Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Tribal Affairs.
• Implementation – In a phased manner, across more than 1,000 schools nationwide,
  • Including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and
  • State Government Schools (Maharashtra & Karnataka volunteered to participate).
• Aligned with – National Education Policy 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Features –

• Student-led exercise – It is a school-based programme where students will stage mock Gram Sabha sessions, much like the popular Model United Nations or youth parliaments.
• Participants – The students in grades 9 to 12 will act as sarpanch, ward members, and villagers, debating issues and passing resolutions on matters that affect community life.
• Other initiatives – A dedicated Training Module and the MYGS Portal to facilitate effective implementation of the initiative.
• Scope – If successful, the programme could be scaled up nationwide, making the Gram Sabha as familiar to students like the Parliament Sessions on television.

India has about 2.68 lakh Gram Panchayats or Gram Sabhas, while the total number of villages is much higher at around 6.65 lakh.

• Significance – It would act as a potent incubator for future leadership, imparting essential skills and a strong ethical foundation that goes beyond textbooks.

References

1. PIB | Launch of Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS)
2. Mint | Rural schools to host model gram sabhas

Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project

Why in news?

Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) has signed agreements with leading implementation partners to roll out the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot.

• Aim – To transforming rural India through a seamless integration of physical and digital services leveraging BharatNet Infrastructure.
• Under the – Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Duration – For 2 years after commissioning of the Samriddhi Kendra in the village (Extensions beyond 2 years - based on performance by DoT).
• Objectives –
  • Deliver citizen-focused services in rural areas using phygital model powered by BharatNet broadband.
  • Merge scattered government services into a single, assisted village-level platform to boost access and adoption.
  • Expand broadband use through FTTH and public Wi-Fi in pilot villages to build a scalable model for rural digital empowerment.

Key features 

• Phygital model – It is envisaged as a pioneering phygital (physical + digital) Services model integrating on-ground presence with robust digital infrastructure to empower rural citizens.
• Leverages BharatNet – The program leverages the BharatNet broadband infrastructure to deliver integrated services and accelerate the adoption of government schemes in rural areas.
• Support provided – DoT will facilitate the pilot by providing necessary support such as suitable building/space, high-speed Internet connectivity, and funding support under TTDF.
• Samriddhi Kendra (SK) – A comprehensive suite of services, which will serve as an integrated digital service hub.
• DoT has identified 3 villages to carry out the pilot project.
• Implementation partners –
  • Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) – Ari & Umri, Madhya Pradesh;
  • I-Novate Infotech Private Limited – Chaurawala, Uttar Pradesh;
  • Corpus Enterprises Private Limited – Narakoduru, Andhra Pradesh.
• Multiple services by SK –
  • Education & Skilling – Smart classrooms, AR/VR-based learning, digital skilling aligned with government schemes/initiatives.
  • Agriculture – IoT-based soil testing, drone support, smart irrigation systems.
  • Healthcare – Teleconsultations, Health ATMs, emergency care.
  • e-Governance – Assisted access to citizen services, documentation, grievance redressal.
  • E-Commerce – Integration with ONDC and digital marketplaces for local entrepreneurship.
  • Financial Inclusion – Digital banking & payments

References

1. PIB | Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project
2. TTDF | Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project

Adaptation Gap Report, 2025

Why in news?

Recently, the Adaptation Gap Report: Running on Empty, 2025 is released by UNEP.

• It reports about how international financial flows are failing to keep pace with accelerating climate impacts.
• Released by – UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• It is released ahead of COP30 of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Belem, Brazil next month.

Key findings

• Financial requirement – By 2035, developing countries will require $310-365 billion annually, nearly 12 times more than their currently gets from the developed countries.
• Disappointing new climate target – At COP-29, Baku, Azerbaijan, developed countries agreed to only $300 billion annually by 2035 (demand - nearly $1.3 trillion) - New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.
• However, this target is insufficient to meet adaptation needs alone, especially since the $300 billion figure is not adjusted for inflation.
• Decreasing support – International public adaptation finance from developed nations to developing countries fell from $28 billion in 2022 to $26 billion in 2023, exacerbating the funding gap.
• Missing the target – Target agreed upon by countries at the COP-26 in Glasgow - to double adaptation finance to $40 billion by 2025 - will be “missed”, if these declining trends continues.
• Debt-heavy climate finance – Most of the money currently available for climate adaptation is in the form of debt, not grants.
• In 2022–2023, 70% of international adaptation finance was concessional (low-interest/favorable terms), but 58% of total finance still came through debt instruments.
• Raised concerns –
  • About long-term affordability, equity,
  • Risk of an adaptation investment trap where rising climate disasters increase indebtedness, make it harder for countries to invest in adaptation.
  • Vulnerable countries like least developed countries & small island developing countries, which have contributed little to climate change but suffer its worst effects.
  • Non-concessional loans have now surpassed concessional ones, mainly affecting middle-income countries.
• Betrayal for vulnerable countries – For decades, the developing and vulnerable countries have their own adaptation plans (172 countries), but rich nations have largely failed to deliver their promises (finance flows decreasing last year).
• Role of the private sector – The private sector is not contributing enough, but with targeted policy action & blended finance solutions, its contribution could increase significantly, potentially reaching $50 billion per year.

References

1. The Hindu | UNEP’s Running on Empty report
2. UNEP |Adaptation Gap Report, 2025