Corruption remains a significant global challenge, affecting governance, democracy, and development. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, released by Transparency International, ranks India at 96th position out of 180 countries, with a score of 38—a decline from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. The CPI evaluates nations based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Key Findings of CPI 2024
India’s Ranking and Score
- India ranked 96th out of 180 countries.
- Score: 38 (down from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022).
- India ranked 93rd in 2023 and 40th in 2022.
Global and Regional Rankings
- Denmark (1st) is the least corrupt nation, followed by Finland (2nd) and Singapore (3rd).
- South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, and Syria are ranked among the most corrupt nations.
Watch: Daily Current Affairs
India’s neighbors
- Pakistan: 135th
- Sri Lanka: 121st
- Bangladesh: 149th
- China: 76th
Most Corrupt Nations (Bottom Rankings)
- South Sudan – Lowest score (8 points), displacing Somalia.
- Somalia – 9 points.
- Venezuela – 10 points.
- Syria – 12 points.
Corruption and Climate Action
- Corruption threatens climate initiatives, hindering emission reductions and adaptation efforts.
- Misuse of funds meant for climate action worsens global heating effects.
- Undue influence and bribery obstruct policies aimed at environmental protection.
Global Corruption Trends
- United States dropped from 69 to 65 points, ranking 28th (down from 24th).
- France fell from 71 to 67 points, ranking 25th (down from 20th).
- Germany dropped from 78 to 75 points, ranking 15th (down from 9th).
- Mexico dropped five points to 26 due to judicial inaction on corruption.
- Russia fell from 26 to 22 points, further impacted by its invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukraine declined one point to 35, but showed progress in judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts.
Trends in Corruption Levels
- 32 countries have reduced corruption levels since 2012.
- 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened in the same period.
- The global average CPI score remains at 43, indicating limited improvement.
- More than two-thirds of countries score below 50, showing widespread corruption issues.
Challenges and Recommendations
- Corruption fuels democratic decline, instability, and human rights violations.
- Developed nations with high CPI scores often protect fossil-fuel interests rather than fighting corruption.
- Financial hubs in wealthy nations facilitate illicit funds, worsening corruption worldwide.
- Urgent global action is required to combat corruption for a sustainable and democratic future.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | India’s Rank in Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 |
India’s Rank (2024) | 96th out of 180 countries |
India’s Score (2024) | 38 (Dropped from 39 in 2023) |
India’s Rank (2023) | 93rd |
Top 3 Least Corrupt | 1. Denmark 2. Finland 3. Singapore |
Most Corrupt Nations | South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria |
India’s Neighbors’ Ranks | Pakistan (135), Sri Lanka (121), Bangladesh (149), China (76) |
Global CPI Average | 43 (No improvement for years) |
Countries Improving (Since 2012) | 32 reduced corruption significantly |
Countries Worsening/Stagnant | 148 remained stagnant or worsened |
Corruption & Climate Impact | Misuse of climate funds, policy obstruction |
Key Concern | Corruption fuels instability, authoritarianism |
Call to Action | Global efforts needed for transparency & governance |