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GeneralSource: The Hindu

India Ranks 96th in Corruption Perceptions Index 2024

Friday, 14 February 2025
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Key Points

India has been ranked 96th in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, falling from 93rd in 2023. This decline in ranking and score to 38 highlights ongoing issues of public sector corruption, impacting democracy and stability. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper 2, which covers governance and transparency. Last Updated: 2025-02-14

Key Facts About Corruption Perceptions Index 2024

  • India's CPI rank: 96th in 2024, down from 93rd in 2023.
  • CPI score: Declined to 38 from 39.
  • Top countries: Denmark, Finland, and Singapore are the least corrupt.
  • South Asian neighbors: Pakistan (135th), Sri Lanka (121st), Bangladesh (149th), China (76th).
  • Global trends: 32 countries reduced corruption since 2012; 148 stagnated or worsened.
  • Impact of corruption: Hinders climate action and misuses funds.
  • Corruption linked to: Declining democracy and human rights violations.
  • Transparency International: Publishes CPI annually since 1995.
  • Scale: Ranks countries from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Corruption and Its Impact on India's Governance

Corruption remains a significant barrier to India's economic and social development, affecting its global standing and internal governance. The decline in India's CPI ranking reflects challenges in public sector transparency, crucial for achieving strategic goals like sustainable development and economic growth. With a score of 38, India faces a pressing need to enhance its anti-corruption measures to improve governance and public trust.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

  • Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act: Establishes anti-corruption ombudsmen at the central and state levels.
  • Prevention of Corruption Act: Strengthens legal framework to combat corruption in public offices.
  • Central Vigilance Commission: Promotes integrity in public administration.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 2: Governance, transparency, and accountability.
  • Prelims: Questions on India's CPI rank, score, and global comparisons.
  • Mains: Analytical themes on corruption's impact on governance and development.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on corruption and its broader implications on democracy and development.

FAQ Section

  • What is the Corruption Perceptions Index? The CPI is an annual ranking by Transparency International that scores countries on perceived public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
  • Why is the CPI important? The CPI highlights the level of corruption in different countries, influencing international investment and governance reforms. India's score of 38 indicates significant challenges.
  • What are the key features of the CPI 2024? India ranks 96th with a score of 38, reflecting ongoing public sector corruption. The index shows global trends where 32 countries improved since 2012, while 148 stagnated or worsened.

Detailed Coverage

  • India's CPI rank: 96th in 2024, down from 93rd in 2023.
  • CPI score: Declined to 38 from 39.
  • Top countries: Denmark, Finland, and Singapore are the least corrupt.
  • South Asian neighbors: Pakistan (135th), Sri Lanka (121st), Bangladesh (149th), China (76th).
  • Global trends: 32 countries reduced corruption since 2012; 148 stagnated or worsened.
  • Impact of corruption: Hinders climate action and misuses funds.
  • Corruption linked to: Declining democracy and human rights violations.
  • Need for action: Urgent global response to corruption issues.
  • Transparency International: Publishes CPI annually since 1995.
  • Scale: Ranks countries from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
  • India's challenges: Reflect ongoing public sector corruption issues.
  • Broader implications: Affects democracy and stability in the region.
  • Corruption perception: A critical global challenge.
  • Significant report: Highlights need for reforms.
  • Global context: Corruption remains a pressing issue worldwide.
  • Public awareness: Essential for combating corruption.
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Practice Questions

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The Corruption Perceptions Index not only reflects the state of governance within a country but also serves as a critical tool for international observers. In which year was the Corruption Perceptions Index first published by Transparency International?