New Delhi, Feb 11: India has been ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with its score falling to 38, as reported by Transparency International on Tuesday.
The index assesses the perceived levels of public sector corruption across countries and territories based on expert and business feedback, using a scale from 0 to 100—where 0 indicates high corruption and 100 signifies low corruption.
India’s score dropped from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022, with its rank last year being 93rd.
Among neighboring countries, Pakistan ranked 135, Sri Lanka at 121, and Bangladesh further down at 149, while China stood at 76.
Denmark claimed the top spot as the least corrupt nation, followed by Finland and Singapore.
The 2024 CPI indicates that corruption remains a significant challenge worldwide, although progress has been observed in several nations.
Research highlights that corruption poses a major threat to climate initiatives, hindering efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
While 32 nations have made considerable strides in reducing corruption since 2012, many—148 in total—have either stagnated or worsened during the same timeframe.
The global average score of 43 has remained unchanged for several years, with more than two-thirds of nations scoring below 50. Countless individuals reside in countries where corruption cripples lives and undermines human rights.
“Millions suffer severe repercussions due to climate change as funds intended for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and protecting vulnerable communities are embezzled or misappropriated. Simultaneously, corruption hinders policies aimed at tackling the climate crisis and exacerbates environmental degradation,” emphasized the report.
Safeguarding climate action from corruption can enhance the efficacy of these vital initiatives, ultimately benefiting those in need.
Numerous countries with higher CPI scores possess the capability to promote corruption-resistant climate action globally; however, they often prioritize the interests of fossil fuel industries instead, the report highlighted.
“Some of these nations also host financial centers that attract illicit funds from corruption, environmental degradation, and other crimes. While the CPI does not quantify this, the presence of dirty money represents a significant corruption issue with repercussions that extend well beyond their borders,” it noted.
Corruption is not only a global challenge undermining development but is also a principal driver of declining democracy, instability, and human rights abuses. The report stressed that the international community and individual countries must prioritize tackling corruption as a critical and enduring goal.
“Addressing this issue is essential for countering authoritarianism and fostering a peaceful, free, and sustainable world. The concerning trends highlighted in this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index underline the urgent need for decisive action to confront global corruption,” it concluded. (Agencies)
