CPI 2024: Transparency International has released the latest ranking of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024. This ranking is based on the perceived level of corruption in the public sector across 180 countries and regions.

CPI 2024: Transparency International released the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report on February 11, 2025, showing a decline in India’s position. In 2023, India was ranked 93rd, while in 2024, it dropped three spots to 96th.

India and Its Neighboring Countries’ Rankings
Among India’s neighboring countries, China maintains its position at 76th, meaning no change in its ranking. Pakistan’s situation has worsened, dropping from 133rd to 135th. Sri Lanka is ranked 121st, and Bangladesh is at 149th.

Top and Worst Ranked Countries
Denmark ranks first among the least corrupt countries, followed by Finland in second place and Singapore in third. On the other hand, South Sudan, ranked 180th, has the highest corruption levels. The countries at the top have the least corruption, while those at the bottom experience the most.

India’s Declining CPI Score
India’s CPI score decreased from 39 in 2023 to 38 in 2024. This score has been gradually falling in recent years, from 40 in 2022 to 38 now. As a result, India’s ranking has dropped by three positions. The global average score remains at 43, with two-thirds of countries scoring below 50, indicating that corruption is a global issue.

How is the CPI Ranking Determined?
Transparency International experts assess corruption in the public sector of each country. Based on this, a score between 0 and 100 is assigned. A lower score indicates higher corruption, while a higher score suggests lower corruption. This score determines each country’s ranking.

Corruption in India
Comparing India’s position from 2005 to 2024, there hasn’t been significant improvement under both the UPA and NDA governments. In 2006-07, India’s ranking improved to 70th and 72nd, but by 2013, it fell to 94th. Under the Modi government in 2015, India performed best, reaching 76th. However, the situation has remained stagnant, and in 2024, India has dropped to 96th, which is concerning.

Corruption in Asia
Over the last five years, the CPI score for Asian countries has remained around 45, and this year it is 44. Few countries have reduced corruption during this period, while most have seen a deterioration. Among 71 Asian countries, the score is below average, indicating that corruption remains a significant issue. The report also highlights that corruption has led to attacks on independent press, reducing transparency and increasing corruption.

Impact of Corruption on Climate Change
According to the CPI report, corruption is not only a threat to economic and political stability but also undermines efforts to tackle climate change. Funds allocated for climate policies often fail to reach the right places due to corruption, resulting in incomplete environmental projects and exacerbating problems like global warming.