Holding 'powerful and corrupt to account'
Transparency International released Corruption Perceptions Index on Tuesday ranking the countries around the world based on the level of corruption. "We hold the powerful and corrupt to account, by exposing the systems and networks that enable corruption. We advocate for policies and build coalitions to change the status quo," its website says. (Image credit: lexica.art)
Where does India stand?
India ranked 96 out of 180 countries in the CPI for 2024 as its overall score dropped a point to 38. The country's overall score was 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. (Image credit: AP)
Where do Indian neighbours stand?
China was ranked 76 with a score of 43. Further, among neighboring countries, Pakistan ranked 135 and Sri Lanka 121, both struggling with low positions. Bangladesh ranked even lower at 149. (Image credit: AP)
Which are the least corrupt?
Denmark ranked first with a score of 90 followed by Finland with a score of 88.
Singapore and New Zealand at 3rd & 4th
Singapore was ranked third with a score of 84 and New Zealand, 4th, with a score of 83. "Western financial hubs like Switzerland (CPI score: 81 out of 100), Luxembourg (81) and the United Kingdom (71) have historically faced scrutiny for facilitating the movement of dirty money," the report said.
Three countries at 5th position
Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland ranked fifth with a score of 81.
'Must take urgent action': USA at 28th
The US ranked 28th with a score of 65 and the report cited an urgent need to address the issue. "With a regional average score of 42 out of a possible 100 points on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the Americas must take urgent action to control corruption," the report said. (Image credit: AP)
'Blocking progress towards sustainable world'
The report said that corruption in 2024 was "blocking progress towards sustainable world". "The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries," it said. (Image credit: lexica.art)