Context: 

Recently released, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index positions India at 93 out of 180 countries.

What is Corruption According to Transparency International?

• Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. 
• It erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.

Key Findings of Corruption Perceptions Index 2023: 

• Global Level

  • The global Average remains stagnant at a mere 43, with most countries showing no improvement or experiencing a decline over the past decade.
  • Furthermore, this year witnessed 23 countries reaching their lowest scores ever recorded.
• Asia Pacific region: The average score is stagnated at 45, New Zealand ranked 3rd with a score of 85, Singapore at 5th & 14th with scores of 83 and 75 respectively.

• India’s Score in Corruption Perceptions Index 2023

• India has tied with Maldives, Kazakhstan &  Lesotho to rank at 93 with a score of 39, only small fluctuations from the previous year’s score of 40.
  • Compared to our neighbouring countries, China scored 42 with a rank of 76 & Pakistan 29 with a rank of 133.

What is the Corruption Perception Index (CPI)?

• Released by:  Transparency International.
• It shows that corruption is thriving across the world. 
• The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the globe by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

About Transparency International

• It is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organisation, collaborating with like-minded partners worldwide to end the injustice of corruption.
• It was founded in 1993 based in Berlin, Germany.
• It operates as a global movement in over 100 countries, dedicated to eradicating the injustice of corruption. 
  • It works on issues that have the most significant impact on people’s lives, holding those in power accountable for the greater good. 
  • Through advocacy, campaigns, and research, it strives to uncover the systems and networks that foster corruption, advocating for increased transparency and integrity in all aspects of public life.

News Source: Indian Express