The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index indicates Denmark as the least corrupt country, with India falling to 96th place. The majority of nations score below 50, reflecting systemic corruption challenges. The report indicates declines in Western nations and a persistent corruption problem in South Asia and authoritarian regimes, underscoring the need for urgent reform to combat corruption globally.
According to the latest 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, Denmark has been ranked as the least corrupt nation for the second consecutive year, receiving a score of 90. Following Denmark are Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand, all recognized for their strong governance. In contrast, India fell in ranking, moving down from 93rd to the 96th position, with a score of 38 out of 100, indicating persistent corruption issues in its public sector.
The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories based on perceived public sector corruption, as gauged by experts and business leaders. The scoring system operates on a scale from zero, indicating severe corruption, to 100, indicating a very clean governance structure. India’s notable score of 38 reflects the challenges it continues to confront in addressing corruption.
In South Asia, neighboring countries are similarly struggling with corruption. Pakistan is ranked 135th, Sri Lanka at 121st, and Bangladesh at 149th, while China has managed a relatively better position at 76th. The report underscores that corruption is a pervasive issue throughout the region, with minimal progress evident among these nations.
Interestingly, the report reveals a concerning trend of declining corruption scores in several Western nations. The United States, for instance, dropped from 69 to 65 points, plummeting from 24th to 28th position. France and Germany similarly reported declines, with France losing four points and Germany three, falling to 15th place alongside Canada, indicating a broader troubling trend in established democracies.
The index highlights a worsening corruption environment in authoritarian regimes, particularly in Russia, which suffered a four-point decline due to the implications of its invasion of Ukraine. Conversely, Ukraine indicated slight progress in judicial independence and corruption prosecutions, though its score fell to 35 by a single point.
At the very bottom of the index, South Sudan and Somalia retained the most corrupt status with scores of 8 and 9, respectively. Venezuela and Syria were also among the most corrupt nations, with scores of 10 and 12. Transparency International emphasizes that corruption undermines economic growth and poses a significant risk to democracy and human rights.
The report warns that the ongoing high levels of global corruption inhibit efforts to address critical issues like climate change. Corruption not only complicates economic development but also obstructs climate initiatives due to the misallocation of funds. The report states, “Corruption in climate action leads to environmental damage, as funds intended for vital mitigation and adaptation efforts are stolen or misused.”
Immediate action is vital to tackle corruption, particularly regarding its influence on climate change policies. The report calls for stringent measures to safeguard climate funding from corrupt practices, which are crucial for mitigating adverse impacts on vulnerable populations worldwide.
In conclusion, the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals significant challenges in combating corruption globally, with Denmark leading as the least corrupt and India witnessing a decline in its ranking. The report highlights systemic corruption issues across several regions, particularly in South Asia and authoritarian regimes. It warns of the serious implications of corruption on democratic stability, economic growth, and global efforts to combat climate change, calling for urgent reforms to enhance accountability and transparency.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
