Denmark tops the Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 as the least corrupt country, while India ranks 96th, down three positions. The report reveals worsening corruption levels in numerous nations, including the United States and France. South Sudan ranks lowest, emphasizing the urgent need for global action against corruption, which jeopardizes development and climate efforts.
New Delhi: Denmark has been ranked as the least corrupt country globally, followed by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024, which measures public sector corruption. The report by Transparency International places India at the 96th position, reflecting a decline of three places from the previous year’s ranking.
The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories based on perceived public sector corruption, utilizing a scale from zero to 100, where zero indicates high corruption and 100 suggests minimal corruption. In 2024, India achieved a score of 38, down from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. Its previous rank for 2023 was 93.
Among its neighboring nations, India’s position is better than Pakistan, ranked at 135, and Sri Lanka at 121. Bangladesh is even lower at 149, while China holds a rank of 76. Multiple countries, including significant powers like the United States and France, reported their worst rankings in over a decade.
The United States fell from 69 points to 65, dropping to the 28th position down from 24th. Similar trends were observed in France and Germany, both of which lost points and rankings due to rising corruption levels, while Mexico dropped five points owing to lack of judicial action against corruption.
South Sudan ranks at the bottom of the index with a score of just eight points, surpassing Somalia, which has a score of nine. Venezuela and Syria followed with scores of 10 and 12, respectively. Transparency International warns of alarmingly high global corruption levels, indicating that efforts to mitigate corruption are faltering.
The report identifies that while 32 nations have significantly reduced corruption since 2012, 148 countries remain stagnant or have worsened. Furthermore, corruption poses risks to climate change mitigation efforts, with the lack of transparency leading to potential misappropriation of climate funds.
The group emphasizes that corruption hampers effective climate policies and harms vulnerable populations. Additionally, many countries with high CPI scores often prioritize fossil fuel interests over combating corruption linked to climate threats.
The report states, “Corruption is an evolving global threat that undermines development and contributes to declining democracy, instability, and human rights violations.” It calls for urgent, long-term action to combat corruption as a vital step toward ensuring a peaceful and sustainable world.
The CPI for 2024 highlights significant global shifts in perceived corruption levels. With Denmark leading as the least corrupt nation and India experiencing a decline in rank, the report urges concerted international efforts to combat corruption. It indicates alarming trends in many countries that require immediate attention to foster democracy and stability.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
