Denmark is named the least corrupt country for 2024, while India drops to the 96th position in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. The global score stagnates, with many nations facing persistent corruption. The report highlights issues in Western countries and warns of the detrimental effects of corruption on climate action.
According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Denmark has been designated as the least corrupt country for the second consecutive year, earning a score of 90. Following Denmark are Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand, which also received high rankings. Conversely, India’s position has plummeted from 93rd to 96th place, obtaining a score of 38, reflecting ongoing struggles against public sector corruption.
The CPI assesses perceptions of public sector corruption across 180 nations, using a scale from zero (indicating high corruption) to 100 (indicating a very clean governance). In stark contrast to Denmark, India’s score of 38 illustrates significant challenges that hamper its anti-corruption efforts. Regional comparisons reveal similar struggles among neighboring South Asian countries, with Pakistan at 135th, Sri Lanka at 121st, Bangladesh at 149th, and China at 76th.
The report reveals that globally, the average corruption score stagnates at 43, with more than two-thirds of assessed countries scoring below 50. Transparency International cautions that while some nations, such as Ukraine, have shown improvements in combating corruption, many countries continue to experience high levels of corruption, detrimental to addressing pressing challenges like climate change and human rights violations.
The CPI indicates a worrying trend among several Western nations, with the United States’ score declining from 69 to 65, dropping its ranking from 24th to 28th. Countries such as France and Germany have also seen a downturn in their scores, emphasizing that even established democracies are not immune to rising corruption levels.
At the lower end of the index, South Sudan and Somalia are identified as the most corrupt, with scores of 8 and 9, respectively. Venezuela and Syria are also ranked unfavorably, indicating the pervasive nature of corrupt practices that not only impede economic development but also threaten democracy and human rights. Transparency International notes, “Global corruption levels remain alarmingly high, and efforts to reduce them are faltering.”
Moreover, the report underscores the adverse impact of corruption on climate change initiatives, stating that dishonest practices can obstruct essential policies aimed at emissions reduction. “Corruption in climate action leads to environmental damage, as funds intended for vital mitigation and adaptation efforts are stolen or misused,” it cautions. Upholding integrity in these initiatives is crucial for ensuring effective support for vulnerable populations globally.
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index highlights a stark landscape of corruption worldwide, with Denmark leading as the least corrupt nation. Meanwhile, India’s decline in ranking emphasizes the need for robust anti-corruption measures. The report signals troubling trends in both Western nations and authoritarian regimes while underscoring the critical relationship between corruption and efforts to combat climate change.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
