Why in news?
Transparency International released its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 182 countries and territories by perceived public‑sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). India climbed five places to 91st with a score of 40, up one point from the previous year.
About the index
The CPI, compiled annually since 1995, aggregates expert assessments and business surveys to gauge how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be. A minimum of three independent data sources are used for each country, drawn from organisations such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
Key highlights of 2025
- Top performers: Denmark, Finland and Singapore retained the highest positions with scores around 90. These nations are noted for strong institutions, open government and independent oversight.
- Bottom performers: South Sudan and Somalia scored just 9 points, making them the most corrupt countries in the ranking, followed by Venezuela.
- India’s performance: India improved from 96th to 91st place. The report urged India and other Asia–Pacific nations to address abuses of power and strengthen democratic checks to sustain progress. It also flagged attacks on journalists in countries with low scores as a serious concern.
Why it matters
The CPI is widely used to benchmark corruption levels and attract investment. India’s improved ranking reflects incremental reforms but highlights the need for stronger institutions, transparency and protection of press freedom. Internationally, the index shows that most countries have made little progress in tackling corruption, underscoring the global nature of the problem.
Sources: The Economic Times
