Key Facts and Data Points

  • CPI 2025 covered 182 countries.
  • Scale: 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
  • Global average score: 42 (first drop below 45 in a decade).
  • 122 countries scored below 50.
  • High performers (>80): Denmark (89), Finland (86), Singapore (85), New Zealand (84), Norway (83).
  • Bottom performers: Somalia (9), South Sudan (9).
  • India: Rank 91, Score 39 (up from rank 96 in 2024).
  • Regional averages: Full democracies 71, Flawed democracies 47, Authoritarian regimes 32.

Background and Context

  • Transparency International (TI) publishes the CPI annually since 1995.
  • CPI aggregates expert assessments and business surveys on perceived public‑sector corruption.
  • It reflects not actual corruption incidents but the perception among stakeholders, which influences investment and aid decisions.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • India's modest improvement mirrors recent anti‑corruption initiatives (digital payments, whistle‑blower protection, Lokpal).
  • The strong correlation between democratic institutions and higher CPI scores underscores the need for:
  • Independent judiciary
  • Transparent political financing
  • Robust parliamentary oversight
  • A low score (39) signals challenges for foreign investment, public‑service delivery, and widening inequality.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of speech & expression; essential for media watchdogs.
  • Right to Information Act, 2005 – Promotes transparency and citizen’s right to know.
  • Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 – Criminalises bribery and abuse of power.
  • Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 – Institutional mechanism for accountability of public functionaries.
  • Companies Act, 2013 (Sec. 177) – Mandates audit of related‑party transactions.
  • Representation of People Act, 1951 – Governs election conduct; reforms needed for political financing.

Recommendations from CPI 2025

  • Judicial Independence: Shield appointments from political interference, ensure adequate resources.
  • Political Financing Reform: Full disclosure of donations, caps on contributions, mandatory lobby registers.
  • Civic Space Protection: Safeguard journalists, NGOs, whistle‑blowers; remove legal barriers to civil‑society funding.
  • Financial Oversight: Strengthen parliamentary scrutiny, independent audits, transparent procurement and debt management.
  • International Cooperation: Asset recovery, anti‑money‑laundering coordination, multilateral enforcement mechanisms.

Prepared for UPSC – GS Paper 2 (Governance) and International Relations.