The most recent Transparency International study indicates that India placed 93rd out of 180 nations on the corruption perceptions index (CPI) for 2023. Norway, Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand were the next highest placed nations in the index, which ranks nations according to their perceived levels of public sector corruption.
In the index, 0 represents extreme corruption and 100 represents cleanliness. India scored 39 out of 40 overall in 2022, but only 39 in 2023. 2022 saw India ranked 85th. Singapore topped the Asian rankings, coming in fifth place with a score of 83. India (39) has score changes that are sufficiently minor to preclude the drawing of clear judgments regarding any meaningful shift. But even before the elections, India is witnessing a further constriction of its civic space, as seen by the passing of a (telecommunications) Bill that the report described as posing a "grave threat" to fundamental rights.
The European Union and western Europe continued to receive the highest scores, but this year's regional average fell to 65 due to a decline in political integrity and checks and balances. According to the report, Pakistan (ranked 133) and Sri Lanka (ranked 115) are two South Asian countries that are struggling with the debt loads that have resulted in political instability. The two nations do, however, have robust court systems, which aid in holding the administration accountable. By extending the citizens' right to information under Article 19A of the Pakistani Constitution to previously excluded institutions, the Supreme Court of Pakistan reinforced this right, according to the statement.
The report noted that China (ranked 76) has garnered attention for its vigorous anti-corruption campaign, in which over 3.7 million public officials have been punished for graft over the past ten years. However, the report also raised concerns about the long-term efficacy of these measures due to China's heavy reliance on punishment rather than institutional checks on power. North Korea (172), Afghanistan (162), and Myanmar (162) were at the bottom of the index. Somalia, with the lowest score of 11, was ranked 180th.
