A report released by Transparency International on Tuesday (February 11) ranked India 96th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with its overall score dropping to 38.

This marks a decline from previous years, as India had scored 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. Last year, India ranked 93, news agency PTI reported.

Among India's neighbours, China secured the 76th position, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka were ranked 135th and 121st, respectively. Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt country, followed by Finland and Singapore.

The CPI ranks nations based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, as assessed by experts and business professionals. The index operates on a scale of 0 to 100, where "0" signifies high corruption and "100" represents a corruption-free environment.

The report also highlights corruption as a significant barrier to climate action. It states that misappropriation of funds meant for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting vulnerable populations hampers global efforts to combat climate change.

Additionally, corruption, in the form of undue influence, obstructs policy-making aimed at mitigating the climate crisis, ultimately causing environmental degradation.