Corruption is when power sparks destructive flames like in this electrical outlet.

Corruption is the abuse of power or position for personal gain. It can take many forms, such as bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism. It is considered a major obstacle to economic and social development and is a violation of laws and ethical standards.

An example of corruption could be a government official accepting a bribe in exchange for awarding a government contract to a particular company. Another example could be a police officer accepting money to overlook illegal activities. These actions are illegal and violate the trust placed in them by the public.

Global Corruption Ranking and Where India Stands

Transparency International, an organization that tracks corruption worldwide, publishes an annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) which ranks countries based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be. The index uses a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being highly corrupt and 100 being very clean.

In the latest index, India ranks 85th out of 180 countries, with a score of 40. India's ranking has remained relatively constant over the past few years, with a score between 40 and 41.

Causes of Corruption in India