1 minSocial Issue
Social Issue

Corruption

What is Corruption?

Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery, embezzlement, or misuse of public resources for personal gain.

Historical Background

Prevalent in various forms throughout history, but its impact has been amplified by globalization and complex governance structures. Anti-corruption movements and legislation have emerged to combat it.

Key Points

10 points
  • 1.

    Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.

  • 2.

    Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to one's care.

  • 3.

    Extortion: Obtaining something through force, threats, or abuse of power.

  • 4.

    Nepotism: Favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power.

  • 5.

    Cronyism: Favoritism shown to close friends or associates, often without regard for their qualifications.

  • 6.

    Conflict of Interest: A situation in which a person's personal interests could unduly influence their professional actions.

  • 7.

    Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (CPI) measures perceived levels of public sector corruption.

  • 8.

    Causes include weak governance, lack of accountability, low salaries, and societal norms.

  • 9.

    Consequences include economic inefficiency, social inequality, and erosion of public trust.

  • 10.

    Combating corruption requires strong institutions, independent judiciary, whistleblower protection, and public awareness.

Visual Insights

Understanding Corruption

Mind map illustrating the various aspects and impacts of corruption.

Corruption

  • Causes
  • Impacts
  • Legal Framework
  • Preventive Measures

Evolution of Anti-Corruption Measures in India

Timeline showing the evolution of anti-corruption laws and institutions in India.

India has a long history of combating corruption, with various laws and institutions established over time to address the issue.

  • 1860Indian Penal Code (IPC) includes sections on bribery and corruption.
  • 1941Special Police Establishment (SPE) created to investigate bribery during WWII.
  • 1964Santhanam Committee Report highlights widespread corruption.
  • 1988Prevention of Corruption Act enacted.
  • 1997Vineet Narain case emphasizes CBI autonomy.
  • 2005Right to Information (RTI) Act enacted.
  • 2013Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act enacted.
  • 2014Whistle Blowers Protection Act enacted.
  • 2018Amendment to Prevention of Corruption Act criminalizes bribe-giving.
  • 2026Ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures.

Recent Developments

5 developments

Increased focus on digital governance and e-procurement to reduce corruption opportunities.

Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act to criminalize bribery by private sector entities.

Appointment of Lokpal (anti-corruption ombudsman) at the national level.

Use of technology and data analytics to detect and prevent corruption.

Ongoing debates on the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and the need for systemic reforms.

This Concept in News

2 topics

Priyanka Gandhi releases 'chargesheet' against Assam government, alleging corruption

20 Feb 2026

This news highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and its potential impact on governance and development. The allegations against the Assam government demonstrate how corruption can manifest in various forms, including financial irregularities, abuse of power, and disregard for the rights of indigenous communities. The news event applies the concept of corruption in practice by providing specific examples of alleged wrongdoing. It reveals the importance of transparency and accountability in government and the need for effective mechanisms to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. The implications of this news for the concept's future include increased public scrutiny of government actions and greater demand for anti-corruption measures. Understanding the concept of corruption is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides a framework for understanding the allegations, assessing their potential impact, and evaluating the government's response.

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

17 Feb 2026

This news highlights the aspect of corruption involving quid pro quo something for something, where public office is traded for personal benefits. The land-for-jobs case demonstrates how corruption can manifest in the form of nepotism and favoritism, undermining meritocracy and equal opportunity. This event challenges the principle of fair and transparent recruitment processes. It reveals the persistent problem of corruption in public service, even at high levels. The implications of this news are that it reinforces the need for stronger anti-corruption measures, including stricter enforcement of laws and greater accountability of public officials. Understanding the concept of corruption is crucial for analyzing this news because it allows us to recognize the specific type of corruption involved, its potential impact on society, and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

Source Topic

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance, Ethics) and GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude). Questions are frequently asked on causes, consequences, and measures to combat corruption.

Understanding Corruption

Mind map illustrating the various aspects and impacts of corruption.

Corruption

Lack of Accountability

Low Salaries

Economic Loss

Erosion of Trust

Prevention of Corruption Act

RTI Act

E-Governance

Transparency

Evolution of Anti-Corruption Measures in India

Timeline showing the evolution of anti-corruption laws and institutions in India.

1860

Indian Penal Code (IPC) includes sections on bribery and corruption.

1941

Special Police Establishment (SPE) created to investigate bribery during WWII.

1964

Santhanam Committee Report highlights widespread corruption.

1988

Prevention of Corruption Act enacted.

1997

Vineet Narain case emphasizes CBI autonomy.

2005

Right to Information (RTI) Act enacted.

2013

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act enacted.

2014

Whistle Blowers Protection Act enacted.

2018

Amendment to Prevention of Corruption Act criminalizes bribe-giving.

2026

Ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures.

This Concept in News

2 news topics

2

Priyanka Gandhi releases 'chargesheet' against Assam government, alleging corruption

20 February 2026

This news highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and its potential impact on governance and development. The allegations against the Assam government demonstrate how corruption can manifest in various forms, including financial irregularities, abuse of power, and disregard for the rights of indigenous communities. The news event applies the concept of corruption in practice by providing specific examples of alleged wrongdoing. It reveals the importance of transparency and accountability in government and the need for effective mechanisms to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. The implications of this news for the concept's future include increased public scrutiny of government actions and greater demand for anti-corruption measures. Understanding the concept of corruption is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides a framework for understanding the allegations, assessing their potential impact, and evaluating the government's response.

Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi Face Charges in Land-for-Jobs Case

17 February 2026

This news highlights the aspect of corruption involving quid pro quo something for something, where public office is traded for personal benefits. The land-for-jobs case demonstrates how corruption can manifest in the form of nepotism and favoritism, undermining meritocracy and equal opportunity. This event challenges the principle of fair and transparent recruitment processes. It reveals the persistent problem of corruption in public service, even at high levels. The implications of this news are that it reinforces the need for stronger anti-corruption measures, including stricter enforcement of laws and greater accountability of public officials. Understanding the concept of corruption is crucial for analyzing this news because it allows us to recognize the specific type of corruption involved, its potential impact on society, and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.