Study OAS · 09 December 2025

International Anti-Corruption Day 2025

What’s the News?

• The United Nations commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 on December 9 with the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
• The theme underscores youth as critical agents of change in building transparent, accountable institutions and calls for intergenerational collaboration to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks globally and in India.

Global & National Significance

• Youth as Integrity Leaders:
  • With 1.9 billion young people worldwide, the campaign emphasizes their potential to drive integrity through education, digital tools (e.g., AI, blockchain, reporting apps), and community-level advocacy.
  • Youth-led innovation can improve transparency, facilitate anonymous reporting, and challenge corrupt practices in public service delivery.
• India’s Anti-Corruption Landscape:
  • Legal Framework:
    • Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Defines offences & penalises public servants.
    • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Replaces IPC; modernises punishment for bribery & misconduct.
    • Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Establishes independent ombudsmen for central & state-level complaints.
    • Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014: Shields individuals reporting corruption (pending full operationalisation).
  • Supporting Laws:
    • Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
    • Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988
    • Black Money Act, 2015
• Accountability Metrics:
  • In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), India ranked 96th out of 180 countries with a score of 38/100 - down from 93rd (score 39) in 2023.

Additional Info

• International Context:
  • UNCAC (UN Convention Against Corruption): Adopted in 2003; enforced from December 2005; India ratified it in 2011.
  • Upcoming Global Event: The 11th Conference of States Parties to UNCAC will be held in Doha, Qatar (December 15–19, 2025).
• Constitutional Anchors:
  • Article 51(c): Promotes international law & treaty obligations (incl. UNCAC).
  • Article 39(b) & (c): Directive Principles calling for equitable resource distribution & prevention of wealth concentration.
  • Right to Information Act, 2005: Statutory embodiment of transparency under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech & expression).
• Institutional Mechanisms in India:
  • Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): Apex body for vigilance matters.
  • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Investigates major corruption cases.
  • National e-Governance Plan & Digital India: Reduce interface-based corruption via process automation.
• United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC):
  • Adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 31, 2003.
  • It is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.
  • Covers five main areas: preventive measures, criminalization/law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery, and technical assistance.

Sources

• UNODC
• News18