Summary
February 2026 saw key global indices: India ranked 91st in Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, improved slightly; traffic congestion remained high per TomTom Traffic Index 2025. India ranked 3rd in billionaires (Hurun Global Rich List 2026), 42nd in IP Index, and 151st in World Press Freedom Index 2025 globally.
Detailed Analysis
1. Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025
- Released in: February 16, 2026.
- Released by: Transparency International.
- India’s Rank: 91st (out of 182 countries).
- Score: 39/100 (Improved from 38 in 2024).
- Key Findings: India climbed 5 spots from its previous rank of 96. The rise is attributed to the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and e-governance, which reduced "middleman" corruption. However, India remains below the global average score of 43.
- Global Top: Denmark (1st).
2. TomTom Traffic Index 2025
- Released in: February 3, 2026.
- Released by: TomTom (Location technology firm).
- India’s Performance: * Bengaluru: Ranked 2nd globally (Most congested city in India).
- Pune: Ranked 5th globally.
- New Delhi: Ranked 23rd globally.
- Key Findings: India is now the 2nd most congested country in Asia. In Bengaluru, commuters lost an average of 168 hours per year due to rush-hour traffic.
- Relevance: Essential for GS Paper III (Urbanization/Infrastructure) to discuss the economic cost of congestion.
3. Hurun Global Rich List 2026
- Released in: February 2026.
- Released by: Hurun Research Institute.
- India’s Status: 3rd globally in terms of the number of billionaires (308 billionaires, up by 24).
- Key Insights: Mukesh Ambani retained his title as the "Richest Person in Asia." Mumbai continues to be the "Billionaire Capital of India" with 451 high-net-worth individuals listed.
- Global Leaders: China (1st) and the USA (2nd).
4. International Intellectual Property (IP) Index 2026
- Released by: U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
- India’s Rank: 42nd (out of 55 economies).
- Key Insights: India’s rank has been relatively stable but indicates a need for stronger patent enforcement and better protection for life sciences. It provides a blueprint for economies wanting to enhance their innovation environment.
5. World Press Freedom Index 2025 (Updated Context)
- India’s Rank: 151st (out of 180 countries).
- Released by: Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
- Key Findings: While India moved up from 159th (2024), it remains in the "Very Serious/Severe" category. The report raised concerns about media monopolies and economic pressures on independent outlets.
Table for Quick Revision (February 2026)
| Index / Report | Released By | India's Rank | Top Performer |
| Corruption Perceptions Index | Transparency International | 91st | Denmark |
| TomTom Traffic Index | TomTom | Bengaluru (2nd Global) | Mexico City |
| Global Rich List | Hurun Research | 3rd (308 Billionaires) | China |
| International IP Index | U.S. Chamber of Commerce | 42nd | USA |
| World Press Freedom Index | Reporters Without Borders | 151st |