The word corrupt (Middle English, from Latin corruptus) when used as an adjective
literally means "utterly broken“. In modern English usage the
words corruption and corrupt have many meanings.
Forms of corruption vary, but include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage,
graft, and embezzlement.
While corruption may facilitate criminal enterprise such as drug trafficking, money
laundering, and human trafficking, it is not restricted to these activities.
The activities that constitute illegal corruption differ depending on the country or
jurisdiction. For instance, certain political funding practices that are legal in one place
may be illegal in another.
In some cases, government officials have broad or poorly defined powers, which make it
difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal actions.
Worldwide, bribery alone is estimated to involve over 1 trillion US dollars annually.A
state of unrestrained political corruption is known as a kleptocracy, literally meaning
"rule by thieves".
Corruption in India
According to Transparency International, a global NGO committed to fighting corruption
which studied 180 countries this year, India's ranking has improved from 70th in 2006 to
72nd in 2007. The organisation studied 163 countries in 2006. Corruption has taken the role
of a persistent aspect of Indian politics and administration