This paper presents a methodological framework for constructing a non-parametric index of corporate governance for banks. The index is constructed by aggregating six distinct dimensional indices capturing different dimensions of corporate governance, namely board effectiveness, audit function, risk management, remuneration, shareholder rights and information, and disclosure and transparency. For aggregation, a tailored version of data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach which is popularly known as constrained 'Benefit-of-the-Doubt (BoD)' model is employed. This approach is unique and distinctive in the sense that it requires no a priori knowledge of weights, and assigns endogenous weights obtained from actual data to individual dimensions of bank governance in order to construct a composite index of corporate governance. This methodological framework has illustrated by applying it for a data set of 40 Indian banks operating in the year 2017. The data set has been compiled using 58 governance regulations as defined by relevant jurisdictions.

Rural households in India, particularly farmers, are exposed to current climate variability and risk, which is likely to increase due to climate change. This study assessed current adaptation strategies adopted by rural households in two dry land villages of Bagepalli Block, Chikballapur district, Karnataka, in southern India. The adequacy of adaptation strategies was also assessed. The study showed that rural households and in particular, farmers adopted several practices to cope with current climate risks which include; irrigation provisioning (depending on ground water), shift in cropping pattern (to more resilient but low economically valued crops and varieties), mixed cropping, agro-forestry (as a long term strategy), diversified livestock holdings and reliance on government development programmes. The adaptation measures also included leaving croplands fallow, sale of assets, such as livestock and trees in their property, and migration. Current climate related responses to agricultural distress are not adequate to cope with even the current climate risks. This further indicates that rural households may not be able to cope with increasing climate variability and climate change. Thus, there is an urgent need for an improved understanding of current adaptation strategies and to enhance resilience and develop structured adaptation strategies to cope with current climate risks and long-term climate change.

This article explores the global impacts of a changing environment on the sustainability of resources. In a global context characterised by continued population growth and accelerated urbanisation in emerging economies and the least developed regions of the world, pressures on environmental resources are intensifying. Extreme effects on ecosystems in both urban and rural communities are of enduring concern, as evidenced in water and food insecurity, and poor air quality. The author compares varying approaches to the collection and use of evidence, and the ways in which researchers may influence policy decisions and their implementation. Drawing on large and small-scale studies conducted in different regions of the world from a range of disciplinary perspectives, the article seeks to unravel the triangular relationship between research evidence, policy and impact, while paying attention to the tools used to assess impact on, and of, policy. In conclusion, the author considers how co-ordinated efforts by academics, public, private and third-sector practitioners across disciplines and national borders might produce stronger evidence and knowledge with which to inform decision-makers, empower citizens and achieve sustainable development, thereby supporting the needs of present and future generations. ARTICLE HISTORY

Tamil Nadu has experienced the impact of HIV/AIDS for one-and-a-half decades and is considered a trailblazer in India in terms of combating the infection. So what are the knowledge levels among 292 HIV patients at Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine and Christian Medical College? Latent class analysis revealed that it was not adequate. Television and peer contact were found to be most effective as source of knowledge for HIV. Patients who were in contact with health personnel might be expected to have more information but they came out with low scores. Association of knowledge with socio-demographic characteristics revealed that education, occupation, income, place of residence, and age were important predictors. Future information, education and communication programmes need to consider the variation across different socio-demographic groups as a basis for targeting education programmes.

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