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The outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic was found to have changed the narrative of business operations globally with its resultant repercussion on the financial performance of businesses. Therefore, using data from 30 US Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) between 2007 and 2022, this study investigates the effect of the Covid-19 external vulnerability shock on the financial performance of DMBs in the US. The results, which are based on a strong OLS technique, show that the pandemic significantly had a negative effect on the US equity performance. Global financial markets were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly DMBs, which were at risk of major liquidity crises, reduced investment portfolios, and general financial disruptions. On the other hand, the Return on Equity (ROE) of DMBs in the US is positively and significantly impacted by bank size and deposits. In view of the findings, it is suggested that DMBs adopt strong shock-reducing measures, particularly those that reduce their vulnerability to externally generated shocks and uncertainty. Similarly, measures to enhance the size of DMBs, as well as deposits are important, given the potential economies of scale of large size on the financial performance of banks.

Keywords: Covid-19, financial performance, deposit money banks, external vulnerability shock.

Audit evidences are the bases for which an auditor forms his/her audit opinion, expressed in the audit report. This study investigates the impact of audit evidence on audit opinion within Port Harcourt, Rivers State, using the positivist philosophical foundation and a cross-sectional survey design. The population comprised 290 auditors, from which data were collected through a questionnaire structured based on likert scale. PPMC was deployed for data analysis. The findings revealed significant impact of the various dimensions of audit evidence, that is, sufficiency of audit evidence, reliability audit evidence, and relevance of audit evidence on audit opinion, with p- alues of 0.000 for all variables. Correlation coefficients were 0.947, 0.830, and 0.855, respectively, indicating strong positive impacts of sufficiency and appropriateness, reliability, and relevance of audit evidences on audit opinion. Based on these findings, we recommended that auditors should enhance training on audit evidence quality; strengthen audit methodologies; and also ensure rigorous audit planning. In conclusion, the study highlights the critical role that high-quality audit evidence plays in forming accurate and reliable audit opinions.

Keywords: Audit evidence, sufficiency, reliability, relevance, audit opinion

This paper presents a framework for a holistic and context-specific structure to evaluate and increase the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of local governments in developing nations. It combines policy harmonization, institutional capacity, and financial tools with a locally tuned performance indicator system that is connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using real-world examples from Medellín's smart water system, participatory budgeting in South Africa, and healthcare reform in Ghana, the paper presents applied case studies to illustrate adaptive practices, key drivers, and barriers to ESG implementation. It proposes the D-ESG model that accommodates the dimension of Development as an essential element because of specific priorities and socio-economic issues of the emerging economies. The paper ends with policy suggestions to national governments, local authorities, overseas donors, and interested parties that focus on decentralization, green financing, community participation, and innovative technology. The combination of these strategies can achieve sustainable urban growth, overcome systemic inequality, and improve the transparency and resilience of the local governance in the Global South.

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach has been accepted as a very comprehensive tool for the performance measurement. While the specific process of performance management has been researched particularly in the context of private profit seeking companies, there is still a long way to go in applying the balanced scorecard approach to public bodies and particularly to tax administrations. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the literature with Balance Scorecard for Tax Administrations. This comprehensive approach ensures that tax administration consider various factors contributing to long-term success and strategic management.

Keywords: Balanced Scorecard, performance measurement, Tax Administration, Public Sector
JEL Classification: M10

This study examines how capital adequacy and risk management techniques in contemporary banking can be informed by traditional Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), namely the Arthashastra's ideas. The study looks at the performance of a few public, private, and foreign sector banks using the CAMELS framework, with an emphasis on how traditional Indian knowledge might offer creative answers to modern banking problems. The study mostly uses secondary data from these banks, which were chosen according to their December 2023 market value. With a focus on conventional risk management techniques, it integrates qualitative components from IKS and evaluates capital sufficiency and risk management performance using Mean Scores and Ratio Analysis. According to the investigation, several of the risk management techniques found in ancient Indian writings are very similar to contemporary approaches to risk mitigation and financial restraint. Stronger capital reserves and improved risk management results are displayed by banks that incorporate IKS-inspired values including long-term sustainability, ethical decision- making, and careful financial planning. According to the findings, public sector banks in particular might gain from strengthening their financial strategy by implementing conventional ideas. This study shows how ancient wisdom may be used to effectively solve contemporary banking issues and provides insightful information for banking executives and legislators wishing to include moral, sustainable practices into their risk management frameworks.

Keywords: Capital Adequacy, Risk Management, CAMELS Framework, Indian Knowledge Systems, Arthashastra, Banking Performance, Public Sector Banks, Private Banks, Foreign Banks.