Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister In-charge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation and execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction, etc. The Minister of PWD is an important Minister in the State and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen on launching an ambitious road-construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working on various modalities of the road-construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made. Subash’s only son, Vikas, is in the real-estate business. From his own sources he is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and that an announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows there would be a quantum jump in prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He pleads with his father day in and day out to share the location of the proposed project. He assures him that he would handle the matter discreetly, as in the normal course he keeps on buying land as part of his business. Subash feels pressurised because of his son’s constant pleadings. Another significant aspect is the extra/undue interest in the above project being shown by the Minister, PWD. His nephew also has a big infrastructure-project company. In fact, the Minister has introduced his nephew to Subash and hinted that his nephew’s business interests in the forthcoming project should be taken care of. The Minister has encouraged him to act fast because early announcement and execution of the project would enhance his own status in public life and within the party. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why?

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?

There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business's environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48 % in greenhouse-gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019, mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data-centres, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders' worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both business objectives and ethical obligations.

Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. Unemployment was relatively high in the state, especially among graduates and those with higher education, making them vulnerable and soft targets. Intelligence inputs suggested that a new global terrorist group had launched a drive to recruit such youth through social-media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, spreading secessionist ideology and extremist propaganda. The need of the hour is to act swiftly before the situation assumes serious proportions.

In the last few years, the coordinated strategy of the Central and State governments has substantially reduced the menace of Naxalism in many affected regions. However, in several remote districts the Naxal problem continues to pose the main internal-security threat. Recently, in one such district, a spate of violent incidents involving explosives and killings has taken place and reliable intelligence points to renewed activities of over-ground workers and foreign extremists in the area.

Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big (reputed) hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers. (a) What should be Sneha's course of action? (b) How would she justify what she chooses to do? (c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?