Case Study You are the District Magistrate of a hilly region in India. The central government has proposed a high-speed rail project that would pass through your district. The project promises significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved connectivity. However, the project also faces opposition from environmental groups who argue that it will cause deforestation, disrupt wildlife corridors, and lead to increased pollution. Some environmental groups are also protesting highlighting the ecological threats of the project. Local farmers are also concerned about the acquisition of their land for the project. As the District Magistrate, you have the responsibility of maintaining law and order and addressing various stakeholders' concerns. Questions: 1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case? 2. As the District Magistrate, what are the various options available to you? Mention the pros and cons of each option. 3. Which option would you choose and why? Justify your decision using relevant ethical principles.

Pawan is pursuing MBA and shares a room with you in the private hostel. He desperately needs a job after completing his course because of educational loan and weak economic background. In his last two semesters, he couldn’t secure good grades due to serious illness. In current semester he has to secure good marks at any cost to satisfy minimum criteria for placements. Few days before the final semester exam, he comes to you and asks for money. He is stressed and nervous. He tells you about his plan to purchase semester papers to clear the exam and convinces you for the same by giving reference to his bad health, family status and his education loan. In such circumstances, would it be right to lend money to him? (a) Identify the moral dilemma faced by you. (b) Analyse your role and duties as a friend, also suggest your course of action.

Case Study You are the captain of a space exploration mission to Mars. Six months into the journey, a critical life support system malfunctions. After careful analysis, your engineer determines that the system can be repaired, but it requires a specialized part that can only be 3D printed using a rare material. There's enough of this material on board to either print the part or to continue producing essential medication for one of your crew members with a chronic condition. If you choose to repair the life support system, all crew members will survive the journey, but the one crew member will likely suffer severe health complications. If you continue producing the medication, that crew member will remain stable, but the faulty life support system significantly increases the risk of mission failure and potential loss of all lives on board. The crew member in question is your most experienced engineer, crucial for the mission's success on Mars. Earth is too far away to provide immediate assistance, and your decision must be made within 24 hours. Your choice will have profound implications for the mission, the lives of your crew, and potentially the future of space exploration. 1. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case? 2. How should a leader balance the ethical principles of non-maleficence and beneficence in this critical situation? 3. What lessons can be learned from this scenario to improve contingency planning and resource allocation?

Case Study Aarav is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district. His wife, Meera, is a doctor working in a government hospital. They have a six-year-old daughter, who is primarily cared for by grandparents and a domestic help due to the demanding nature of their jobs. One evening, Aarav is about to leave the office after a long day when he receives an urgent call from the Chief Secretary. A major industrial accident has occurred in a factory on the outskirts of the district, causing severe casualties. His immediate presence is required to oversee rescue operations and coordinate with disaster management teams. At the same time, he receives another call—this time from his wife—informing him that their daughter has suddenly fallen ill and needs immediate medical attention. His presence at home would provide emotional support to his family, especially as Meera has an emergency surgery scheduled at the hospital. Aarav is torn between his professional duty, which demands immediate action to manage a crisis affecting many lives, and his moral responsibility as a husband and father. He must decide where his priority lies in this situation. Questions: (a) Identify and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case. (b) If you were in Aarav’s place, how would you handle this situation? (c) In light of this case, discuss the importance of institutional mechanisms in ensuring a better work-life balance for civil servants.