Contemporary Ethical Issues — Mains Questions

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence in governance promises efficiency but poses significant risks of bias and exclusion. As a policymaker, what ethical framework would you propose for the deployment of AI in public welfare schemes in India? Justify your answer with suitable examples.

Intergenerational justice is the cornerstone of climate ethics, yet it often conflicts with the developmental imperatives of nations like India. Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by a developing country in balancing its climate commitments with its responsibility to ensure energy security and poverty alleviation for its current population.

You are the head of a municipal corporation in a city with high levels of air pollution, primarily from old, polluting industries located in a low-income, densely populated area. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the immediate closure of these industries. This will render thousands of workers unemployed and disrupt the local economy. The industry owners and workers are protesting vehemently, arguing that they have no alternative livelihoods. What are the ethical issues involved in this situation, and what course of action would you take?