UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 14 Nov 2025

Considering the alarming importance of CSAT in UPSC CSE Prelims exam and with enormous requests we received recently, InsightsIAS has started Daily CSAT Test to ensure students practice CSAT Questions on a daily basis. Regular Practice would help one overcome the fear of CSAT too.We are naming this initiative as Insta– DART – Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test. We hope you will be able to use DART to hit bull’s eye in CSAT paper and comfortably score 100+ even in the most difficult question paper that UPSC can give you in CSP-2021. Your peace of mind after every step of this exam is very important for us.

Looking forward to your enthusiastic participation (both in sending us questions and solving them on daily basis on this portal).

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Historical behaviour of powerful nations matters for their present moral authority. II. Hypocrisy in international relations is always deliberate rather than structural or unintentional. III. To restore credibility, nations must align their current practices with their historical actions. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) I and III only (c) II only (d) All three Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly links “their own economic and institutional histories” to the question of moral credibility. Assumption II is not valid: The passage says hypocrisy “is built into the structure of international relations and economic development rather than being an aberration.” That suggests structural, not necessarily deliberately malicious, hypocrisy. Assumption III is valid: The passage’s final lines call for “consistent past and present conduct, and not merely aspirational rhetoric,” which implies that to restore credibility, nations must align practices with history (or account for history). Hence, only I and III are valid. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly links “their own economic and institutional histories” to the question of moral credibility. Assumption II is not valid: The passage says hypocrisy “is built into the structure of international relations and economic development rather than being an aberration.” That suggests structural, not necessarily deliberately malicious, hypocrisy. Assumption III is valid: The passage’s final lines call for “consistent past and present conduct, and not merely aspirational rhetoric,” which implies that to restore credibility, nations must align practices with history (or account for history). Hence, only I and III are valid.

#### 1. Question

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:

I. Historical behaviour of powerful nations matters for their present moral authority. II. Hypocrisy in international relations is always deliberate rather than structural or unintentional. III. To restore credibility, nations must align their current practices with their historical actions.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) I only

• (b) I and III only

• (c) II only

• (d) All three

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly links “their own economic and institutional histories” to the question of moral credibility.

• Assumption II is not valid: The passage says hypocrisy “is built into the structure of international relations and economic development rather than being an aberration.” That suggests structural, not necessarily deliberately malicious, hypocrisy.

• Assumption III is valid: The passage’s final lines call for “consistent past and present conduct, and not merely aspirational rhetoric,” which implies that to restore credibility, nations must align practices with history (or account for history). Hence, only I and III are valid.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage explicitly links “their own economic and institutional histories” to the question of moral credibility.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question The current wave of investment in artificial-intelligence firms is unprecedented: large tech players are pouring billions into startups, while many AI companies are acquiring or taking equity stakes in one another, creating a tightly inter-woven network of financing and ownership. According to a study, some of this activity points to an echo-chamber effect: for example, one AI firm takes a stake in a chip-maker, while the chip-maker is a major supplier to another AI firm, which in turn invests in the first. This circular investment model inflates valuations and raises questions about how much of the money goes into genuine value-creation versus speculative positioning. Meanwhile, a report from a leading institute found that 95 % of generative AI projects are not yet delivering meaningful revenue, despite firms claiming large-scale deployments. In this context, the rhetoric around AI often emphasises transformative potential rather than proven outcomes — analysts are cautioning that the sector may be operating on hype, not results. They argue that without measurable business performance, the inflated valuations and interconnected investments risk creating a “bubble” that could harm investors and slow innovation when expectations crash. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) AI investments by large tech firms guarantee rapid revenue and business value. (b) The AI sector’s current investment dynamics are driven more by speculative hype and circular ownership than by verifiable performance. (c) Generative AI projects broadly deliver strong returns, validating the high valuations of AI companies. (d) Tech-startups should avoid taking equity stakes in each other to prevent a bubble. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that many AI investments are not yet delivering meaningful revenue—so the guarantee of rapid value is rejected. Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights the “tight inter-woven network”, “circular investment model”, inflated valuations, and the risk that the sector may be operating “on hype, not results”. These all point to speculative dynamics rather than performance-driven investment. Option (c) is incorrect: It directly contradicts the report’s finding that 95 % of generative AI projects are not delivering meaningful revenue. Option (d) is too narrow and prescriptive. Although the passage warns of risks, it does not simply say “start-ups should not take equity stakes in each other”; rather it critiques the overall investment and ownership structure. Hence, (b) best captures the critical, rational message of the passage. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that many AI investments are not yet delivering meaningful revenue—so the guarantee of rapid value is rejected. Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights the “tight inter-woven network”, “circular investment model”, inflated valuations, and the risk that the sector may be operating “on hype, not results”. These all point to speculative dynamics rather than performance-driven investment. Option (c) is incorrect: It directly contradicts the report’s finding that 95 % of generative AI projects are not delivering meaningful revenue. Option (d) is too narrow and prescriptive. Although the passage warns of risks, it does not simply say “start-ups should not take equity stakes in each other”; rather it critiques the overall investment and ownership structure. Hence, (b) best captures the critical, rational message of the passage.

#### 2. Question

The current wave of investment in artificial-intelligence firms is unprecedented: large tech players are pouring billions into startups, while many AI companies are acquiring or taking equity stakes in one another, creating a tightly inter-woven network of financing and ownership. According to a study, some of this activity points to an echo-chamber effect: for example, one AI firm takes a stake in a chip-maker, while the chip-maker is a major supplier to another AI firm, which in turn invests in the first. This circular investment model inflates valuations and raises questions about how much of the money goes into genuine value-creation versus speculative positioning. Meanwhile, a report from a leading institute found that 95 % of generative AI projects are not yet delivering meaningful revenue, despite firms claiming large-scale deployments. In this context, the rhetoric around AI often emphasises transformative potential rather than proven outcomes — analysts are cautioning that the sector may be operating on hype, not results. They argue that without measurable business performance, the inflated valuations and interconnected investments risk creating a “bubble” that could harm investors and slow innovation when expectations crash.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

• (a) AI investments by large tech firms guarantee rapid revenue and business value.

• (b) The AI sector’s current investment dynamics are driven more by speculative hype and circular ownership than by verifiable performance.

• (c) Generative AI projects broadly deliver strong returns, validating the high valuations of AI companies.

• (d) Tech-startups should avoid taking equity stakes in each other to prevent a bubble.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that many AI investments are not yet delivering meaningful revenue—so the guarantee of rapid value is rejected.

• Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights the “tight inter-woven network”, “circular investment model”, inflated valuations, and the risk that the sector may be operating “on hype, not results”. These all point to speculative dynamics rather than performance-driven investment.

• Option (c) is incorrect: It directly contradicts the report’s finding that 95 % of generative AI projects are not delivering meaningful revenue.

• Option (d) is too narrow and prescriptive. Although the passage warns of risks, it does not simply say “start-ups should not take equity stakes in each other”; rather it critiques the overall investment and ownership structure. Hence, (b) best captures the critical, rational message of the passage.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that many AI investments are not yet delivering meaningful revenue—so the guarantee of rapid value is rejected.

• Option (c) is incorrect: It directly contradicts the report’s finding that 95 % of generative AI projects are not delivering meaningful revenue.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. The interconnected investments and ownership stakes among AI companies inflate valuations without necessarily increasing real business-value. II. The transformative potential of AI is so established that profits will certainly follow soon, justifying current valuations. III. Without measurable business performance, the high expectations in the AI sector can lead to an investment bubble. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) II only (c) I and III only (d) All three Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage says there is an “echo-chamber effect” where firms invest in each other in a circular model, “inflates valuations” and asks how much goes into “genuine value-creation.” So yes — I is supported. Assumption II is not valid: While the passage notes the emphasis on transformative potential, it also cautions that this is rhetoric and results are lacking. It does not assume profits are certain or justify current valuations. Assumption III is valid: The passage warns that “without measurable business performance” and given “inflated valuations” and “hype”, the risk of a “bubble” exists. So III is supported. Therefore, only I and III are valid assumptions — making (c) the correct choice. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage says there is an “echo-chamber effect” where firms invest in each other in a circular model, “inflates valuations” and asks how much goes into “genuine value-creation.” So yes — I is supported. Assumption II is not valid: While the passage notes the emphasis on transformative potential, it also cautions that this is rhetoric and results are lacking. It does not assume profits are certain or justify current valuations. Assumption III is valid: The passage warns that “without measurable business performance” and given “inflated valuations” and “hype”, the risk of a “bubble” exists. So III is supported. Therefore, only I and III are valid assumptions — making (c) the correct choice.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

I. The interconnected investments and ownership stakes among AI companies inflate valuations without necessarily increasing real business-value. II. The transformative potential of AI is so established that profits will certainly follow soon, justifying current valuations. III. Without measurable business performance, the high expectations in the AI sector can lead to an investment bubble.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) I only

• (b) II only

• (c) I and III only

• (d) All three

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage says there is an “echo-chamber effect” where firms invest in each other in a circular model, “inflates valuations” and asks how much goes into “genuine value-creation.” So yes — I is supported.

• Assumption II is not valid: While the passage notes the emphasis on transformative potential, it also cautions that this is rhetoric and results are lacking. It does not assume profits are certain or justify current valuations.

• Assumption III is valid: The passage warns that “without measurable business performance” and given “inflated valuations” and “hype”, the risk of a “bubble” exists. So III is supported. Therefore, only I and III are valid assumptions — making (c) the correct choice.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements and a question: Question: What is the minimum possible number of persons in a queue if P, Q, and R are among them? Statement I: There are 6 persons between P and Q, and 5 persons between Q and R. Statement II: R is second from the front, and 14 people are behind P. (a) Statement I alone is sufficient (b) Statement II alone is sufficient (c) Both statements together are not sufficient (d) Both statements together are sufficient Correct Answer: (d) Solution: • Statement I: Order among P, Q, R is unknown → multiple sequences → insufficient • Statement II: Fixes R and count behind P but not placements of Q or internal gaps → insufficient • Combine: Place in R–Q–P order to minimize length. Then total = persons before R + R + 5 + Q + 6 + P + persons behind P = 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 14 = 29. Hence, both together are sufficient. Incorrect Answer: (d) Solution: • Statement I: Order among P, Q, R is unknown → multiple sequences → insufficient • Statement II: Fixes R and count behind P but not placements of Q or internal gaps → insufficient • Combine: Place in R–Q–P order to minimize length. Then total = persons before R + R + 5 + Q + 6 + P + persons behind P = 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 14 = 29. Hence, both together are sufficient.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements and a question: Question: What is the minimum possible number of persons in a queue if P, Q, and R are among them? Statement I: There are 6 persons between P and Q, and 5 persons between Q and R. Statement II: R is second from the front, and 14 people are behind P.

• (a) Statement I alone is sufficient

• (b) Statement II alone is sufficient

• (c) Both statements together are not sufficient

• (d) Both statements together are sufficient

Answer: (d) Solution: • Statement I: Order among P, Q, R is unknown → multiple sequences → insufficient • Statement II: Fixes R and count behind P but not placements of Q or internal gaps → insufficient • Combine: Place in R–Q–P order to minimize length. Then total = persons before R + R + 5 + Q + 6 + P + persons behind P = 1 + 1 + 5 + 1 + 6 + 1 + 14 = 29. Hence, both together are sufficient.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Two-digit numbers AB and CD satisfy AB – CD = 27, and digits A, B, C, D are distinct non-zero digits. If B = 5 and D = 8, what is A + B + C + D? (a) 19 (b) 21 (c) 24 (d) 27 Correct Answer: (c) Solution: AB = 10A + 5, CD = 10C + 8 → (10A + 5) – (10C + 8) = 27 ⇒ 10(A – C) – 3 = 27 ⇒ 10(A – C) = 30 ⇒ A – C = 3. Possible (A, C): (4,1), (6,3), (7,4), (9,6). All digits must be distinct and ≠ 0 with B=5, D=8. Sums A+B+C+D: (4,1)→18; (6,3)→22; (7,4)→24; (9,6)→28. Among the options only 24 appears → A+B+C+D = 24. Incorrect Answer: (c) Solution: AB = 10A + 5, CD = 10C + 8 → (10A + 5) – (10C + 8) = 27 ⇒ 10(A – C) – 3 = 27 ⇒ 10(A – C) = 30 ⇒ A – C = 3. Possible (A, C): (4,1), (6,3), (7,4), (9,6). All digits must be distinct and ≠ 0 with B=5, D=8. Sums A+B+C+D: (4,1)→18; (6,3)→22; (7,4)→24; (9,6)→28. Among the options only 24 appears → A+B+C+D = 24.

#### 5. Question

Two-digit numbers AB and CD satisfy AB – CD = 27, and digits A, B, C, D are distinct non-zero digits. If B = 5 and D = 8, what is A + B + C + D?

Answer: (c) Solution: AB = 10A + 5, CD = 10C + 8 → (10A + 5) – (10C + 8) = 27 ⇒ 10(A – C) – 3 = 27 ⇒ 10(A – C) = 30 ⇒ A – C = 3. Possible (A, C): (4,1), (6,3), (7,4), (9,6). All digits must be distinct and ≠ 0 with B=5, D=8. Sums A+B+C+D: (4,1)→18; (6,3)→22; (7,4)→24; (9,6)→28. Among the options only 24 appears → A+B+C+D = 24.

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