UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 16 Oct 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 Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Historical writing is shaped as much by the concerns of the present as by the events of the past. Acknowledging subjectivity can itself make history more reflective and insightful. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: (c) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage explicitly notes that reinterpretation depends on each generation’s concerns. • Statement 2 is valid — it highlights that awareness of bias can sharpen understanding. Thus, both assumptions logically follow, making (c) correct. Incorrect Solution: (c) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage explicitly notes that reinterpretation depends on each generation’s concerns. • Statement 2 is valid — it highlights that awareness of bias can sharpen understanding. Thus, both assumptions logically follow, making (c) correct.

#### 1. Question

Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

• Historical writing is shaped as much by the concerns of the present as by the events of the past.

• Acknowledging subjectivity can itself make history more reflective and insightful.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: (c)

Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage explicitly notes that reinterpretation depends on each generation’s concerns. • Statement 2 is valid — it highlights that awareness of bias can sharpen understanding. Thus, both assumptions logically follow, making (c) correct.

Solution: (c)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Cloudbursts, sudden and extreme rainfall events over a small geographical area, have become more frequent in India’s Himalayan and coastal regions. They often trigger flash floods, landslides, and large-scale damage to life and property. Scientists link this rise to a combination of climate change, unplanned urbanization, and deforestation, which disturb natural drainage systems and intensify surface runoff. While advanced weather models are improving short-term forecasts, predicting the exact location and intensity of a cloudburst remains extremely difficult. Critics argue that excessive focus on forecasting diverts attention from preventive measures such as watershed management, resilient infrastructure, and community preparedness. The paradox lies in the fact that cloudbursts are both natural phenomena and human-aggravated disasters, their impact shaped by how societies manage land, water, and urban growth. In the context of the above passage, what is the central paradox that the passage highlights? (a) Cloudbursts are natural weather events, yet their destructive impact is largely intensified by human activities. (b) Cloudbursts can be predicted with certainty, yet their timing remains uncontrollable. (c) Cloudbursts occur mainly in deserts, yet they cause floods in coastal cities. (d) Cloudbursts reduce water scarcity, yet they worsen agricultural productivity. Correct Solution: (a) Explanation: The paradox is that cloudbursts are natural in origin, but human-induced factors such as deforestation, poor planning, and urbanization magnify their destructive effects. Option (b) is wrong — the passage says prediction is uncertain. Option (c) is irrelevant — deserts are not discussed. Option (d) is not supported. Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: The paradox is that cloudbursts are natural in origin, but human-induced factors such as deforestation, poor planning, and urbanization magnify their destructive effects. Option (b) is wrong — the passage says prediction is uncertain. Option (c) is irrelevant — deserts are not discussed. Option (d) is not supported.

#### 2. Question

Cloudbursts, sudden and extreme rainfall events over a small geographical area, have become more frequent in India’s Himalayan and coastal regions. They often trigger flash floods, landslides, and large-scale damage to life and property. Scientists link this rise to a combination of climate change, unplanned urbanization, and deforestation, which disturb natural drainage systems and intensify surface runoff. While advanced weather models are improving short-term forecasts, predicting the exact location and intensity of a cloudburst remains extremely difficult. Critics argue that excessive focus on forecasting diverts attention from preventive measures such as watershed management, resilient infrastructure, and community preparedness. The paradox lies in the fact that cloudbursts are both natural phenomena and human-aggravated disasters, their impact shaped by how societies manage land, water, and urban growth.

In the context of the above passage, what is the central paradox that the passage highlights?

• (a) Cloudbursts are natural weather events, yet their destructive impact is largely intensified by human activities.

• (b) Cloudbursts can be predicted with certainty, yet their timing remains uncontrollable.

• (c) Cloudbursts occur mainly in deserts, yet they cause floods in coastal cities.

• (d) Cloudbursts reduce water scarcity, yet they worsen agricultural productivity.

Solution: (a)

Explanation: The paradox is that cloudbursts are natural in origin, but human-induced factors such as deforestation, poor planning, and urbanization magnify their destructive effects. Option (b) is wrong — the passage says prediction is uncertain. Option (c) is irrelevant — deserts are not discussed. Option (d) is not supported.

Solution: (a)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Effective disaster management requires more than just improving weather forecasts. Environmental mismanagement has made societies more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: (c) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage stresses watershed management, infrastructure, and preparedness beyond forecasting. • Statement 2 is valid — deforestation and unplanned urbanization are shown as key reasons for vulnerability. Hence, both assumptions follow. Incorrect Solution: (c) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage stresses watershed management, infrastructure, and preparedness beyond forecasting. • Statement 2 is valid — deforestation and unplanned urbanization are shown as key reasons for vulnerability. Hence, both assumptions follow.

#### 3. Question

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

• Effective disaster management requires more than just improving weather forecasts.

• Environmental mismanagement has made societies more vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: (c)

Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid — the passage stresses watershed management, infrastructure, and preparedness beyond forecasting. • Statement 2 is valid — deforestation and unplanned urbanization are shown as key reasons for vulnerability. Hence, both assumptions follow.

Solution: (c)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question If the difference between x and y is 5 (that is, |x − y| = 5), then which of the following must be true? Both x and y must be positive for any value of x and y. If x is positive, y must be negative for any value of x and y. If x is negative, y must be positive for any value of x and y. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 nor 3 Correct Answer – D Solution: Given that, |x − y| = 5 Now, 1st option: take x = −1 and y = −6. Difference is 5 but both are negative. Hence not necessarily true. 2nd option: take x = 10 and y = 5. Difference is 5 with x positive and y positive, not negative. Hence not necessarily true. 3rd option: take x = −10 and y = −5. Difference is 5 with x negative and y negative, not positive. Hence not necessarily true. So no statement must be true. Hence option (d) is correct. Incorrect Answer – D Solution: Given that, |x − y| = 5 Now, 1st option: take x = −1 and y = −6. Difference is 5 but both are negative. Hence not necessarily true. 2nd option: take x = 10 and y = 5. Difference is 5 with x positive and y positive, not negative. Hence not necessarily true. 3rd option: take x = −10 and y = −5. Difference is 5 with x negative and y negative, not positive. Hence not necessarily true. So no statement must be true. Hence option (d) is correct.

#### 4. Question

If the difference between x and y is 5 (that is, |x − y| = 5), then which of the following must be true?

• Both x and y must be positive for any value of x and y.

• If x is positive, y must be negative for any value of x and y.

• If x is negative, y must be positive for any value of x and y.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2 nor 3

Answer – D

Given that,

|x − y| = 5

1st option: take x = −1 and y = −6. Difference is 5 but both are negative. Hence not necessarily true.

2nd option: take x = 10 and y = 5. Difference is 5 with x positive and y positive, not negative. Hence not necessarily true.

3rd option: take x = −10 and y = −5. Difference is 5 with x negative and y negative, not positive. Hence not necessarily true.

So no statement must be true.

Hence option (d) is correct.

Answer – D

Given that,

|x − y| = 5

1st option: take x = −1 and y = −6. Difference is 5 but both are negative. Hence not necessarily true.

2nd option: take x = 10 and y = 5. Difference is 5 with x positive and y positive, not negative. Hence not necessarily true.

3rd option: take x = −10 and y = −5. Difference is 5 with x negative and y negative, not positive. Hence not necessarily true.

So no statement must be true.

Hence option (d) is correct.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The monthly incomes of X and Y are in the ratio of 7:5 and their monthly expenses are in the ratio of 5:3. However, each saves Rs. 4,000 per month. What is their total monthly income? (a) Rs. 18,000 (b) Rs. 20,000 (c) Rs. 22,000 (d) Rs. 24,000 Correct Answer – D Solution: Given that, The monthly incomes of X and Y are in the ratio of 7:5 and their monthly expenses are in the ratio of 5:3. Each saves Rs. 4,000 per month. Now, Let income be I and expenses be E Income = 7I : 5I Expenses = 5E : 3E 7I − 5E = 4000…..(i) 5I − 3E = 4000…..(ii) Subtract (i) − (ii): 2I − 2E = 0 ⇒ I = E From (ii): 5I − 3I = 4000 ⇒ 2I = 4000 ⇒ I = 2000 Therefore, income of X = 7 x 2000 = 14000 Income of Y = 5 x 2000 = 10000 Total income = 14000 + 10000 = 24000 Hence option (d) is correct Incorrect Answer – D Solution: Given that, The monthly incomes of X and Y are in the ratio of 7:5 and their monthly expenses are in the ratio of 5:3. Each saves Rs. 4,000 per month. Now, Let income be I and expenses be E Income = 7I : 5I Expenses = 5E : 3E 7I − 5E = 4000…..(i) 5I − 3E = 4000…..(ii) Subtract (i) − (ii): 2I − 2E = 0 ⇒ I = E From (ii): 5I − 3I = 4000 ⇒ 2I = 4000 ⇒ I = 2000 Therefore, income of X = 7 x 2000 = 14000 Income of Y = 5 x 2000 = 10000 Total income = 14000 + 10000 = 24000 Hence option (d) is correct

#### 5. Question

The monthly incomes of X and Y are in the ratio of 7:5 and their monthly expenses are in the ratio of 5:3. However, each saves Rs. 4,000 per month. What is their total monthly income?

• (a) Rs. 18,000

• (b) Rs. 20,000

• (c) Rs. 22,000

• (d) Rs. 24,000

Answer – D

Given that,

The monthly incomes of X and Y are in the ratio of 7:5 and their monthly expenses are in the ratio of 5:3. Each saves Rs. 4,000 per month.

Let income be I and expenses be E

Income = 7I : 5I Expenses = 5E : 3E

7I − 5E = 4000…..(i) 5I − 3E = 4000…..(ii)

Subtract (i) − (ii): 2I − 2E = 0 ⇒ I = E

From (ii): 5I − 3I = 4000 ⇒ 2I = 4000 ⇒ I = 2000

Therefore, income of X = 7 x 2000 = 14000 Income of Y = 5 x 2000 = 10000

Total income = 14000 + 10000 = 24000

Hence option (d) is correct

Answer – D

Given that,

The monthly incomes of X and Y are in the ratio of 7:5 and their monthly expenses are in the ratio of 5:3. Each saves Rs. 4,000 per month.

Let income be I and expenses be E

Income = 7I : 5I Expenses = 5E : 3E

7I − 5E = 4000…..(i) 5I − 3E = 4000…..(ii)

Subtract (i) − (ii): 2I − 2E = 0 ⇒ I = E

From (ii): 5I − 3I = 4000 ⇒ 2I = 4000 ⇒ I = 2000

Therefore, income of X = 7 x 2000 = 14000 Income of Y = 5 x 2000 = 10000

Total income = 14000 + 10000 = 24000

Hence option (d) is correct

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