UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 17 Feb 2026
Kartavya Desk Staff
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 above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Current economic systems often fail to account for the true cost of environmental degradation. The long-term survival of human economic systems depends on the preservation of ecological boundaries. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage states that nature is valued “primarily for utility” and treated as an “infinite reservoir,” while ecological health is often seen as an “externality.” This implies that the negative impacts (degradation) are not fully accounted for in the core economic valuation (the “true cost”). Assumption II is valid: The passage argues that the current model is “untenable” as “ecological boundaries are breached” and asserts that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests.” This strongly supports the assumption that crossing these boundaries threatens the survival of human prosperity (economic systems). Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage states that nature is valued “primarily for utility” and treated as an “infinite reservoir,” while ecological health is often seen as an “externality.” This implies that the negative impacts (degradation) are not fully accounted for in the core economic valuation (the “true cost”). Assumption II is valid: The passage argues that the current model is “untenable” as “ecological boundaries are breached” and asserts that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests.” This strongly supports the assumption that crossing these boundaries threatens the survival of human prosperity (economic systems).
#### 1. Question
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
• Current economic systems often fail to account for the true cost of environmental degradation.
• The long-term survival of human economic systems depends on the preservation of ecological boundaries.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
• (a) I only
• (b) II only
• (c) Both I and II
• (d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid: The passage states that nature is valued “primarily for utility” and treated as an “infinite reservoir,” while ecological health is often seen as an “externality.” This implies that the negative impacts (degradation) are not fully accounted for in the core economic valuation (the “true cost”).
• Assumption II is valid: The passage argues that the current model is “untenable” as “ecological boundaries are breached” and asserts that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests.” This strongly supports the assumption that crossing these boundaries threatens the survival of human prosperity (economic systems).
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid: The passage states that nature is valued “primarily for utility” and treated as an “infinite reservoir,” while ecological health is often seen as an “externality.” This implies that the negative impacts (degradation) are not fully accounted for in the core economic valuation (the “true cost”).
• Assumption II is valid: The passage argues that the current model is “untenable” as “ecological boundaries are breached” and asserts that the biosphere is the “foundational capital upon which all human prosperity rests.” This strongly supports the assumption that crossing these boundaries threatens the survival of human prosperity (economic systems).
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question As cities expand, the demand for water rises, not just for basic survival but for industrial and lifestyle needs. Consequently, urban centers are increasingly relying on groundwater, extracting it faster than nature can replenish it. This depletion is exacerbated by the concretization of urban landscapes, which prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground to recharge aquifers. Instead, this water runs off as sewage, often causing urban flooding. Paradoxically, while cities spend vast energy and resources pumping water from distant rivers, they allow their local endowment of rainwater to drain away wastefully. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage? (a) Cities should immediately ban the construction of concrete structures to save groundwater. (b) The water crisis in urban areas is primarily a result of the mismanagement of local water potential rather than an absolute lack of water. (b) The water crisis in urban areas is primarily a result of the mismanagement of local water potential rather than an absolute lack of water. (d) Climate change is the main driver of water scarcity in modern metropolitan cities. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: While the passage mentions “concretization” as a cause of the problem, advocating for an immediate “ban” is an extreme measure not suggested by the text. The passage critiques the effect of concretization (stopping recharge) but doesn’t propose specific regulatory bans. Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights a “paradox”: cities pump water from far away while letting local rainwater “drain away wastefully.” Thus, the core argument is that the scarcity is man-made due to poor management of local potential (rainwater/groundwater recharge). Option (c) is incorrect: This contradicts the passage’s logic. The text criticizes the reliance on “pumping water from distant rivers” as paradoxical and wasteful when local rainwater is ignored. It does not advocate for more diversion of rivers. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses entirely on urban expansion, extraction rates, and concretization (land-use changes). It does not mention climate change as a factor in this specific context. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: While the passage mentions “concretization” as a cause of the problem, advocating for an immediate “ban” is an extreme measure not suggested by the text. The passage critiques the effect of concretization (stopping recharge) but doesn’t propose specific regulatory bans. Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights a “paradox”: cities pump water from far away while letting local rainwater “drain away wastefully.” Thus, the core argument is that the scarcity is man-made due to poor management of local potential (rainwater/groundwater recharge). Option (c) is incorrect: This contradicts the passage’s logic. The text criticizes the reliance on “pumping water from distant rivers” as paradoxical and wasteful when local rainwater is ignored. It does not advocate for more diversion of rivers. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses entirely on urban expansion, extraction rates, and concretization (land-use changes). It does not mention climate change as a factor in this specific context.
#### 2. Question
As cities expand, the demand for water rises, not just for basic survival but for industrial and lifestyle needs. Consequently, urban centers are increasingly relying on groundwater, extracting it faster than nature can replenish it. This depletion is exacerbated by the concretization of urban landscapes, which prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground to recharge aquifers. Instead, this water runs off as sewage, often causing urban flooding. Paradoxically, while cities spend vast energy and resources pumping water from distant rivers, they allow their local endowment of rainwater to drain away wastefully.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
• (a) Cities should immediately ban the construction of concrete structures to save groundwater.
• (b) The water crisis in urban areas is primarily a result of the mismanagement of local water potential rather than an absolute lack of water.
• (b) The water crisis in urban areas is primarily a result of the mismanagement of local water potential rather than an absolute lack of water.
• (d) Climate change is the main driver of water scarcity in modern metropolitan cities.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Option (a) is incorrect: While the passage mentions “concretization” as a cause of the problem, advocating for an immediate “ban” is an extreme measure not suggested by the text. The passage critiques the effect of concretization (stopping recharge) but doesn’t propose specific regulatory bans.
• Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights a “paradox”: cities pump water from far away while letting local rainwater “drain away wastefully.” Thus, the core argument is that the scarcity is man-made due to poor management of local potential (rainwater/groundwater recharge).
• Option (c) is incorrect: This contradicts the passage’s logic. The text criticizes the reliance on “pumping water from distant rivers” as paradoxical and wasteful when local rainwater is ignored. It does not advocate for more diversion of rivers.
• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses entirely on urban expansion, extraction rates, and concretization (land-use changes). It does not mention climate change as a factor in this specific context.
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Option (a) is incorrect: While the passage mentions “concretization” as a cause of the problem, advocating for an immediate “ban” is an extreme measure not suggested by the text. The passage critiques the effect of concretization (stopping recharge) but doesn’t propose specific regulatory bans.
• Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights a “paradox”: cities pump water from far away while letting local rainwater “drain away wastefully.” Thus, the core argument is that the scarcity is man-made due to poor management of local potential (rainwater/groundwater recharge).
• Option (c) is incorrect: This contradicts the passage’s logic. The text criticizes the reliance on “pumping water from distant rivers” as paradoxical and wasteful when local rainwater is ignored. It does not advocate for more diversion of rivers.
• Option (d) is incorrect: The passage focuses entirely on urban expansion, extraction rates, and concretization (land-use changes). It does not mention climate change as a factor in this specific context.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Modern urban planning often fails to integrate natural hydrological cycles, such as groundwater recharge, into its development models. Sourcing water from distant locations is an energy-intensive process that is economically unsustainable for all cities. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “concretization… prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground” and that cities let rainwater “drain away wastefully.” This implies that the current planning/development model does not account for natural recharge (hydrological cycles), validating the assumption that planning has failed in this regard. Assumption II is incorrect: While the passage mentions that cities spend “vast energy and resources” pumping water, it does not go so far as to claim it is “economically unsustainable for all cities.” It critiques the efficiency and logic of the practice, but assuming it is universally unsustainable is too broad and not supported by the specific text provided. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “concretization… prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground” and that cities let rainwater “drain away wastefully.” This implies that the current planning/development model does not account for natural recharge (hydrological cycles), validating the assumption that planning has failed in this regard. Assumption II is incorrect: While the passage mentions that cities spend “vast energy and resources” pumping water, it does not go so far as to claim it is “economically unsustainable for all cities.” It critiques the efficiency and logic of the practice, but assuming it is universally unsustainable is too broad and not supported by the specific text provided.
#### 3. Question
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
• Modern urban planning often fails to integrate natural hydrological cycles, such as groundwater recharge, into its development models.
• Sourcing water from distant locations is an energy-intensive process that is economically unsustainable for all cities.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
• (a) I only
• (b) II only
• (c) Both I and II
• (d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “concretization… prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground” and that cities let rainwater “drain away wastefully.” This implies that the current planning/development model does not account for natural recharge (hydrological cycles), validating the assumption that planning has failed in this regard.
• Assumption II is incorrect: While the passage mentions that cities spend “vast energy and resources” pumping water, it does not go so far as to claim it is “economically unsustainable for all cities.” It critiques the efficiency and logic of the practice, but assuming it is universally unsustainable is too broad and not supported by the specific text provided.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Assumption I is valid: The passage states that “concretization… prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground” and that cities let rainwater “drain away wastefully.” This implies that the current planning/development model does not account for natural recharge (hydrological cycles), validating the assumption that planning has failed in this regard.
• Assumption II is incorrect: While the passage mentions that cities spend “vast energy and resources” pumping water, it does not go so far as to claim it is “economically unsustainable for all cities.” It critiques the efficiency and logic of the practice, but assuming it is universally unsustainable is too broad and not supported by the specific text provided.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question For what value of , the sum of digits of the number is 9? (a) For n=1only (b) For any whole number n (c) For any positive integer n (d) For any real number n Correct Incorrect
#### 4. Question
For what value of , the sum of digits of the number is 9?
• (a) For n=1only
• (b) For any whole number n
• (c) For any positive integer n
• (d) For any real number n
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Integers are listed from 400 to 700. In how many integers is the sum of the digits 11? (a) 16 (b) 17 (c) 21 (d) 26 Correct Answer: (c) Solution: We need integers from 400 to 700 whose sum of digits = 11. Consider by hundreds digit. 400–499 Hundreds digit = 4 So, tens + units = 7 Possible pairs: (0,7), (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1), (7,0) → 8 numbers 500–599 Hundreds digit = 5 So, tens + units = 6 Possible pairs: (0,6), (1,5), (2,4), (3,3), (4,2), (5,1), (6,0) → 7 numbers 600–699 Hundreds digit = 6 So, tens + units = 5 Possible pairs: (0,5), (1,4), (2,3), (3,2), (4,1), (5,0) → 6 numbers Total count 8+7+6 = 21 Incorrect Answer: (c) Solution: We need integers from 400 to 700 whose sum of digits = 11. Consider by hundreds digit. 400–499 Hundreds digit = 4 So, tens + units = 7 Possible pairs: (0,7), (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1), (7,0) → 8 numbers 500–599 Hundreds digit = 5 So, tens + units = 6 Possible pairs: (0,6), (1,5), (2,4), (3,3), (4,2), (5,1), (6,0) → 7 numbers 600–699 Hundreds digit = 6 So, tens + units = 5 Possible pairs: (0,5), (1,4), (2,3), (3,2), (4,1), (5,0) → 6 numbers Total count 8+7+6 = 21
#### 5. Question
Integers are listed from 400 to 700. In how many integers is the sum of the digits 11?
Answer: (c)
Solution:
We need integers from 400 to 700 whose sum of digits = 11.
Consider by hundreds digit.
400–499
Hundreds digit = 4 So, tens + units = 7
Possible pairs: (0,7), (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1), (7,0) → 8 numbers
500–599
Hundreds digit = 5 So, tens + units = 6
Possible pairs: (0,6), (1,5), (2,4), (3,3), (4,2), (5,1), (6,0) → 7 numbers
600–699
Hundreds digit = 6 So, tens + units = 5
Possible pairs: (0,5), (1,4), (2,3), (3,2), (4,1), (5,0) → 6 numbers
Total count
8+7+6 = 21
Answer: (c)
Solution:
We need integers from 400 to 700 whose sum of digits = 11.
Consider by hundreds digit.
400–499
Hundreds digit = 4 So, tens + units = 7
Possible pairs: (0,7), (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1), (7,0) → 8 numbers
500–599
Hundreds digit = 5 So, tens + units = 6
Possible pairs: (0,6), (1,5), (2,4), (3,3), (4,2), (5,1), (6,0) → 7 numbers
600–699
Hundreds digit = 6 So, tens + units = 5
Possible pairs: (0,5), (1,4), (2,3), (3,2), (4,1), (5,0) → 6 numbers
Total count
8+7+6 = 21
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