UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 17 Sep 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 A cistern can be filled by two pipes in 16 hours and 24 hours respectively. A third pipe can empty it in 48 hours. If all the three pipes are opened together, how long will it take to fill the cistern? (a) 8 hours (b) 10 hours (c) 12 hours (d) 15 hours Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Work per hour: Pipe 1 = 1/16, Pipe 2 = 1/24, Pipe 3 = –1/48. Net work/hour = 1/16 + 1/24 – 1/48. LCM = 48 → (3 + 2 – 1)/48 = 4/48 = 1/12. So, they fill 1/12 of the cistern per hour. Therefore, total time = 12 hours. Hence option (c) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Work per hour: Pipe 1 = 1/16, Pipe 2 = 1/24, Pipe 3 = –1/48. Net work/hour = 1/16 + 1/24 – 1/48. LCM = 48 → (3 + 2 – 1)/48 = 4/48 = 1/12. So, they fill 1/12 of the cistern per hour. Therefore, total time = 12 hours. Hence option (c) is correct.

#### 1. Question

A cistern can be filled by two pipes in 16 hours and 24 hours respectively. A third pipe can empty it in 48 hours. If all the three pipes are opened together, how long will it take to fill the cistern?

• (a) 8 hours

• (b) 10 hours

• (c) 12 hours

• (d) 15 hours

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Work per hour: Pipe 1 = 1/16, Pipe 2 = 1/24, Pipe 3 = –1/48. Net work/hour = 1/16 + 1/24 – 1/48. LCM = 48 → (3 + 2 – 1)/48 = 4/48 = 1/12. So, they fill 1/12 of the cistern per hour. Therefore, total time = 12 hours. Hence option (c) is correct.

Answer: (c)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Derivative contracts—such as futures, options, and swaps—are financial instruments whose value is derived from an underlying asset like commodities, currencies, or stocks. Originally designed as hedging tools to manage price risk, they have increasingly become vehicles for speculation. Proponents argue that derivatives improve market efficiency, provide liquidity, and enable price discovery. Critics, however, highlight their complexity, potential for misuse, and role in amplifying systemic risks, as witnessed during the 2008 global financial crisis. The key challenge lies in ensuring that derivatives serve their intended purpose of risk management without destabilizing financial markets. Effective regulation, transparency, and investor education are critical to strike this balance. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage? (a) Derivative contracts should be banned completely as they encourage speculation. (b) Proper regulation and oversight can help derivatives contribute to stable and efficient markets. (c) Derivatives have no role in modern financial systems except creating crises. (d) Only professional investors should be allowed to trade in derivative markets. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect since the passage acknowledges the usefulness of derivatives in risk management; banning them is not suggested. Option (c) is extreme; while risks are noted, the benefits in liquidity and price discovery are recognized. Option (d) is not mentioned in the passage; restricting participation only to professionals is not the central argument. Option (b) is correct because the passage stresses that derivatives are useful but require regulation, transparency, and education to ensure they stabilize rather than destabilize markets. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect since the passage acknowledges the usefulness of derivatives in risk management; banning them is not suggested. Option (c) is extreme; while risks are noted, the benefits in liquidity and price discovery are recognized. Option (d) is not mentioned in the passage; restricting participation only to professionals is not the central argument. Option (b) is correct because the passage stresses that derivatives are useful but require regulation, transparency, and education to ensure they stabilize rather than destabilize markets.

#### 2. Question

Derivative contracts—such as futures, options, and swaps—are financial instruments whose value is derived from an underlying asset like commodities, currencies, or stocks. Originally designed as hedging tools to manage price risk, they have increasingly become vehicles for speculation. Proponents argue that derivatives improve market efficiency, provide liquidity, and enable price discovery. Critics, however, highlight their complexity, potential for misuse, and role in amplifying systemic risks, as witnessed during the 2008 global financial crisis. The key challenge lies in ensuring that derivatives serve their intended purpose of risk management without destabilizing financial markets. Effective regulation, transparency, and investor education are critical to strike this balance.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage?

• (a) Derivative contracts should be banned completely as they encourage speculation.

• (b) Proper regulation and oversight can help derivatives contribute to stable and efficient markets.

• (c) Derivatives have no role in modern financial systems except creating crises.

• (d) Only professional investors should be allowed to trade in derivative markets.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect since the passage acknowledges the usefulness of derivatives in risk management; banning them is not suggested. Option (c) is extreme; while risks are noted, the benefits in liquidity and price discovery are recognized. Option (d) is not mentioned in the passage; restricting participation only to professionals is not the central argument. Option (b) is correct because the passage stresses that derivatives are useful but require regulation, transparency, and education to ensure they stabilize rather than destabilize markets.

Answer: (b)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Without proper regulation, derivative markets can pose systemic risks to the economy. II. The original purpose of derivatives was hedging, but speculative use has overshadowed it. 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 because the passage explicitly links misuse of derivatives to systemic risks, citing the 2008 financial crisis. Assumption II is also valid; the passage states that derivatives were “originally designed as hedging tools” but “increasingly become vehicles for speculation.” Hence, both assumptions logically follow, making option (c) the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid because the passage explicitly links misuse of derivatives to systemic risks, citing the 2008 financial crisis. Assumption II is also valid; the passage states that derivatives were “originally designed as hedging tools” but “increasingly become vehicles for speculation.” Hence, both assumptions logically follow, making option (c) the correct answer.

#### 3. Question

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Without proper regulation, derivative markets can pose systemic risks to the economy. II. The original purpose of derivatives was hedging, but speculative use has overshadowed it.

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 because the passage explicitly links misuse of derivatives to systemic risks, citing the 2008 financial crisis. Assumption II is also valid; the passage states that derivatives were “originally designed as hedging tools” but “increasingly become vehicles for speculation.” Hence, both assumptions logically follow, making option (c) the correct answer.

Answer: (c)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Conventional warfare, involving armies, tanks, aircraft, and artillery, has historically been the dominant mode of conflict between nations. However, its relevance in the modern era is being debated. On the one hand, large-scale wars like those of the 20th century are less frequent due to nuclear deterrence and international diplomacy. On the other hand, conventional forces continue to be critical for territorial defence, deterrence, and power projection, especially in regions facing border disputes. Moreover, recent conflicts demonstrate that despite the rise of cyberwarfare and unmanned systems, traditional combat with boots on the ground still determines outcomes. The challenge for nations is to modernize their conventional capabilities while integrating them with emerging domains such as space and cyber, ensuring readiness without overextending resources. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Conventional warfare has lost all relevance in the modern world. (b) Nations must invest only in cyber and nuclear capabilities rather than in conventional forces. (c) Conventional warfare remains relevant, but it must be modernized and integrated with new domains. (d) The rise of cyberwarfare makes conventional armies redundant in future conflicts. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage highlights that boots on the ground still matter, especially in territorial disputes. Option (b) is incorrect since the passage emphasizes balance—modernization and integration—rather than abandoning conventional forces. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that despite cyberwarfare, traditional combat continues to determine outcomes. Option (c) is correct: The passage’s core message is that conventional forces are still vital, but they must be modernized and integrated with cyber and space domains for effective preparedness. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage highlights that boots on the ground still matter, especially in territorial disputes. Option (b) is incorrect since the passage emphasizes balance—modernization and integration—rather than abandoning conventional forces. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that despite cyberwarfare, traditional combat continues to determine outcomes. Option (c) is correct: The passage’s core message is that conventional forces are still vital, but they must be modernized and integrated with cyber and space domains for effective preparedness.

#### 4. Question

Conventional warfare, involving armies, tanks, aircraft, and artillery, has historically been the dominant mode of conflict between nations. However, its relevance in the modern era is being debated. On the one hand, large-scale wars like those of the 20th century are less frequent due to nuclear deterrence and international diplomacy. On the other hand, conventional forces continue to be critical for territorial defence, deterrence, and power projection, especially in regions facing border disputes. Moreover, recent conflicts demonstrate that despite the rise of cyberwarfare and unmanned systems, traditional combat with boots on the ground still determines outcomes. The challenge for nations is to modernize their conventional capabilities while integrating them with emerging domains such as space and cyber, ensuring readiness without overextending resources.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the author of the passage?

• (a) Conventional warfare has lost all relevance in the modern world.

• (b) Nations must invest only in cyber and nuclear capabilities rather than in conventional forces.

• (c) Conventional warfare remains relevant, but it must be modernized and integrated with new domains.

• (d) The rise of cyberwarfare makes conventional armies redundant in future conflicts.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage highlights that boots on the ground still matter, especially in territorial disputes. Option (b) is incorrect since the passage emphasizes balance—modernization and integration—rather than abandoning conventional forces. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that despite cyberwarfare, traditional combat continues to determine outcomes. Option (c) is correct: The passage’s core message is that conventional forces are still vital, but they must be modernized and integrated with cyber and space domains for effective preparedness.

Answer: (c)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Exclusive reliance on nuclear deterrence and cyberwarfare is inadequate for securing national interests. II. Modernization of conventional forces requires balancing resources between traditional and emerging domains. 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 clearly states that despite nuclear deterrence and cyberwarfare, conventional forces remain critical in territorial defence and border conflicts. Hence, exclusive reliance on new domains would be insufficient. Assumption II is valid: The passage highlights that the challenge is to modernize conventional forces while integrating them with cyber and space, without overextending resources. This indicates the need for balance. Thus, both assumptions logically follow, making option (c) correct. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage clearly states that despite nuclear deterrence and cyberwarfare, conventional forces remain critical in territorial defence and border conflicts. Hence, exclusive reliance on new domains would be insufficient. Assumption II is valid: The passage highlights that the challenge is to modernize conventional forces while integrating them with cyber and space, without overextending resources. This indicates the need for balance. Thus, both assumptions logically follow, making option (c) correct.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Exclusive reliance on nuclear deterrence and cyberwarfare is inadequate for securing national interests. II. Modernization of conventional forces requires balancing resources between traditional and emerging domains.

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 clearly states that despite nuclear deterrence and cyberwarfare, conventional forces remain critical in territorial defence and border conflicts. Hence, exclusive reliance on new domains would be insufficient. Assumption II is valid: The passage highlights that the challenge is to modernize conventional forces while integrating them with cyber and space, without overextending resources. This indicates the need for balance. Thus, both assumptions logically follow, making option (c) correct.

Answer: (c)

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