UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 18 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 In today’s fast-changing digital economy, innovation depends not only on technology but on trust. When users fear data misuse or algorithmic manipulation, even the best technological breakthroughs can fail to gain acceptance. Therefore, the foundation of sustainable digital growth lies in transparent governance of data, accountability of algorithms, and informed consent of users. Without ethical standards, technology risks amplifying inequality, spreading misinformation, and eroding democratic values. Thus, the challenge before modern societies is to balance innovation with responsibility and freedom with regulation, ensuring that technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) The government should regulate all aspects of technology to protect users. (b) Ethical governance of data and algorithms is essential for trustworthy technological progress. (c) Technological innovation will automatically ensure equality and freedom in society. (d) Rapid digital growth is more important than concerns about data privacy. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage does not advocate complete government control over technology; instead, it calls for balanced regulation guided by ethics and accountability. Option (c) is incorrect because the author explicitly warns that without ethical standards, technology can amplify inequality and misinformation, not reduce them. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage cautions against prioritizing growth over responsibility. The author stresses that “the foundation of sustainable digital growth lies in transparent governance and ethical standards.” Option (b) accurately captures the essence of the passage: technology must progress with ethical oversight ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability. Hence, (b) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage does not advocate complete government control over technology; instead, it calls for balanced regulation guided by ethics and accountability. Option (c) is incorrect because the author explicitly warns that without ethical standards, technology can amplify inequality and misinformation, not reduce them. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage cautions against prioritizing growth over responsibility. The author stresses that “the foundation of sustainable digital growth lies in transparent governance and ethical standards.” Option (b) accurately captures the essence of the passage: technology must progress with ethical oversight ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.

#### 1. Question

In today’s fast-changing digital economy, innovation depends not only on technology but on trust. When users fear data misuse or algorithmic manipulation, even the best technological breakthroughs can fail to gain acceptance. Therefore, the foundation of sustainable digital growth lies in transparent governance of data, accountability of algorithms, and informed consent of users. Without ethical standards, technology risks amplifying inequality, spreading misinformation, and eroding democratic values. Thus, the challenge before modern societies is to balance innovation with responsibility and freedom with regulation, ensuring that technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?

• (a) The government should regulate all aspects of technology to protect users.

• (b) Ethical governance of data and algorithms is essential for trustworthy technological progress.

• (c) Technological innovation will automatically ensure equality and freedom in society.

• (d) Rapid digital growth is more important than concerns about data privacy.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the passage does not advocate complete government control over technology; instead, it calls for balanced regulation guided by ethics and accountability. Option (c) is incorrect because the author explicitly warns that without ethical standards, technology can amplify inequality and misinformation, not reduce them. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage cautions against prioritizing growth over responsibility. The author stresses that “the foundation of sustainable digital growth lies in transparent governance and ethical standards.” Option (b) accurately captures the essence of the passage: technology must progress with ethical oversight ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability. Hence, (b) is the correct answer.

Answer: (b)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Technological progress can harm democracy and equality if not guided by ethical norms. II. Governments are the only institutions capable of enforcing ethical standards in technology. 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 correct because the passage explicitly mentions that without ethical standards, technology risks amplifying inequality and eroding democratic values. This implies that unchecked innovation can indeed harm democracy and equality. Assumption II is incorrect because the passage never limits ethical responsibility to governments alone. It calls for transparent governance of data and accountability of algorithms, which can involve multiple stakeholders—including companies, civil society, and users themselves. Hence, the claim that only governments can enforce ethics is too narrow. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is correct because the passage explicitly mentions that without ethical standards, technology risks amplifying inequality and eroding democratic values. This implies that unchecked innovation can indeed harm democracy and equality. Assumption II is incorrect because the passage never limits ethical responsibility to governments alone. It calls for transparent governance of data and accountability of algorithms, which can involve multiple stakeholders—including companies, civil society, and users themselves. Hence, the claim that only governments can enforce ethics is too narrow. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) the correct answer.

#### 2. Question

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

I. Technological progress can harm democracy and equality if not guided by ethical norms. II. Governments are the only institutions capable of enforcing ethical standards in technology.

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 correct because the passage explicitly mentions that without ethical standards, technology risks amplifying inequality and eroding democratic values. This implies that unchecked innovation can indeed harm democracy and equality. Assumption II is incorrect because the passage never limits ethical responsibility to governments alone. It calls for transparent governance of data and accountability of algorithms, which can involve multiple stakeholders—including companies, civil society, and users themselves. Hence, the claim that only governments can enforce ethics is too narrow. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) the correct answer.

Answer: (a)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question While technology has revolutionised agriculture, the benefits of this progress are not distributed evenly. High-income countries and industrial farms have leveraged advanced irrigation, genetically modified crops, and digital monitoring to raise yields, while small farmers in poorer nations struggle with erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited market access. The result is not only unequal productivity but also unequal consumption: the global North wastes millions of tonnes of food each year, whereas the global South faces widespread undernourishment. Thus, the crisis is not of total food shortage but of distribution, affordability, and responsible use. A sustainable food future will depend less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce more fairly and efficiently. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage? (a) Global hunger is caused by population growth rather than poor food management. (b) Technological innovation in agriculture has widened global inequality in food access and use. (c) The primary cause of global hunger is the lack of modern agricultural technology in developing countries. (d) Increasing food production alone will ensure global food security. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not link hunger to population growth; it attributes inequality to poor distribution and irresponsible use of food. Option (b) is correct: The author contrasts high-income countries’ technological success and waste with the developing world’s deprivation, concluding that “the crisis is not of total food shortage but of distribution, affordability, and responsible use.” Hence, technological progress has indeed widened global inequality in food access and utilization. Option (c) is incorrect: While lack of technology is mentioned, it is not presented as the sole or “primary” cause of hunger. The key issue is imbalance, not absence of technology. Option (d) is incorrect: The author explicitly rejects this by stating that sustainability depends “less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce.” Therefore, option (b) best captures the crux. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not link hunger to population growth; it attributes inequality to poor distribution and irresponsible use of food. Option (b) is correct: The author contrasts high-income countries’ technological success and waste with the developing world’s deprivation, concluding that “the crisis is not of total food shortage but of distribution, affordability, and responsible use.” Hence, technological progress has indeed widened global inequality in food access and utilization. Option (c) is incorrect: While lack of technology is mentioned, it is not presented as the sole or “primary” cause of hunger. The key issue is imbalance, not absence of technology. Option (d) is incorrect: The author explicitly rejects this by stating that sustainability depends “less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce.” Therefore, option (b) best captures the crux.

#### 3. Question

While technology has revolutionised agriculture, the benefits of this progress are not distributed evenly. High-income countries and industrial farms have leveraged advanced irrigation, genetically modified crops, and digital monitoring to raise yields, while small farmers in poorer nations struggle with erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited market access. The result is not only unequal productivity but also unequal consumption: the global North wastes millions of tonnes of food each year, whereas the global South faces widespread undernourishment. Thus, the crisis is not of total food shortage but of distribution, affordability, and responsible use. A sustainable food future will depend less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce more fairly and efficiently.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?

• (a) Global hunger is caused by population growth rather than poor food management.

• (b) Technological innovation in agriculture has widened global inequality in food access and use.

• (c) The primary cause of global hunger is the lack of modern agricultural technology in developing countries.

• (d) Increasing food production alone will ensure global food security.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not link hunger to population growth; it attributes inequality to poor distribution and irresponsible use of food. Option (b) is correct: The author contrasts high-income countries’ technological success and waste with the developing world’s deprivation, concluding that “the crisis is not of total food shortage but of distribution, affordability, and responsible use.” Hence, technological progress has indeed widened global inequality in food access and utilization. Option (c) is incorrect: While lack of technology is mentioned, it is not presented as the sole or “primary” cause of hunger. The key issue is imbalance, not absence of technology. Option (d) is incorrect: The author explicitly rejects this by stating that sustainability depends “less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce.” Therefore, option (b) best captures the crux.

Answer: (b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Food insecurity can be reduced significantly if wastage is minimised and distribution is made equitable. II. Countries with advanced agricultural technologies automatically achieve food security for all their citizens. 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 correct: The passage clearly implies that hunger arises not from scarcity but from mismanagement and inequality. The line “a sustainable food future will depend less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce” directly supports the idea that minimizing waste and ensuring fair distribution can alleviate food insecurity. Assumption II is incorrect: The author never claims that advanced technology ensures food security for everyone. In fact, the passage highlights that even high-income nations, despite technological success, contribute to food wastage. Hence, technology alone does not guarantee equitable food access. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is correct: The passage clearly implies that hunger arises not from scarcity but from mismanagement and inequality. The line “a sustainable food future will depend less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce” directly supports the idea that minimizing waste and ensuring fair distribution can alleviate food insecurity. Assumption II is incorrect: The author never claims that advanced technology ensures food security for everyone. In fact, the passage highlights that even high-income nations, despite technological success, contribute to food wastage. Hence, technology alone does not guarantee equitable food access. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) correct.

#### 4. Question

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

I. Food insecurity can be reduced significantly if wastage is minimised and distribution is made equitable. II. Countries with advanced agricultural technologies automatically achieve food security for all their citizens.

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 correct: The passage clearly implies that hunger arises not from scarcity but from mismanagement and inequality. The line “a sustainable food future will depend less on producing more and more on managing what we already produce” directly supports the idea that minimizing waste and ensuring fair distribution can alleviate food insecurity. Assumption II is incorrect: The author never claims that advanced technology ensures food security for everyone. In fact, the passage highlights that even high-income nations, despite technological success, contribute to food wastage. Hence, technology alone does not guarantee equitable food access. Therefore, only Assumption I is valid, making option (a) correct.

Answer: (a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question A person bought 28 pens at Rs. x per pen. Later he found that with Rs. 168 more, he could have bought 4 more pens and reduced the average cost per pen by Rs. 1.50. What is the value of x? (a) Rs. 50 (b) Rs. 54 (c) Rs. 55 (d) Rs. 60 Correct Answer: (b) Solution: Total cost = 28x New cost = 28x + 168 New pens = 32 New avg = x – 1.5 ⇒ 28x + 168 = 32(x – 1.5) ⇒ 28x + 168 = 32x – 48 ⇒ 216 = 4x ⇒ x = 54 Incorrect Answer: (b) Solution: Total cost = 28x New cost = 28x + 168 New pens = 32 New avg = x – 1.5 ⇒ 28x + 168 = 32(x – 1.5) ⇒ 28x + 168 = 32x – 48 ⇒ 216 = 4x ⇒ x = 54

#### 5. Question

A person bought 28 pens at Rs. x per pen. Later he found that with Rs. 168 more, he could have bought 4 more pens and reduced the average cost per pen by Rs. 1.50. What is the value of x?

• (a) Rs. 50

• (b) Rs. 54

• (c) Rs. 55

• (d) Rs. 60

Answer: (b)

Solution: Total cost = 28x New cost = 28x + 168 New pens = 32 New avg = x – 1.5

⇒ 28x + 168 = 32(x – 1.5) ⇒ 28x + 168 = 32x – 48 ⇒ 216 = 4x ⇒ x = 54

Answer: (b)

Solution: Total cost = 28x New cost = 28x + 168 New pens = 32 New avg = x – 1.5

⇒ 28x + 168 = 32(x – 1.5) ⇒ 28x + 168 = 32x – 48 ⇒ 216 = 4x ⇒ x = 54

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