UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 21 Aug 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 India’s urban future will be shaped not only by the scale of its cities but by the quality of their governance. Rapid migration, expanding informal settlements, and climate-related stresses are putting pressure on infrastructure, public services, and ecological systems. While smart city initiatives have improved digital connectivity and certain urban amenities, persistent issues—such as inequitable access to housing, inadequate waste management, and flooding—highlight gaps in planning and execution. Urban experts argue that the challenge lies less in the absence of technology and more in the fragmentation of urban governance. Multiple agencies often operate in silos, with overlapping mandates and weak accountability, leading to delays and resource misallocation. Building resilient, inclusive cities therefore requires coordinated metropolitan governance, integration of climate adaptation into planning, and participatory decision-making involving communities directly affected by urban policies. Without systemic reforms, urban growth risks deepening socio-economic divides and exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities. Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inferences that can be made from the passage? Technological solutions alone cannot resolve India’s urban challenges. Lack of institutional coordination is a major barrier to effective urban governance. Climate adaptation should be a peripheral aspect of urban planning. Participatory governance can contribute to more resilient and inclusive cities. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly states that the main challenge is not the absence of technology but governance gaps. Statement 2 is correct — it notes that fragmented governance and lack of coordination among agencies hinder urban management. Statement 3 is incorrect — climate adaptation is presented as integral, not peripheral, to urban planning. Statement 4 is correct — the passage highlights participatory decision-making as essential for resilience and inclusion. Hence, the correct answer is (a). Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly states that the main challenge is not the absence of technology but governance gaps. Statement 2 is correct — it notes that fragmented governance and lack of coordination among agencies hinder urban management. Statement 3 is incorrect — climate adaptation is presented as integral, not peripheral, to urban planning. Statement 4 is correct — the passage highlights participatory decision-making as essential for resilience and inclusion. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

#### 1. Question

India’s urban future will be shaped not only by the scale of its cities but by the quality of their governance. Rapid migration, expanding informal settlements, and climate-related stresses are putting pressure on infrastructure, public services, and ecological systems. While smart city initiatives have improved digital connectivity and certain urban amenities, persistent issues—such as inequitable access to housing, inadequate waste management, and flooding—highlight gaps in planning and execution.

Urban experts argue that the challenge lies less in the absence of technology and more in the fragmentation of urban governance. Multiple agencies often operate in silos, with overlapping mandates and weak accountability, leading to delays and resource misallocation. Building resilient, inclusive cities therefore requires coordinated metropolitan governance, integration of climate adaptation into planning, and participatory decision-making involving communities directly affected by urban policies. Without systemic reforms, urban growth risks deepening socio-economic divides and exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities.

Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inferences that can be made from the passage?

• Technological solutions alone cannot resolve India’s urban challenges.

• Lack of institutional coordination is a major barrier to effective urban governance.

• Climate adaptation should be a peripheral aspect of urban planning.

• Participatory governance can contribute to more resilient and inclusive cities.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1, 2 and 4 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly states that the main challenge is not the absence of technology but governance gaps. Statement 2 is correct — it notes that fragmented governance and lack of coordination among agencies hinder urban management. Statement 3 is incorrect — climate adaptation is presented as integral, not peripheral, to urban planning. Statement 4 is correct — the passage highlights participatory decision-making as essential for resilience and inclusion. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

Answer: (a)

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Addressing urban inequality and environmental stress requires both policy reform and citizen engagement. Expanding digital infrastructure is sufficient to make Indian cities resilient to climate risks. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid — the passage links systemic reforms with participatory governance as necessary for addressing socio-economic divides and environmental vulnerabilities. Assumption 2 is invalid — while digital initiatives are mentioned, the text stresses that without coordinated governance and climate integration, resilience cannot be achieved. Hence, only assumption 1 holds true, making (a) the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid — the passage links systemic reforms with participatory governance as necessary for addressing socio-economic divides and environmental vulnerabilities. Assumption 2 is invalid — while digital initiatives are mentioned, the text stresses that without coordinated governance and climate integration, resilience cannot be achieved. Hence, only assumption 1 holds true, making (a) the correct answer.

#### 2. Question

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

• Addressing urban inequality and environmental stress requires both policy reform and citizen engagement.

• Expanding digital infrastructure is sufficient to make Indian cities resilient to climate risks.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Assumption 1 is valid — the passage links systemic reforms with participatory governance as necessary for addressing socio-economic divides and environmental vulnerabilities. Assumption 2 is invalid — while digital initiatives are mentioned, the text stresses that without coordinated governance and climate integration, resilience cannot be achieved. Hence, only assumption 1 holds true, making (a) the correct answer.

Answer: (a)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Declining groundwater levels across India threaten agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecological balance. Over-extraction, inefficient irrigation, and contamination from industrial effluents have worsened the crisis. While government schemes promote rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and aquifer mapping, uneven implementation limits their impact. In many regions, unregulated private borewells continue to deplete reserves faster than they can recharge. Sustainable water management requires stricter regulation, community participation, and integration of traditional conservation practices with modern technology. Without urgent reforms, water scarcity may aggravate rural distress, disrupt food supply chains, and increase inter-state disputes. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? Groundwater depletion in India is mainly due to climatic factors beyond human control. Effective water management requires both regulatory action and community-level engagement. 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: (b) Explanation: • Statement 1 (Incorrect): The passage attributes depletion largely to over-extraction, inefficient irrigation, and pollution — all human-driven. • Statement 2 (Correct): It clearly states that sustainable management needs regulation and community participation, making this inference valid. Incorrect Solution: (b) Explanation: • Statement 1 (Incorrect): The passage attributes depletion largely to over-extraction, inefficient irrigation, and pollution — all human-driven. • Statement 2 (Correct): It clearly states that sustainable management needs regulation and community participation, making this inference valid.

#### 3. Question

Declining groundwater levels across India threaten agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecological balance. Over-extraction, inefficient irrigation, and contamination from industrial effluents have worsened the crisis. While government schemes promote rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and aquifer mapping, uneven implementation limits their impact. In many regions, unregulated private borewells continue to deplete reserves faster than they can recharge. Sustainable water management requires stricter regulation, community participation, and integration of traditional conservation practices with modern technology. Without urgent reforms, water scarcity may aggravate rural distress, disrupt food supply chains, and increase inter-state disputes.

Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage?

• Groundwater depletion in India is mainly due to climatic factors beyond human control.

• Effective water management requires both regulatory action and community-level engagement.

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: (b)

Explanation: • Statement 1 (Incorrect): The passage attributes depletion largely to over-extraction, inefficient irrigation, and pollution — all human-driven. • Statement 2 (Correct): It clearly states that sustainable management needs regulation and community participation, making this inference valid.

Solution: (b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Technology alone cannot solve India’s groundwater crisis without proper enforcement and local cooperation. Unregulated private extraction is a negligible factor in the current water scarcity problem. 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: (a) Explanation: • Statement 1 (Correct): The passage notes technology use but stresses regulation and participation, implying tech alone is insufficient. • Statement 2 (Incorrect): It highlights unregulated private borewells as a significant cause, so this assumption is invalid. Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: • Statement 1 (Correct): The passage notes technology use but stresses regulation and participation, implying tech alone is insufficient. • Statement 2 (Incorrect): It highlights unregulated private borewells as a significant cause, so this assumption is invalid.

#### 4. Question

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

• Technology alone cannot solve India’s groundwater crisis without proper enforcement and local cooperation.

• Unregulated private extraction is a negligible factor in the current water scarcity problem.

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: (a)

Explanation: • Statement 1 (Correct): The passage notes technology use but stresses regulation and participation, implying tech alone is insufficient. • Statement 2 (Incorrect): It highlights unregulated private borewells as a significant cause, so this assumption is invalid.

Solution: (a)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question A and B run around a circular track and start from the same point at 6:00 a.m. in the same direction. A runs at 6 rounds per hour, and B runs at 4 rounds per hour. How many times will A overtake B between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.? (a) 6 (b) 5 (c) 4 (d) 3 Correct Answer: (C) Explanation: Since they run in the same direction, relative speed = 6 − 4 = 2 rounds/hour. A overtakes B every time the relative distance covered equals 1 round. So, they will meet 2 times in an hour, or once every 30 minutes. From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.: In 120 minutes, they will meet 120/30 = 4 times. From 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.: In 15 minutes, they haven’t yet met, as first overtaking happens at 6:30 a.m. So between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., they meet 4 times, but the first meeting after 6:15 a.m. is at 6:30 a.m., so total overtakes = 4 − 0 = 4. Correct answer = (C). Incorrect Answer: (C) Explanation: Since they run in the same direction, relative speed = 6 − 4 = 2 rounds/hour. A overtakes B every time the relative distance covered equals 1 round. So, they will meet 2 times in an hour, or once every 30 minutes. From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.: In 120 minutes, they will meet 120/30 = 4 times. From 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.: In 15 minutes, they haven’t yet met, as first overtaking happens at 6:30 a.m. So between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., they meet 4 times, but the first meeting after 6:15 a.m. is at 6:30 a.m., so total overtakes = 4 − 0 = 4. Correct answer = (C).

#### 5. Question

A and B run around a circular track and start from the same point at 6:00 a.m. in the same direction. A runs at 6 rounds per hour, and B runs at 4 rounds per hour. How many times will A overtake B between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.?

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Since they run in the same direction, relative speed = 6 − 4 = 2 rounds/hour. A overtakes B every time the relative distance covered equals 1 round. So, they will meet 2 times in an hour, or once every 30 minutes.

From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.: In 120 minutes, they will meet 120/30 = 4 times.

From 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.: In 15 minutes, they haven’t yet met, as first overtaking happens at 6:30 a.m.

So between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., they meet 4 times, but the first meeting after 6:15 a.m. is at 6:30 a.m., so total overtakes = 4 − 0 = 4.

Correct answer = (C).

Answer: (C)

From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.: In 120 minutes, they will meet 120/30 = 4 times.

From 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.: In 15 minutes, they haven’t yet met, as first overtaking happens at 6:30 a.m.

So between 6:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., they meet 4 times, but the first meeting after 6:15 a.m. is at 6:30 a.m., so total overtakes = 4 − 0 = 4.

Correct answer = (C).

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