UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 28 Dec 2024

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 The delineation of the poverty threshold presents a notably deficient framework for comprehensively understanding poverty’s scope within India. This inadequacy stems not solely from its restrictively narrow delineation of poverty, or the contentious methodologies employed in enumerating the impoverished but is rooted more deeply in a foundational presupposition. The criterion singularly anchors on the concept of poverty as a lack of adequate income or purchasing power, aptly termed ‘income poverty’. However, conceiving poverty merely as income paucity oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of deprivations that compromise human well-being. In our perspective, the essence of poverty transcends the mere condition of existing in penury; it encompasses the absence of genuine opportunities constrained by societal limitations and individual circumstances, which preclude alternative modes of existence. Moreover, the significance attributed to limited earnings, scant possessions, and other traditionally economic indicators of poverty ultimately pertains to their role in diminishing capabilities, that is, their impact on drastically limiting the array of choices individuals have for leading diverse and fulfilling lives. According to the passage, what makes the approach used in India for enumerating the impoverished is subjected to debate? a) Relies solely on income measures. b) Includes a wide array of deprivation indicators. c) Captures both income disparities and societal constraints. d) Focuses on individual choices and capabilities. Correct Answer: A Explanation Option a is correct- This option aligns with the critique that the methodology’s reliance on income measures for defining poverty is debatable, as it may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of poverty, including societal constraints and individual capabilities. Incorrect Answer: A Explanation Option a is correct- This option aligns with the critique that the methodology’s reliance on income measures for defining poverty is debatable, as it may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of poverty, including societal constraints and individual capabilities.

#### 1. Question

The delineation of the poverty threshold presents a notably deficient framework for comprehensively understanding poverty’s scope within India. This inadequacy stems not solely from its restrictively narrow delineation of poverty, or the contentious methodologies employed in enumerating the impoverished but is rooted more deeply in a foundational presupposition. The criterion singularly anchors on the concept of poverty as a lack of adequate income or purchasing power, aptly termed ‘income poverty’. However, conceiving poverty merely as income paucity oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of deprivations that compromise human well-being. In our perspective, the essence of poverty transcends the mere condition of existing in penury; it encompasses the absence of genuine opportunities constrained by societal limitations and individual circumstances, which preclude alternative modes of existence. Moreover, the significance attributed to limited earnings, scant possessions, and other traditionally economic indicators of poverty ultimately pertains to their role in diminishing capabilities, that is, their impact on drastically limiting the array of choices individuals have for leading diverse and fulfilling lives.

According to the passage, what makes the approach used in India for enumerating the impoverished is subjected to debate?

• a) Relies solely on income measures.

• b) Includes a wide array of deprivation indicators.

• c) Captures both income disparities and societal constraints.

• d) Focuses on individual choices and capabilities.

Explanation

Option a is correct- This option aligns with the critique that the methodology’s reliance on income measures for defining poverty is debatable, as it may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of poverty, including societal constraints and individual capabilities.

Explanation

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Is the culture hypothesis useful for understanding world inequality? Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that social norms, which are related to culture, matter and can be hard to change, and they also sometimes support institutional differences. But mostly no, because those aspects of culture often emphasized—religion, national ethics, African or Latin values—are just not important for understanding how we got here and why the inequalities in the world persist. Other aspects, such as how much people trust each other or cooperate, are important but are mostly an outcome of institutions, not an independent cause. There may be some marked differences in practices, norms, and values, though these are not causes but outcomes of the two places’ divergent development paths. For example, in surveys Mexicans typically say they trust other people less than the citizens of the United States say they trust others. But it is not a surprise that Mexicans lack trust when their government cannot eliminate drug cartels or provide a functioning unbiased legal system. The same is true with North and South Korea. Which among the following can be described as the most logical inference of the above given passage? a) Cultural factors, particularly religion and national ethics, are primary drivers of global inequality and significantly influence the development paths of countries. b) The lack of trust among citizens in certain societies is a fundamental cause of institutional inefficiency and the persistence of world inequality. c) Social norms and values directly shape the effectiveness of institutions and are the key determinants of economic development and inequality. d) Institutional quality and functionality are crucial in shaping social norms and trust levels among citizens which are often mistaken as primary causes of world inequality. Correct Answer: D Explanation The passage suggests that while cultural aspects, such as social norms, do play a role in sustaining world inequality, they are not the primary drivers. Instead, it highlights that institutional factor — exemplified by the ability of a government to provide services like a fair legal system and security from crime — significantly influence trust among citizens and broader social norms. The example of Mexicans trusting others less due to government inefficiencies and the comparison between North and South Korea illustrate that it is the institutional differences, rather than inherent cultural values like religion or national ethics, that primarily contribute to inequality. Thus, social norms and the extent of trust are seen more as outcomes of institutional quality rather than independent causes of global inequality. Incorrect Answer: D Explanation The passage suggests that while cultural aspects, such as social norms, do play a role in sustaining world inequality, they are not the primary drivers. Instead, it highlights that institutional factor — exemplified by the ability of a government to provide services like a fair legal system and security from crime — significantly influence trust among citizens and broader social norms. The example of Mexicans trusting others less due to government inefficiencies and the comparison between North and South Korea illustrate that it is the institutional differences, rather than inherent cultural values like religion or national ethics, that primarily contribute to inequality. Thus, social norms and the extent of trust are seen more as outcomes of institutional quality rather than independent causes of global inequality.

#### 2. Question

Is the culture hypothesis useful for understanding world inequality? Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that social norms, which are related to culture, matter and can be hard to change, and they also sometimes support institutional differences. But mostly no, because those aspects of culture often emphasized—religion, national ethics, African or Latin values—are just not important for understanding how we got here and why the inequalities in the world persist. Other aspects, such as how much people trust each other or cooperate, are important but are mostly an outcome of institutions, not an independent cause. There may be some marked differences in practices, norms, and values, though these are not causes but outcomes of the two places’ divergent development paths. For example, in surveys Mexicans typically say they trust other people less than the citizens of the United States say they trust others. But it is not a surprise that Mexicans lack trust when their government cannot eliminate drug cartels or provide a functioning unbiased legal system. The same is true with North and South Korea.

Which among the following can be described as the most logical inference of the above given passage?

• a) Cultural factors, particularly religion and national ethics, are primary drivers of global inequality and significantly influence the development paths of countries.

• b) The lack of trust among citizens in certain societies is a fundamental cause of institutional inefficiency and the persistence of world inequality.

• c) Social norms and values directly shape the effectiveness of institutions and are the key determinants of economic development and inequality.

• d) Institutional quality and functionality are crucial in shaping social norms and trust levels among citizens which are often mistaken as primary causes of world inequality.

Explanation

The passage suggests that while cultural aspects, such as social norms, do play a role in sustaining world inequality, they are not the primary drivers. Instead, it highlights that institutional factor — exemplified by the ability of a government to provide services like a fair legal system and security from crime — significantly influence trust among citizens and broader social norms. The example of Mexicans trusting others less due to government inefficiencies and the comparison between North and South Korea illustrate that it is the institutional differences, rather than inherent cultural values like religion or national ethics, that primarily contribute to inequality. Thus, social norms and the extent of trust are seen more as outcomes of institutional quality rather than independent causes of global inequality.

Explanation

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In the realm of international politics, the structural imperatives dictated by the anarchic system of states necessitate that great powers perennially strive for hegemony. This relentless pursuit, grounded in the security dilemma, ensures that states are propelled by an inexorable logic towards maximizing their power relative to others. Mearsheimer posits that under such conditions, the distribution of power in the international system is the primary determinant of state behavior, overshadowing ideological affinities or domestic political considerations. The balance of power, therefore, is not a static condition but a dynamic process, where states engage in continuous adjustments of their strategies in response to the shifting contours of global power. This strategic adjustment is driven by the dual necessities of deterring potential rivals and ensuring one’s survival through either internal balancing, via the enhancement of one’s military capabilities, or external balancing, through the formation of alliances. However, the ultimate goal of achieving regional hegemony is tempered by the counterbalancing efforts of other states, leading to a perpetual state of competition and conflict, albeit not always overt. Mearsheimer’s analysis delineates a world where peace is a temporary and precarious condition, contingent upon the maintenance of a balance of power that can deter aggressive expansionism but cannot eradicate the underlying competition for dominance. Which one of the following statements is the most logical corollary of the passage? a) The quest for power and influence among states in an anarchic international system is mitigated by the inherent stability of ideological similarities and domestic political alignments, which often supersede the raw pursuit of hegemony. b) In an international system characterized by anarchy, states are compelled to perpetually seek hegemony or face the threat of extinction, a process that is moderated through either increasing their own military capabilities or forming alliances, though this does not eliminate the underlying competition for dominance. c) The primary goal of states within the international arena is to achieve a peaceful coexistence that is facilitated by the establishment of international institutions and norms that govern state behavior, thereby diminishing the anarchic nature of the international system. d) States operate within an international system where ideological and domestic political considerations primarily drive their behavior, with the pursuit of power being a secondary concern that does not significantly influence international dynamics. Correct Answer: A Explanation This statement is a direct corollary of the passage, which articulates that in an anarchic international system, the structural imperatives compel states to continuously strive for hegemony as a means of ensuring their survival. The passage highlights the security dilemma and the incessant competition for power as central dynamics driving state behavior. It acknowledges that states may engage in internal or external balancing strategies—enhancing their military capabilities or forming alliances—to manage their security concerns. However, it also implies that such measures do not eradicate the fundamental competition for dominance, as the ultimate aim of achieving regional hegemony is consistently counterbalanced by the actions of other states. This leads to a perpetual state of competition and potential conflict, making peace a temporary and precarious condition. Incorrect Answer: A Explanation This statement is a direct corollary of the passage, which articulates that in an anarchic international system, the structural imperatives compel states to continuously strive for hegemony as a means of ensuring their survival. The passage highlights the security dilemma and the incessant competition for power as central dynamics driving state behavior. It acknowledges that states may engage in internal or external balancing strategies—enhancing their military capabilities or forming alliances—to manage their security concerns. However, it also implies that such measures do not eradicate the fundamental competition for dominance, as the ultimate aim of achieving regional hegemony is consistently counterbalanced by the actions of other states. This leads to a perpetual state of competition and potential conflict, making peace a temporary and precarious condition.

#### 3. Question

In the realm of international politics, the structural imperatives dictated by the anarchic system of states necessitate that great powers perennially strive for hegemony. This relentless pursuit, grounded in the security dilemma, ensures that states are propelled by an inexorable logic towards maximizing their power relative to others. Mearsheimer posits that under such conditions, the distribution of power in the international system is the primary determinant of state behavior, overshadowing ideological affinities or domestic political considerations. The balance of power, therefore, is not a static condition but a dynamic process, where states engage in continuous adjustments of their strategies in response to the shifting contours of global power. This strategic adjustment is driven by the dual necessities of deterring potential rivals and ensuring one’s survival through either internal balancing, via the enhancement of one’s military capabilities, or external balancing, through the formation of alliances. However, the ultimate goal of achieving regional hegemony is tempered by the counterbalancing efforts of other states, leading to a perpetual state of competition and conflict, albeit not always overt. Mearsheimer’s analysis delineates a world where peace is a temporary and precarious condition, contingent upon the maintenance of a balance of power that can deter aggressive expansionism but cannot eradicate the underlying competition for dominance.

Which one of the following statements is the most logical corollary of the passage?

• a) The quest for power and influence among states in an anarchic international system is mitigated by the inherent stability of ideological similarities and domestic political alignments, which often supersede the raw pursuit of hegemony.

• b) In an international system characterized by anarchy, states are compelled to perpetually seek hegemony or face the threat of extinction, a process that is moderated through either increasing their own military capabilities or forming alliances, though this does not eliminate the underlying competition for dominance.

• c) The primary goal of states within the international arena is to achieve a peaceful coexistence that is facilitated by the establishment of international institutions and norms that govern state behavior, thereby diminishing the anarchic nature of the international system.

• d) States operate within an international system where ideological and domestic political considerations primarily drive their behavior, with the pursuit of power being a secondary concern that does not significantly influence international dynamics.

Explanation

This statement is a direct corollary of the passage, which articulates that in an anarchic international system, the structural imperatives compel states to continuously strive for hegemony as a means of ensuring their survival. The passage highlights the security dilemma and the incessant competition for power as central dynamics driving state behavior. It acknowledges that states may engage in internal or external balancing strategies—enhancing their military capabilities or forming alliances—to manage their security concerns. However, it also implies that such measures do not eradicate the fundamental competition for dominance, as the ultimate aim of achieving regional hegemony is consistently counterbalanced by the actions of other states. This leads to a perpetual state of competition and potential conflict, making peace a temporary and precarious condition.

Explanation

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The State claims authority over individual, but when the State is viewed as an instrument of society, it is essential that authority of the State is made to depend on the function it performs. In other words, when the state is regarded as means and the individual as the end, the State cannot be armed with absolute authority over individual. If the State claims authority, the individual must claim rights. It is foolhardy to claim that individual cannot have rights against the State. It is important to note that the benefits that automatically flow from the existence of the State do not constitute rights. Rights comes into picture only when authority of State is sought to be limited. Which of the following is true in light of the above passage? Rights are not correlative to duties of individual There is no rights, when authority of State is unlimited Concept of rights provides a tool to analyse relation between individual and the State Select correct answer using the code below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 only d) 2 and 3 only Correct Answer: D The passage informs us that, Individuals have rights but his or her duty towards state or society is not given, hence 1 is wrong The state cannot have unlimited authority if the individual is entitled with rights hence if state power is unlimited there will be no rights left. Hence 2 is correct It is very obvious from the passage that, rights is claimed by individual against state which makes us clear about the relationship between state and individual. Hence 3 is clearly correct. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: D The passage informs us that, Individuals have rights but his or her duty towards state or society is not given, hence 1 is wrong The state cannot have unlimited authority if the individual is entitled with rights hence if state power is unlimited there will be no rights left. Hence 2 is correct It is very obvious from the passage that, rights is claimed by individual against state which makes us clear about the relationship between state and individual. Hence 3 is clearly correct. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

#### 4. Question

The State claims authority over individual, but when the State is viewed as an instrument of society, it is essential that authority of the State is made to depend on the function it performs. In other words, when the state is regarded as means and the individual as the end, the State cannot be armed with absolute authority over individual. If the State claims authority, the individual must claim rights. It is foolhardy to claim that individual cannot have rights against the State. It is important to note that the benefits that automatically flow from the existence of the State do not constitute rights. Rights comes into picture only when authority of State is sought to be limited.

Which of the following is true in light of the above passage?

• Rights are not correlative to duties of individual

• There is no rights, when authority of State is unlimited

• Concept of rights provides a tool to analyse relation between individual and the State

Select correct answer using the code below:

• a) 1 and 2 only

• b) 1 and 3 only

• d) 2 and 3 only

The passage informs us that,

• Individuals have rights but his or her duty towards state or society is not given, hence 1 is wrong

• The state cannot have unlimited authority if the individual is entitled with rights hence if state power is unlimited there will be no rights left. Hence 2 is correct

• It is very obvious from the passage that, rights is claimed by individual against state which makes us clear about the relationship between state and individual. Hence 3 is clearly correct. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

The passage informs us that,

• Individuals have rights but his or her duty towards state or society is not given, hence 1 is wrong

• The state cannot have unlimited authority if the individual is entitled with rights hence if state power is unlimited there will be no rights left. Hence 2 is correct

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question On the basis of above passage following assumptions have been made: Absence of rights makes the happiness of individual depend on the will of the powers-that-be Rights belong to the sphere of conflicting claims between individual and the State Which of these assumptions is/are valid? a) Individuals have rights but his or her duty towards state or society is not given, hence 1 is wrong b) The state cannot have unlimited authority if the individual is entitled with rights hence if state power is unlimited there will be no rights left. Hence 2 is correct c) It is very obvious from the passage that, rights is claimed by individual against state which makes us clear about the relationship between state and individual. Hence 3 is clearly correct. Hence, option d) is the correct answer. Correct Answer: C The passage tells that rights are important otherwise the authority of state will be absolute, that it could be assumed that if there is no rights the absolutely powerful state can do harm to individual and her happiness. Hence 1 is correct. The passage also clarifies us that, rights is used only to limit the state authority it means it is a conflictual relationship. Thus rights belong to the conflicting sphere between the two and so 2 is correct. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: C The passage tells that rights are important otherwise the authority of state will be absolute, that it could be assumed that if there is no rights the absolutely powerful state can do harm to individual and her happiness. Hence 1 is correct. The passage also clarifies us that, rights is used only to limit the state authority it means it is a conflictual relationship. Thus rights belong to the conflicting sphere between the two and so 2 is correct. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

#### 5. Question

On the basis of above passage following assumptions have been made:

• Absence of rights makes the happiness of individual depend on the will of the powers-that-be

• Rights belong to the sphere of conflicting claims between individual and the State

Which of these assumptions is/are valid?

• a) Individuals have rights but his or her duty towards state or society is not given, hence 1 is wrong

• b) The state cannot have unlimited authority if the individual is entitled with rights hence if state power is unlimited there will be no rights left. Hence 2 is correct

• c) It is very obvious from the passage that, rights is claimed by individual against state which makes us clear about the relationship between state and individual. Hence 3 is clearly correct. Hence, option

• d) is the correct answer.

The passage tells that rights are important otherwise the authority of state will be absolute, that it could be assumed that if there is no rights the absolutely powerful state can do harm to individual and her happiness. Hence 1 is correct. The passage also clarifies us that, rights is used only to limit the state authority it means it is a conflictual relationship. Thus rights belong to the conflicting sphere between the two and so 2 is correct. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

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