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UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 3 Oct 2025

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 If 20% of a city’s population migrates out every year, what fraction of the original population remains after 4 years, assuming no growth in this period? (a) 256/625 part of the population. (b) 256/1296 part of the population. (c) 81/625 part of the population. (d) 16/81 part of the population. Correct Answer – A Solution: Given that, there is a policy that 20% (i.e., 1/5th) of the population migrates every year. There is no further growth in the population within four years. Now, Let the population be p. Leftover population after one year = p − (1/5)×p = (4/5)p. After every passing year population will become 4/5th of previous population. Population after 2nd year = (4/5)(4/5)×p = (16/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (64/125)p. Population after 4th year = (256/625)p. Hence option (a) is correct. Incorrect Answer – A Solution: Given that, there is a policy that 20% (i.e., 1/5th) of the population migrates every year. There is no further growth in the population within four years. Now, Let the population be p. Leftover population after one year = p − (1/5)×p = (4/5)p. After every passing year population will become 4/5th of previous population. Population after 2nd year = (4/5)(4/5)×p = (16/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (64/125)p. Population after 4th year = (256/625)p. Hence option (a) is correct.

#### 1. Question

If 20% of a city’s population migrates out every year, what fraction of the original population remains after 4 years, assuming no growth in this period?

• (a) 256/625 part of the population.

• (b) 256/1296 part of the population.

• (c) 81/625 part of the population.

• (d) 16/81 part of the population.

Answer – A Solution:

Given that,

there is a policy that 20% (i.e., 1/5th) of the population migrates every year. There is no further growth in the population within four years.

Let the population be p.

Leftover population after one year = p − (1/5)×p = (4/5)p.

After every passing year population will become 4/5th of previous population.

Population after 2nd year = (4/5)(4/5)×p = (16/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (64/125)p. Population after 4th year = (256/625)p.

Hence option (a) is correct.

Answer – A Solution:

Given that,

there is a policy that 20% (i.e., 1/5th) of the population migrates every year. There is no further growth in the population within four years.

Let the population be p.

Leftover population after one year = p − (1/5)×p = (4/5)p.

After every passing year population will become 4/5th of previous population.

Population after 2nd year = (4/5)(4/5)×p = (16/25)p. Population after 3rd year = (64/125)p. Population after 4th year = (256/625)p.

Hence option (a) is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question A factory reduces the working time of its workers by 10 percent but increases their productivity per hour by 15 percent. Find the percentage change in total production per day. (a) 2.5% increase (b) 3.5% increase (c) 4.5% increase (d) 5% increase Correct Answer – B Solution: Let working time = 100, productivity = 100. Initial production = 100 × 100 = 10000. After change, time = 90, productivity = 115. Production = 90 × 115 = 10350. Percentage change = (10350 − 10000) ÷ 10000 × 100 = 3.5%. Hence option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer – B Solution: Let working time = 100, productivity = 100. Initial production = 100 × 100 = 10000. After change, time = 90, productivity = 115. Production = 90 × 115 = 10350. Percentage change = (10350 − 10000) ÷ 10000 × 100 = 3.5%. Hence option (b) is correct.

#### 2. Question

A factory reduces the working time of its workers by 10 percent but increases their productivity per hour by 15 percent. Find the percentage change in total production per day.

• (a) 2.5% increase

• (b) 3.5% increase

• (c) 4.5% increase

• (d) 5% increase

Answer – B Solution:

Let working time = 100, productivity = 100. Initial production = 100 × 100 = 10000.

After change, time = 90, productivity = 115. Production = 90 × 115 = 10350.

Percentage change = (10350 − 10000) ÷ 10000 × 100 = 3.5%. Hence option (b) is correct.

Answer – B Solution:

Let working time = 100, productivity = 100. Initial production = 100 × 100 = 10000.

After change, time = 90, productivity = 115. Production = 90 × 115 = 10350.

Percentage change = (10350 − 10000) ÷ 10000 × 100 = 3.5%. Hence option (b) is correct.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Climate change poses a grave challenge to Indian agriculture, which remains heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall. Irregular precipitation, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme weather events have disrupted crop cycles and reduced yields, especially for small and marginal farmers. While initiatives promoting drought-resistant crops, crop insurance, and micro-irrigation are underway, their reach is limited. Farmers in vulnerable regions often lack timely access to credit, technology, and extension services, deepening their risk exposure. Experts argue that adaptation cannot be piecemeal — it requires integrated planning that links climate forecasts, resilient cropping patterns, financial protection, and rural livelihood diversification. Without systemic reforms, climate shocks may worsen rural poverty and trigger large-scale distress migration. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Climate-resilient agriculture requires a combination of technological, financial, and institutional measures. Promoting drought-resistant crops alone will be sufficient to safeguard farmers against climate change. 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 is valid: The passage stresses that adaptation must integrate climate forecasting, resilient crops, financial protection, and livelihood diversification — showing the need for combined measures. • Statement 2 is invalid: Drought-resistant crops are one tool but the text clearly says piecemeal adaptation is insufficient. Thus, only statement 1 holds true. Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid: The passage stresses that adaptation must integrate climate forecasting, resilient crops, financial protection, and livelihood diversification — showing the need for combined measures. • Statement 2 is invalid: Drought-resistant crops are one tool but the text clearly says piecemeal adaptation is insufficient. Thus, only statement 1 holds true.

#### 3. Question

Climate change poses a grave challenge to Indian agriculture, which remains heavily dependent on monsoon rainfall. Irregular precipitation, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme weather events have disrupted crop cycles and reduced yields, especially for small and marginal farmers. While initiatives promoting drought-resistant crops, crop insurance, and micro-irrigation are underway, their reach is limited. Farmers in vulnerable regions often lack timely access to credit, technology, and extension services, deepening their risk exposure. Experts argue that adaptation cannot be piecemeal — it requires integrated planning that links climate forecasts, resilient cropping patterns, financial protection, and rural livelihood diversification. Without systemic reforms, climate shocks may worsen rural poverty and trigger large-scale distress migration.

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

• Climate-resilient agriculture requires a combination of technological, financial, and institutional measures.

• Promoting drought-resistant crops alone will be sufficient to safeguard farmers against climate change.

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 is valid: The passage stresses that adaptation must integrate climate forecasting, resilient crops, financial protection, and livelihood diversification — showing the need for combined measures. • Statement 2 is invalid: Drought-resistant crops are one tool but the text clearly says piecemeal adaptation is insufficient. Thus, only statement 1 holds true.

Solution: (a)

Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid: The passage stresses that adaptation must integrate climate forecasting, resilient crops, financial protection, and livelihood diversification — showing the need for combined measures. • Statement 2 is invalid: Drought-resistant crops are one tool but the text clearly says piecemeal adaptation is insufficient. Thus, only statement 1 holds true.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) Indian farmers must abandon traditional practices and fully embrace modern technology. (b) Small farmers are more resilient to climate risks because of their diverse cropping systems. (c) Piecemeal interventions will not protect agriculture; systemic reforms are essential for climate resilience. (d) Climate change affects only rainfall-dependent agriculture, not irrigated regions. Correct Solution: (c) Explanation: • Option (c) captures the central argument — systemic, integrated reforms are required to safeguard agriculture against climate change. • Option (a) is too absolute and not supported; the passage advocates blending approaches, not abandonment. • Option (b) is contradicted — small farmers are shown as especially vulnerable. • Option (d) is not supported — the text notes broader impacts (temperature, extreme events), not just rainfall. Hence, (c) is correct. Incorrect Solution: (c) Explanation: • Option (c) captures the central argument — systemic, integrated reforms are required to safeguard agriculture against climate change. • Option (a) is too absolute and not supported; the passage advocates blending approaches, not abandonment. • Option (b) is contradicted — small farmers are shown as especially vulnerable. • Option (d) is not supported — the text notes broader impacts (temperature, extreme events), not just rainfall. Hence, (c) is correct.

#### 4. Question

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

• (a) Indian farmers must abandon traditional practices and fully embrace modern technology.

• (b) Small farmers are more resilient to climate risks because of their diverse cropping systems.

• (c) Piecemeal interventions will not protect agriculture; systemic reforms are essential for climate resilience.

• (d) Climate change affects only rainfall-dependent agriculture, not irrigated regions.

Solution: (c)

Explanation: • Option (c) captures the central argument — systemic, integrated reforms are required to safeguard agriculture against climate change. • Option (a) is too absolute and not supported; the passage advocates blending approaches, not abandonment. • Option (b) is contradicted — small farmers are shown as especially vulnerable. • Option (d) is not supported — the text notes broader impacts (temperature, extreme events), not just rainfall. Hence, (c) is correct.

Solution: (c)

Explanation: • Option (c) captures the central argument — systemic, integrated reforms are required to safeguard agriculture against climate change. • Option (a) is too absolute and not supported; the passage advocates blending approaches, not abandonment. • Option (b) is contradicted — small farmers are shown as especially vulnerable. • Option (d) is not supported — the text notes broader impacts (temperature, extreme events), not just rainfall. Hence, (c) is correct.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Frogs are considered important bio-indicators because their behaviour is highly sensitive to environmental changes. During the monsoon, many frog species migrate from dry shelters to water bodies for breeding, often synchronizing their calls to attract mates. Their croaking not only signals reproductive activity but also reflects ecological conditions such as temperature, humidity, and water quality. However, rapid urbanization, pesticide use, and habitat loss have disrupted these natural patterns. In many regions, frogs are forced to alter their breeding behaviour, leading to reduced populations. Scientists emphasize that protecting wetlands, reducing chemical pollutants, and monitoring frog calls can provide valuable insights into ecosystem health. Which of the following statements can be logically inferred from the passage? Frogs’ mating calls are linked to specific environmental conditions. Declining frog populations can indicate broader ecological stress. Frogs are able to thrive in highly polluted and urbanized habitats. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly connects frog croaking to temperature, humidity, and water quality. Statement 2 is correct — reduced frog populations are shown as signs of ecological imbalance. Statement 3 is incorrect — the passage states that urbanization and pollution disrupt frog behaviour, not that they thrive under such conditions. Hence, the correct answer is (a). Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly connects frog croaking to temperature, humidity, and water quality. Statement 2 is correct — reduced frog populations are shown as signs of ecological imbalance. Statement 3 is incorrect — the passage states that urbanization and pollution disrupt frog behaviour, not that they thrive under such conditions. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

#### 5. Question

Frogs are considered important bio-indicators because their behaviour is highly sensitive to environmental changes. During the monsoon, many frog species migrate from dry shelters to water bodies for breeding, often synchronizing their calls to attract mates. Their croaking not only signals reproductive activity but also reflects ecological conditions such as temperature, humidity, and water quality. However, rapid urbanization, pesticide use, and habitat loss have disrupted these natural patterns. In many regions, frogs are forced to alter their breeding behaviour, leading to reduced populations. Scientists emphasize that protecting wetlands, reducing chemical pollutants, and monitoring frog calls can provide valuable insights into ecosystem health.

Which of the following statements can be logically inferred from the passage?

• Frogs’ mating calls are linked to specific environmental conditions.

• Declining frog populations can indicate broader ecological stress.

• Frogs are able to thrive in highly polluted and urbanized habitats.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: (a)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly connects frog croaking to temperature, humidity, and water quality. Statement 2 is correct — reduced frog populations are shown as signs of ecological imbalance. Statement 3 is incorrect — the passage states that urbanization and pollution disrupt frog behaviour, not that they thrive under such conditions. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

Solution: (a)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — the passage explicitly connects frog croaking to temperature, humidity, and water quality. Statement 2 is correct — reduced frog populations are shown as signs of ecological imbalance. Statement 3 is incorrect — the passage states that urbanization and pollution disrupt frog behaviour, not that they thrive under such conditions. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

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