UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 4 Feb 2026
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 Which of the following inferences can be logically drawn from the passage? Policy frameworks used for energy transition in advanced economies may not be entirely suitable for developing nations. Addressing energy poverty is a necessary condition for the success of decarbonization efforts in emerging economies. Choose the correct answer: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Inference 1 is correct: The passage states, “Unlike the post-industrial transitions of the West, emerging economies must navigate…”, implying that Western models (which may prioritize speed or operate in post-industrial contexts) are not a perfect fit. Inference 2 is correct: The text states emerging economies must navigate decarbonization “while simultaneously addressing energy poverty”. This implies the two goals are interlinked and one cannot succeed without addressing the other in the local context. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Inference 1 is correct: The passage states, “Unlike the post-industrial transitions of the West, emerging economies must navigate…”, implying that Western models (which may prioritize speed or operate in post-industrial contexts) are not a perfect fit. Inference 2 is correct: The text states emerging economies must navigate decarbonization “while simultaneously addressing energy poverty”. This implies the two goals are interlinked and one cannot succeed without addressing the other in the local context.
#### 1. Question
Which of the following inferences can be logically drawn from the passage?
• Policy frameworks used for energy transition in advanced economies may not be entirely suitable for developing nations.
• Addressing energy poverty is a necessary condition for the success of decarbonization efforts in emerging economies.
Choose the correct answer:
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 2 only
• (c) Both 1 and 2
• (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Explanation:
• Inference 1 is correct: The passage states, “Unlike the post-industrial transitions of the West, emerging economies must navigate…”, implying that Western models (which may prioritize speed or operate in post-industrial contexts) are not a perfect fit.
• Inference 2 is correct: The text states emerging economies must navigate decarbonization “while simultaneously addressing energy poverty”. This implies the two goals are interlinked and one cannot succeed without addressing the other in the local context.
Answer: (c) Explanation:
• Inference 1 is correct: The passage states, “Unlike the post-industrial transitions of the West, emerging economies must navigate…”, implying that Western models (which may prioritize speed or operate in post-industrial contexts) are not a perfect fit.
• Inference 2 is correct: The text states emerging economies must navigate decarbonization “while simultaneously addressing energy poverty”. This implies the two goals are interlinked and one cannot succeed without addressing the other in the local context.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Natural ecosystems often perform multiple functions simultaneously—supporting biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods, and providing opportunities for economic use. However, prioritising one function in isolation can undermine the others. For instance, restricting access to ecosystems solely for conservation may reduce income opportunities for local communities, while intensive commercial extraction can weaken ecological resilience and increase vulnerability to natural disasters. These tensions are particularly pronounced in regions where communities rely directly on natural resources for survival and where economic development pressures remain strong. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage? (a) Conservation policies must take precedence over all other considerations to prevent ecological collapse. (b) Economic development and ecological conservation cannot coexist in resource-dependent regions. (c) Ecosystem management involves balancing competing ecological, livelihood, and economic objectives. (d) Livelihood dependence on ecosystems is the primary cause of environmental degradation. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not argue that conservation should override all other considerations. It explicitly discusses the drawbacks of restricting ecosystems solely for conservation. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage recognises tensions and trade-offs but does not suggest that coexistence is impossible. This option exaggerates the conflict into an absolute incompatibility. Option (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights competing objectives—biodiversity protection, livelihood sustenance, and economic use—and notes that ecosystem management requires navigating trade-offs rather than pursuing a single goal. This directly captures the author’s critical message. Option (d) is incorrect: While livelihood dependence is mentioned, the passage does not identify it as the primary cause of degradation. Commercial extraction and single-objective approaches are also highlighted, making this a reductionist interpretation. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not argue that conservation should override all other considerations. It explicitly discusses the drawbacks of restricting ecosystems solely for conservation. Option (b) is incorrect: The passage recognises tensions and trade-offs but does not suggest that coexistence is impossible. This option exaggerates the conflict into an absolute incompatibility. Option (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights competing objectives—biodiversity protection, livelihood sustenance, and economic use—and notes that ecosystem management requires navigating trade-offs rather than pursuing a single goal. This directly captures the author’s critical message. Option (d) is incorrect: While livelihood dependence is mentioned, the passage does not identify it as the primary cause of degradation. Commercial extraction and single-objective approaches are also highlighted, making this a reductionist interpretation.
#### 2. Question
Natural ecosystems often perform multiple functions simultaneously—supporting biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods, and providing opportunities for economic use. However, prioritising one function in isolation can undermine the others. For instance, restricting access to ecosystems solely for conservation may reduce income opportunities for local communities, while intensive commercial extraction can weaken ecological resilience and increase vulnerability to natural disasters. These tensions are particularly pronounced in regions where communities rely directly on natural resources for survival and where economic development pressures remain strong.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?
• (a) Conservation policies must take precedence over all other considerations to prevent ecological collapse.
• (b) Economic development and ecological conservation cannot coexist in resource-dependent regions.
• (c) Ecosystem management involves balancing competing ecological, livelihood, and economic objectives.
• (d) Livelihood dependence on ecosystems is the primary cause of environmental degradation.
Answer: (c)
Explanation
Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not argue that conservation should override all other considerations. It explicitly discusses the drawbacks of restricting ecosystems solely for conservation.
Option (b) is incorrect: The passage recognises tensions and trade-offs but does not suggest that coexistence is impossible. This option exaggerates the conflict into an absolute incompatibility.
Option (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights competing objectives—biodiversity protection, livelihood sustenance, and economic use—and notes that ecosystem management requires navigating trade-offs rather than pursuing a single goal. This directly captures the author’s critical message.
Option (d) is incorrect: While livelihood dependence is mentioned, the passage does not identify it as the primary cause of degradation. Commercial extraction and single-objective approaches are also highlighted, making this a reductionist interpretation.
Answer: (c)
Explanation
Option (a) is incorrect: The passage does not argue that conservation should override all other considerations. It explicitly discusses the drawbacks of restricting ecosystems solely for conservation.
Option (b) is incorrect: The passage recognises tensions and trade-offs but does not suggest that coexistence is impossible. This option exaggerates the conflict into an absolute incompatibility.
Option (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly highlights competing objectives—biodiversity protection, livelihood sustenance, and economic use—and notes that ecosystem management requires navigating trade-offs rather than pursuing a single goal. This directly captures the author’s critical message.
Option (d) is incorrect: While livelihood dependence is mentioned, the passage does not identify it as the primary cause of degradation. Commercial extraction and single-objective approaches are also highlighted, making this a reductionist interpretation.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Exclusive focus on either conservation or commercial use can weaken the overall sustainability of ecosystems. Economic development pressures are irrelevant in regions where communities depend directly on natural resources. 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 explicitly states that prioritising one function in isolation—whether conservation or commercial extraction—can undermine other ecosystem functions. This directly supports the assumption. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage clearly mentions that tensions are “particularly pronounced” where economic development pressures remain strong. Hence, economic pressures are relevant, not irrelevant, in such regions. This assumption contradicts the passage. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation Assumption I is correct: The passage explicitly states that prioritising one function in isolation—whether conservation or commercial extraction—can undermine other ecosystem functions. This directly supports the assumption. Assumption II is incorrect: The passage clearly mentions that tensions are “particularly pronounced” where economic development pressures remain strong. Hence, economic pressures are relevant, not irrelevant, in such regions. This assumption contradicts the passage.
#### 3. Question
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
• Exclusive focus on either conservation or commercial use can weaken the overall sustainability of ecosystems.
• Economic development pressures are irrelevant in regions where communities depend directly on natural resources.
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 explicitly states that prioritising one function in isolation—whether conservation or commercial extraction—can undermine other ecosystem functions. This directly supports the assumption.
Assumption II is incorrect: The passage clearly mentions that tensions are “particularly pronounced” where economic development pressures remain strong. Hence, economic pressures are relevant, not irrelevant, in such regions. This assumption contradicts the passage.
Answer: (a)
Explanation
Assumption I is correct: The passage explicitly states that prioritising one function in isolation—whether conservation or commercial extraction—can undermine other ecosystem functions. This directly supports the assumption.
Assumption II is incorrect: The passage clearly mentions that tensions are “particularly pronounced” where economic development pressures remain strong. Hence, economic pressures are relevant, not irrelevant, in such regions. This assumption contradicts the passage.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Let be a two-digit number and be the number formed by interchanging its digits. Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct Incorrect
#### 4. Question
Let be a two-digit number and be the number formed by interchanging its digits. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
• (a) I only
• (b) II only
• (c) Both I and II
• (d) Neither I nor II
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question How many four-digit PIN codes (which can start with zero) exist that have at least one digit repeated? (a) 5040 (b) 4960 (c) 6000 (d) 9000 Correct Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, A four-digit code can start with zero. So each digit can be any of 0 to 9. Total number of such codes = 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 = 10000 Now, number of codes with all digits distinct = 10 × 9 × 8 × 7 = 5040 Therefore, number of codes having at least one digit repeated = 10000 − 5040 = 4960 Hence, option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Solution: Given that, A four-digit code can start with zero. So each digit can be any of 0 to 9. Total number of such codes = 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 = 10000 Now, number of codes with all digits distinct = 10 × 9 × 8 × 7 = 5040 Therefore, number of codes having at least one digit repeated = 10000 − 5040 = 4960 Hence, option (b) is correct.
#### 5. Question
How many four-digit PIN codes (which can start with zero) exist that have at least one digit repeated?
Answer: (b)
Given that,
A four-digit code can start with zero. So each digit can be any of 0 to 9.
Total number of such codes = 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 = 10000
Now, number of codes with all digits distinct = 10 × 9 × 8 × 7 = 5040
Therefore, number of codes having at least one digit repeated = 10000 − 5040 = 4960
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Answer: (b)
Given that,
A four-digit code can start with zero. So each digit can be any of 0 to 9.
Total number of such codes = 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 = 10000
Now, number of codes with all digits distinct = 10 × 9 × 8 × 7 = 5040
Therefore, number of codes having at least one digit repeated = 10000 − 5040 = 4960
Hence, option (b) is correct.
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