UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 4 Sep 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 A cube is cut into 27 smaller cubes of equal size. What is the least number of cuts required? (a) 6 (b) 9 (c) 8 (d) 7 Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Since 27=33, each side must be divided into 3 equal parts. Number of cuts along each dimension: 2 cuts along the first direction 2 cuts along the second direction 2 cuts along the third direction Thus, minimum cuts = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. These are made such that each cut goes through all existing sections in that orientation, producing maximum pieces per cut. Any fewer cuts would result in at least one dimension having fewer than 3 sections, giving fewer than 27 cubes. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Since 27=33, each side must be divided into 3 equal parts. Number of cuts along each dimension: 2 cuts along the first direction 2 cuts along the second direction 2 cuts along the third direction Thus, minimum cuts = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. These are made such that each cut goes through all existing sections in that orientation, producing maximum pieces per cut. Any fewer cuts would result in at least one dimension having fewer than 3 sections, giving fewer than 27 cubes.

#### 1. Question

A cube is cut into 27 smaller cubes of equal size. What is the least number of cuts required?

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Since 27=33, each side must be divided into 3 equal parts. Number of cuts along each dimension:

• 2 cuts along the first direction

• 2 cuts along the second direction

• 2 cuts along the third direction Thus, minimum cuts = 2 + 2 + 2 = 6. These are made such that each cut goes through all existing sections in that orientation, producing maximum pieces per cut. Any fewer cuts would result in at least one dimension having fewer than 3 sections, giving fewer than 27 cubes.

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Since 27=33, each side must be divided into 3 equal parts. Number of cuts along each dimension:

• 2 cuts along the first direction

• 2 cuts along the second direction

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Cultural microevolutionary theory views the spread and transformation of cultural traits—such as technologies, beliefs, and practices—through the lens of evolutionary principles. It recognizes that traits can change through random processes, selective advantages, or biases in learning, such as a preference for imitating high-status individuals. While inspired by genetic evolution, cultural change occurs at faster rates and through multiple pathways, including direct teaching, imitation, and innovation. The approach uses mathematical models to forecast how traits will persist, decline, or diversify within populations. These models, though simplified, aim to capture essential mechanisms, bridging individual actions and collective patterns over time. Based on the passage, consider the following assumptions: Cultural microevolutionary models can incorporate both individual decision-making and large-scale cultural trends. Cultural change is always driven by selective advantages rather than random processes. 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 notes that models connect individual actions (e.g., imitation, teaching) with population-level outcomes, showing that both levels are integrated. • Statement 2 is invalid: The text clearly states that random processes and selective advantages both contribute to cultural change. Incorrect Solution: (a) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid: The passage notes that models connect individual actions (e.g., imitation, teaching) with population-level outcomes, showing that both levels are integrated. • Statement 2 is invalid: The text clearly states that random processes and selective advantages both contribute to cultural change.

#### 2. Question

Cultural microevolutionary theory views the spread and transformation of cultural traits—such as technologies, beliefs, and practices—through the lens of evolutionary principles. It recognizes that traits can change through random processes, selective advantages, or biases in learning, such as a preference for imitating high-status individuals. While inspired by genetic evolution, cultural change occurs at faster rates and through multiple pathways, including direct teaching, imitation, and innovation. The approach uses mathematical models to forecast how traits will persist, decline, or diversify within populations. These models, though simplified, aim to capture essential mechanisms, bridging individual actions and collective patterns over time.

Based on the passage, consider the following assumptions:

• Cultural microevolutionary models can incorporate both individual decision-making and large-scale cultural trends.

• Cultural change is always driven by selective advantages rather than random processes.

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 notes that models connect individual actions (e.g., imitation, teaching) with population-level outcomes, showing that both levels are integrated. • Statement 2 is invalid: The text clearly states that random processes and selective advantages both contribute to cultural change.

Solution: (a)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage? (a) Cultural microevolution focuses solely on high-status imitation as the main driver of cultural change. (b) Mathematical modelling provides a structured way to understand and predict patterns in cultural transmission. (c) Cultural change follows the same fixed rate and pathways as genetic evolution. (d) Randomness plays no role in shaping cultural patterns over time. Correct Solution: (b) Explanation: • Option (b) captures the core theme that the theory uses simplified mathematical models to study and forecast how cultural traits spread or change. • Options (a), (c), and (d) either exaggerate one mechanism, assume identical rates to genetic evolution, or deny the role of randomness—none of which align with the passage. Incorrect Solution: (b) Explanation: • Option (b) captures the core theme that the theory uses simplified mathematical models to study and forecast how cultural traits spread or change. • Options (a), (c), and (d) either exaggerate one mechanism, assume identical rates to genetic evolution, or deny the role of randomness—none of which align with the passage.

#### 3. Question

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

• (a) Cultural microevolution focuses solely on high-status imitation as the main driver of cultural change.

• (b) Mathematical modelling provides a structured way to understand and predict patterns in cultural transmission.

• (c) Cultural change follows the same fixed rate and pathways as genetic evolution.

• (d) Randomness plays no role in shaping cultural patterns over time.

Solution: (b)

Explanation: • Option (b) captures the core theme that the theory uses simplified mathematical models to study and forecast how cultural traits spread or change. • Options (a), (c), and (d) either exaggerate one mechanism, assume identical rates to genetic evolution, or deny the role of randomness—none of which align with the passage.

Solution: (b)

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Electronic waste, or e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by rapid technological turnover and consumer demand for new devices. Containing hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, improperly handled e-waste contaminates soil, water, and air, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Informal recycling sectors in developing countries often employ unsafe methods such as open burning and acid baths, amplifying environmental damage. While recycling can recover valuable metals, lack of formal infrastructure and weak enforcement of regulations hinder sustainable management. Without coordinated global action, the toxic legacy of e-waste will persist for decades, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems. Consider the following statements: Informal recycling methods for e-waste significantly contribute to environmental contamination. The primary reason for the growth of e-waste is the absence of adequate recycling facilities in developing countries. Weak regulatory enforcement exacerbates the environmental hazards posed by e-waste. Which of the statements given above can be inferred from the passage? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: (b) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid: The passage explicitly links informal recycling practices to severe environmental harm. • Statement 2 is invalid: The growth is attributed to rapid technological turnover and consumer demand, not solely the lack of recycling facilities. • Statement 3 is valid: Weak enforcement is clearly stated as a factor worsening e-waste’s environmental risks. Incorrect Solution: (b) Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid: The passage explicitly links informal recycling practices to severe environmental harm. • Statement 2 is invalid: The growth is attributed to rapid technological turnover and consumer demand, not solely the lack of recycling facilities. • Statement 3 is valid: Weak enforcement is clearly stated as a factor worsening e-waste’s environmental risks.

#### 4. Question

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, driven by rapid technological turnover and consumer demand for new devices. Containing hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, improperly handled e-waste contaminates soil, water, and air, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Informal recycling sectors in developing countries often employ unsafe methods such as open burning and acid baths, amplifying environmental damage. While recycling can recover valuable metals, lack of formal infrastructure and weak enforcement of regulations hinder sustainable management. Without coordinated global action, the toxic legacy of e-waste will persist for decades, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Consider the following statements:

• Informal recycling methods for e-waste significantly contribute to environmental contamination.

• The primary reason for the growth of e-waste is the absence of adequate recycling facilities in developing countries.

• Weak regulatory enforcement exacerbates the environmental hazards posed by e-waste.

Which of the statements given above can be inferred from the passage?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: (b)

Explanation: • Statement 1 is valid: The passage explicitly links informal recycling practices to severe environmental harm. • Statement 2 is invalid: The growth is attributed to rapid technological turnover and consumer demand, not solely the lack of recycling facilities. • Statement 3 is valid: Weak enforcement is clearly stated as a factor worsening e-waste’s environmental risks.

Solution: (b)

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Vertical farming, which cultivates crops in stacked layers within controlled environments, promises year-round production, reduced land use, and minimal water consumption. By integrating LED lighting, hydroponics, and automated monitoring, it offers high yields in urban areas. However, the technology faces challenges—significant energy demands for artificial lighting, high capital costs, and limited crop diversity compared to conventional farming. Advocates highlight its potential for food security in land-scarce regions, while critics caution against its carbon footprint and economic viability. The debate centres on whether vertical farming can sustainably scale without negating its environmental benefits. Which of the following best reflects the key dilemma in adopting vertical farming? (a) Vertical farming ensures food security without environmental drawbacks. (b) Scaling vertical farming must reconcile high yields with energy and cost challenges. (c) The main obstacle is the absence of urban demand for fresh produce. (d) Use of LED lighting completely eliminates sustainability concerns. Correct Solution: (b) Explanation: The passage highlights a trade-off between vertical farming’s productivity benefits and its high energy use, costs, and limited crop diversity. Option (b) captures this balance issue. Other options either ignore drawbacks, misstate obstacles, or make unsupported claims. Incorrect Solution: (b) Explanation: The passage highlights a trade-off between vertical farming’s productivity benefits and its high energy use, costs, and limited crop diversity. Option (b) captures this balance issue. Other options either ignore drawbacks, misstate obstacles, or make unsupported claims.

#### 5. Question

Vertical farming, which cultivates crops in stacked layers within controlled environments, promises year-round production, reduced land use, and minimal water consumption. By integrating LED lighting, hydroponics, and automated monitoring, it offers high yields in urban areas. However, the technology faces challenges—significant energy demands for artificial lighting, high capital costs, and limited crop diversity compared to conventional farming. Advocates highlight its potential for food security in land-scarce regions, while critics caution against its carbon footprint and economic viability. The debate centres on whether vertical farming can sustainably scale without negating its environmental benefits.

Which of the following best reflects the key dilemma in adopting vertical farming?

• (a) Vertical farming ensures food security without environmental drawbacks.

• (b) Scaling vertical farming must reconcile high yields with energy and cost challenges.

• (c) The main obstacle is the absence of urban demand for fresh produce.

• (d) Use of LED lighting completely eliminates sustainability concerns.

Solution: (b)

Explanation: The passage highlights a trade-off between vertical farming’s productivity benefits and its high energy use, costs, and limited crop diversity. Option (b) captures this balance issue. Other options either ignore drawbacks, misstate obstacles, or make unsupported claims.

Solution: (b)

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