UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 5 Jan 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 In recent years, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence has been celebrated as a breakthrough capable of transforming human productivity, governance, and scientific discovery. Yet, this optimism often obscures a parallel concern: the erosion of human judgment. As automated systems increasingly guide decisions—ranging from credit approvals to criminal sentencing—society risks outsourcing moral responsibility to algorithms whose logic is neither transparent nor accountable. The problem is not merely technical; it is philosophical. Human judgment is shaped by empathy, context, and ethical reflection, whereas algorithmic decisions rely on historical data that may reflect past biases. Ironically, the very efficiency that makes AI appealing may also amplify structural discrimination at an unprecedented scale. Without robust oversight and democratic debate, AI may entrench inequalities under the guise of objectivity. Thus, uncritical reliance on AI threatens to reduce complex human dilemmas into computational problems, undermining the ethical depth necessary for a just society. Which of the following statements best reflects the central argument of the passage? (a) Artificial intelligence is indispensable for improving governance and administration. (b) Efficiency in AI systems ensures fair and unbiased decision-making. (c) Over-reliance on AI risks undermining human judgment and reinforcing societal biases. (d) Algorithmic decision-making should replace human decision-making wherever possible. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) correctly captures the passage’s core argument: While AI offers efficiency, it can weaken human judgment and deepen systemic inequalities unless critically evaluated. Option (a) is partially true but not the central argument—the passage is primarily a warning, not a celebration of AI. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that AI may amplify existing biases rather than ensure fairness. Option (d) is the opposite of the author’s stance: the passage warns against replacing human ethical judgment with algorithmic logic. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Option (c) correctly captures the passage’s core argument: While AI offers efficiency, it can weaken human judgment and deepen systemic inequalities unless critically evaluated. Option (a) is partially true but not the central argument—the passage is primarily a warning, not a celebration of AI. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that AI may amplify existing biases rather than ensure fairness. Option (d) is the opposite of the author’s stance: the passage warns against replacing human ethical judgment with algorithmic logic.
#### 1. Question
In recent years, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence has been celebrated as a breakthrough capable of transforming human productivity, governance, and scientific discovery. Yet, this optimism often obscures a parallel concern: the erosion of human judgment. As automated systems increasingly guide decisions—ranging from credit approvals to criminal sentencing—society risks outsourcing moral responsibility to algorithms whose logic is neither transparent nor accountable. The problem is not merely technical; it is philosophical. Human judgment is shaped by empathy, context, and ethical reflection, whereas algorithmic decisions rely on historical data that may reflect past biases. Ironically, the very efficiency that makes AI appealing may also amplify structural discrimination at an unprecedented scale. Without robust oversight and democratic debate, AI may entrench inequalities under the guise of objectivity. Thus, uncritical reliance on AI threatens to reduce complex human dilemmas into computational problems, undermining the ethical depth necessary for a just society.
Which of the following statements best reflects the central argument of the passage?
• (a) Artificial intelligence is indispensable for improving governance and administration.
• (b) Efficiency in AI systems ensures fair and unbiased decision-making.
• (c) Over-reliance on AI risks undermining human judgment and reinforcing societal biases.
• (d) Algorithmic decision-making should replace human decision-making wherever possible.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Option (c) correctly captures the passage’s core argument: While AI offers efficiency, it can weaken human judgment and deepen systemic inequalities unless critically evaluated.
• Option (a) is partially true but not the central argument—the passage is primarily a warning, not a celebration of AI.
• Option (b) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that AI may amplify existing biases rather than ensure fairness.
• Option (d) is the opposite of the author’s stance: the passage warns against replacing human ethical judgment with algorithmic logic.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Option (c) correctly captures the passage’s core argument: While AI offers efficiency, it can weaken human judgment and deepen systemic inequalities unless critically evaluated.
• Option (a) is partially true but not the central argument—the passage is primarily a warning, not a celebration of AI.
• Option (b) is incorrect because the passage emphasises that AI may amplify existing biases rather than ensure fairness.
• Option (d) is the opposite of the author’s stance: the passage warns against replacing human ethical judgment with algorithmic logic.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: AI systems provide objective and transparent decisions because they are driven by data. Statement II: The passage argues that AI may amplify historical biases and reduce complex human dilemmas into simplistic computational outputs. Which of the above is correct? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I. (c) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct. (d) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: Statement I is incorrect. The passage explicitly challenges the assumption that AI is objective or transparent; instead, it warns that AI embeds historical biases and lacks accountability. Statement II is correct. The passage clearly states that AI may “amplify structural discrimination” and “reduce complex human dilemmas into computational problems.” Hence, (c) is the correct option. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: Statement I is incorrect. The passage explicitly challenges the assumption that AI is objective or transparent; instead, it warns that AI embeds historical biases and lacks accountability. Statement II is correct. The passage clearly states that AI may “amplify structural discrimination” and “reduce complex human dilemmas into computational problems.” Hence, (c) is the correct option.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: AI systems provide objective and transparent decisions because they are driven by data. Statement II: The passage argues that AI may amplify historical biases and reduce complex human dilemmas into simplistic computational outputs.
Which of the above is correct?
• (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.
• (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.
• (c) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
• (d) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Statement I is incorrect. The passage explicitly challenges the assumption that AI is objective or transparent; instead, it warns that AI embeds historical biases and lacks accountability.
• Statement II is correct. The passage clearly states that AI may “amplify structural discrimination” and “reduce complex human dilemmas into computational problems.”
• Hence, (c) is the correct option.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• Statement I is incorrect. The passage explicitly challenges the assumption that AI is objective or transparent; instead, it warns that AI embeds historical biases and lacks accountability.
• Statement II is correct. The passage clearly states that AI may “amplify structural discrimination” and “reduce complex human dilemmas into computational problems.”
• Hence, (c) is the correct option.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Debates on climate adaptation often focus on technological solutions—sea walls, drought-resistant crops, and early-warning systems. While these innovations are essential, they cannot compensate for deeper structural vulnerabilities. Communities with weak governance, limited access to finance, and inadequate social safety nets face disproportionate risks from climate shocks. Moreover, adaptation strategies that ignore local knowledge or exclude marginalized groups may reinforce existing inequalities rather than reduce them. Effective climate resilience requires more than engineering fixes; it demands participatory decision-making, equitable resource allocation, and long-term institutional capacity. Without addressing social and political determinants of vulnerability, adaptation efforts risk becoming reactive, fragmented, and insufficient to safeguard those most at risk. Which of the following statements best captures the core argument of the passage? (a) Technological innovation is the most reliable solution to climate vulnerability. (b) Climate adaptation fails mainly due to lack of scientific research and engineering capacity. (c) Structural and social inequalities must be addressed for climate adaptation to be truly effective. (d) Local communities should be left to design their own climate strategies without state intervention. Correct Answer: (c) Explanation: (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly argues that technology alone is insufficient and that real resilience needs equity, inclusion, and institutional capacity. (a) contradicts the passage’s emphasis that technological fixes cannot replace deeper reforms. (b) is too narrow; the passage focuses on governance, inequality, and participation—not scientific limitations. (d) is extreme and unsupported; the passage calls for participatory governance, not complete state withdrawal. Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation: (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly argues that technology alone is insufficient and that real resilience needs equity, inclusion, and institutional capacity. (a) contradicts the passage’s emphasis that technological fixes cannot replace deeper reforms. (b) is too narrow; the passage focuses on governance, inequality, and participation—not scientific limitations. (d) is extreme and unsupported; the passage calls for participatory governance, not complete state withdrawal.
#### 3. Question
Debates on climate adaptation often focus on technological solutions—sea walls, drought-resistant crops, and early-warning systems. While these innovations are essential, they cannot compensate for deeper structural vulnerabilities. Communities with weak governance, limited access to finance, and inadequate social safety nets face disproportionate risks from climate shocks. Moreover, adaptation strategies that ignore local knowledge or exclude marginalized groups may reinforce existing inequalities rather than reduce them. Effective climate resilience requires more than engineering fixes; it demands participatory decision-making, equitable resource allocation, and long-term institutional capacity. Without addressing social and political determinants of vulnerability, adaptation efforts risk becoming reactive, fragmented, and insufficient to safeguard those most at risk.
Which of the following statements best captures the core argument of the passage?
• (a) Technological innovation is the most reliable solution to climate vulnerability.
• (b) Climate adaptation fails mainly due to lack of scientific research and engineering capacity.
• (c) Structural and social inequalities must be addressed for climate adaptation to be truly effective.
• (d) Local communities should be left to design their own climate strategies without state intervention.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly argues that technology alone is insufficient and that real resilience needs equity, inclusion, and institutional capacity.
• (a) contradicts the passage’s emphasis that technological fixes cannot replace deeper reforms.
• (b) is too narrow; the passage focuses on governance, inequality, and participation—not scientific limitations.
• (d) is extreme and unsupported; the passage calls for participatory governance, not complete state withdrawal.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
• (c) is correct: The passage repeatedly argues that technology alone is insufficient and that real resilience needs equity, inclusion, and institutional capacity.
• (a) contradicts the passage’s emphasis that technological fixes cannot replace deeper reforms.
• (b) is too narrow; the passage focuses on governance, inequality, and participation—not scientific limitations.
• (d) is extreme and unsupported; the passage calls for participatory governance, not complete state withdrawal.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Based on the passage, which of the following can be logically inferred? Climate adaptation policies that ignore local contexts can worsen inequality. Strong governance and inclusive institutions are essential for long-term climate resilience. Technological solutions alone are sufficient to protect vulnerable communities. Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) All three Correct Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is valid. The passage clearly notes that adaptation strategies excluding local knowledge or marginalized groups may “reinforce existing inequalities.” Statement 2 is valid. It directly states that effective resilience requires “institutional capacity,” equitable governance, and participation. Statement 3 is invalid. This is the exact opposite of the passage’s warning that technological fixes alone are inadequate. Therefore, (a) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is valid. The passage clearly notes that adaptation strategies excluding local knowledge or marginalized groups may “reinforce existing inequalities.” Statement 2 is valid. It directly states that effective resilience requires “institutional capacity,” equitable governance, and participation. Statement 3 is invalid. This is the exact opposite of the passage’s warning that technological fixes alone are inadequate. Therefore, (a) is correct.
#### 4. Question
Based on the passage, which of the following can be logically inferred?
• Climate adaptation policies that ignore local contexts can worsen inequality.
• Strong governance and inclusive institutions are essential for long-term climate resilience.
• Technological solutions alone are sufficient to protect vulnerable communities.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) All three
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is valid. The passage clearly notes that adaptation strategies excluding local knowledge or marginalized groups may “reinforce existing inequalities.”
• Statement 2 is valid. It directly states that effective resilience requires “institutional capacity,” equitable governance, and participation.
• Statement 3 is invalid. This is the exact opposite of the passage’s warning that technological fixes alone are inadequate.
• Therefore, (a) is correct.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is valid. The passage clearly notes that adaptation strategies excluding local knowledge or marginalized groups may “reinforce existing inequalities.”
• Statement 2 is valid. It directly states that effective resilience requires “institutional capacity,” equitable governance, and participation.
• Statement 3 is invalid. This is the exact opposite of the passage’s warning that technological fixes alone are inadequate.
• Therefore, (a) is correct.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question In an exam, marks of students M, N and O add up to 120. The ratio of marks of M to N equals the ratio of marks of N to O. Value–I = Marks of M Value–II = Marks of N Value–III = Marks of O Which one of the following is correct? (a) Value–II < Value–I < Value–III (b) Value–I < Value–II < Value–III (c) Value–III < Value–II < Value–I (d) Cannot be determined Correct Answer: (d) Explanation: M + N + O = 120 M/N = N/O ⇒ N² = M × O Let N = 40. Possible sets: Case 1: M = 30, O = 50 ⇒ 30 < 40 < 50 Case 2: M = 50, O = 30 ⇒ 50 > 40 > 30 Thus two different valid orders exist: M < N < O O < N < M Hence the order cannot be uniquely fixed. Incorrect Answer: (d) Explanation: M + N + O = 120 M/N = N/O ⇒ N² = M × O Let N = 40. Possible sets: Case 1: M = 30, O = 50 ⇒ 30 < 40 < 50 Case 2: M = 50, O = 30 ⇒ 50 > 40 > 30 Thus two different valid orders exist: M < N < O O < N < M Hence the order cannot be uniquely fixed.
#### 5. Question
In an exam, marks of students M, N and O add up to 120. The ratio of marks of M to N equals the ratio of marks of N to O.
Value–I = Marks of M Value–II = Marks of N Value–III = Marks of O
Which one of the following is correct?
• (a) Value–II < Value–I < Value–III
• (b) Value–I < Value–II < Value–III
• (c) Value–III < Value–II < Value–I
• (d) Cannot be determined
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
M + N + O = 120 M/N = N/O ⇒ N² = M × O
Let N = 40. Possible sets:
Case 1: M = 30, O = 50 ⇒ 30 < 40 < 50 Case 2: M = 50, O = 30 ⇒ 50 > 40 > 30
Thus two different valid orders exist:
Hence the order cannot be uniquely fixed.
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
M + N + O = 120 M/N = N/O ⇒ N² = M × O
Let N = 40. Possible sets:
Case 1: M = 30, O = 50 ⇒ 30 < 40 < 50 Case 2: M = 50, O = 30 ⇒ 50 > 40 > 30
Thus two different valid orders exist:
Hence the order cannot be uniquely fixed.
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