UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 7 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 When people believe that their efforts at work don’t matter, they tend to respond in one of two ways. Sometimes they check out and stop trying, like the mathematically challenged child. The other response is less obvious at first. They do the opposite. They become hyperactive. They accept every opportunity presented. They throw themselves into every assignment. They tackle every challenge with gusto. They try to do it all. This behaviour does not necessarily look like learned helplessness at first glance. After all, isn’t working hard evidence of one’s belief in one’s importance and value? Yet on closer examination we can see this compulsion to do more is a smokescreen. These people don’t believe they have a choice in what opportunity, assignment, or challenge to take on. They believe they “have to do it all.” Which among the following statements reflects the central idea proposed by the author in the above-given passage? a) People who feel their work efforts are futile tend to decrease their productivity and disengage from tasks. b) Feeling undervalued at work can lead individuals to selectively choose assignments that they believe will reassert their value. c) The perception of one's work as meaningless can lead to either withdrawal from effort or a compulsive over-engagement in tasks. d) Working hard is the most critical indication of an individual's belief in their own value and importance, helping in improving on different areas of weaknesses. Correct Answer: C Explanation The central idea presented by the author is that individuals who perceive their work efforts as meaningless tend to react in one of two distinct ways: they either disengage from their work (checking out and stopping trying) or they overcompensate by becoming hyperactive in their work environment, taking on every opportunity and challenge with excessive zeal. This over-engagement is described not as a positive assertion of self-worth but rather as a compulsive behavior stemming from a belief that they have no choice but to take on everything, which the author suggests is akin to a smokescreen hiding their true feelings of helplessness. This idea is most accurately encapsulated in option c, which explains that such perceptions can lead to either complete withdrawal or a hyperactive over-engagement in tasks. Incorrect Answer: C Explanation The central idea presented by the author is that individuals who perceive their work efforts as meaningless tend to react in one of two distinct ways: they either disengage from their work (checking out and stopping trying) or they overcompensate by becoming hyperactive in their work environment, taking on every opportunity and challenge with excessive zeal. This over-engagement is described not as a positive assertion of self-worth but rather as a compulsive behavior stemming from a belief that they have no choice but to take on everything, which the author suggests is akin to a smokescreen hiding their true feelings of helplessness. This idea is most accurately encapsulated in option c, which explains that such perceptions can lead to either complete withdrawal or a hyperactive over-engagement in tasks.

#### 1. Question

When people believe that their efforts at work don’t matter, they tend to respond in one of two ways. Sometimes they check out and stop trying, like the mathematically challenged child. The other response is less obvious at first. They do the opposite. They become hyperactive. They accept every opportunity presented. They throw themselves into every assignment. They tackle every challenge with gusto. They try to do it all. This behaviour does not necessarily look like learned helplessness at first glance. After all, isn’t working hard evidence of one’s belief in one’s importance and value? Yet on closer examination we can see this compulsion to do more is a smokescreen. These people don’t believe they have a choice in what opportunity, assignment, or challenge to take on. They believe they “have to do it all.”

Which among the following statements reflects the central idea proposed by the author in the above-given passage?

• a) People who feel their work efforts are futile tend to decrease their productivity and disengage from tasks.

• b) Feeling undervalued at work can lead individuals to selectively choose assignments that they believe will reassert their value.

• c) The perception of one's work as meaningless can lead to either withdrawal from effort or a compulsive over-engagement in tasks.

• d) Working hard is the most critical indication of an individual's belief in their own value and importance, helping in improving on different areas of weaknesses.

Explanation

• The central idea presented by the author is that individuals who perceive their work efforts as meaningless tend to react in one of two distinct ways: they either disengage from their work (checking out and stopping trying) or they overcompensate by becoming hyperactive in their work environment, taking on every opportunity and challenge with excessive zeal. This over-engagement is described not as a positive assertion of self-worth but rather as a compulsive behavior stemming from a belief that they have no choice but to take on everything, which the author suggests is akin to a smokescreen hiding their true feelings of helplessness. This idea is most accurately encapsulated in option c, which explains that such perceptions can lead to either complete withdrawal or a hyperactive over-engagement in tasks.

Explanation

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Methane might not get as much media spotlight as carbon dioxide, but this under-the-radar gas has a potent effect on our planet. It’s like the quiet troublemaker of greenhouse gases—powerful, though less abundant. Interestingly, while methane lingers in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide, it packs a significant punch in terms of its heat-trapping ability—over 25 times greater over a 100-year period. This makes it a critical target for climate change mitigation strategies. However, its sources are as varied as they are widespread, complicating efforts to rein it in. Efforts to curb methane emissions are increasingly seen as a quick win in the climate battle. Technologies to capture methane from sources like oil extraction sites and decomposing trash in landfills are becoming more refined. Even changes in agricultural practices, like diet alterations for cattle to reduce methane production, are on the table. Addressing methane emissions offers a double benefit: it slows down climate change and improves air quality. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: The significant heat-trapping ability of methane over a 100-year period underscores its prioritization in climate change mitigation strategies. Efforts to tackle methane emissions with refined technologies are gaining traction in recent times. Methane has a longer atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide. How many of the above assumptions are valid? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The passage emphasizes methane’s potent heat-trapping ability, which is 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, making it a critical target for climate change mitigation strategies. Hence this statement is correct. Statement 2 is correct: The passage details that “efforts to curb methane emissions are increasingly seen as a quick win in the climate battle. Technologies to capture methane from sources like oil extraction sites and decomposing trash in landfills are becoming more refined. Even changes in agricultural practices, like diet alterations for cattle to reduce methane production, are on the table.” Hence this Statement is correct. Incorrect Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The passage emphasizes methane’s potent heat-trapping ability, which is 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, making it a critical target for climate change mitigation strategies. Hence this statement is correct. Statement 2 is correct: The passage details that “efforts to curb methane emissions are increasingly seen as a quick win in the climate battle. Technologies to capture methane from sources like oil extraction sites and decomposing trash in landfills are becoming more refined. Even changes in agricultural practices, like diet alterations for cattle to reduce methane production, are on the table.” Hence this Statement is correct.

#### 2. Question

Methane might not get as much media spotlight as carbon dioxide, but this under-the-radar gas has a potent effect on our planet. It’s like the quiet troublemaker of greenhouse gases—powerful, though less abundant. Interestingly, while methane lingers in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide, it packs a significant punch in terms of its heat-trapping ability—over 25 times greater over a 100-year period. This makes it a critical target for climate change mitigation strategies. However, its sources are as varied as they are widespread, complicating efforts to rein it in. Efforts to curb methane emissions are increasingly seen as a quick win in the climate battle. Technologies to capture methane from sources like oil extraction sites and decomposing trash in landfills are becoming more refined. Even changes in agricultural practices, like diet alterations for cattle to reduce methane production, are on the table. Addressing methane emissions offers a double benefit: it slows down climate change and improves air quality.

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

• The significant heat-trapping ability of methane over a 100-year period underscores its prioritization in climate change mitigation strategies. Efforts to tackle methane emissions with refined technologies are gaining traction in recent times. Methane has a longer atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide.

• The significant heat-trapping ability of methane over a 100-year period underscores its prioritization in climate change mitigation strategies.

• Efforts to tackle methane emissions with refined technologies are gaining traction in recent times.

• Methane has a longer atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide.

How many of the above assumptions are valid?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The passage emphasizes methane’s potent heat-trapping ability, which is 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, making it a critical target for climate change mitigation strategies. Hence this statement is correct.

• Statement 2 is correct: The passage details that “efforts to curb methane emissions are increasingly seen as a quick win in the climate battle. Technologies to capture methane from sources like oil extraction sites and decomposing trash in landfills are becoming more refined. Even changes in agricultural practices, like diet alterations for cattle to reduce methane production, are on the table.” Hence this Statement is correct.

Explanation:

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question There are four key mechanisms that translate a demographic bonus to economic dividend: employment, education and skills, health conditions and governance. Employment or job creation is an important mechanism to translate demographic bonus to economic dividend. If India is able to generate sufficient and quality jobs for its bulging working age population, realisation of demographic dividend will become a reality. Education, skills generation and ensuring a healthy lifespan by preventing diseases and disabilities are also important channels that translate demographic opportunity into economic gains. A skilled and healthy workforce is critical not only for better productivity of an economic activity but it also reduces excessive public spending and helps in greater capital creation. Good governance, reflected through conscientious policies, is another important aspect for reaping demographic dividend as it helps in creating a healthy environment for increasing efficiency and productivity of the population. Which one of the following statements best sums up the above passage? a) The realization of demographic dividend in India requires job creation, education, skills generation, and good governance to translate demographic opportunity into economic gains. b) The key mechanisms to translate demographic bonus into economic dividend are healthcare, job creation, and governance and these can help India become a developed country. c) Only job creation can ensure that India will realize the demographic dividend. d) The education, skills, and health conditions of the population are not important for the realization of demographic dividend in India. Correct Answer: A Explanation: Option A accurately captures the main points of the passage by highlighting the key mechanisms for translating demographic opportunity into economic gains in India. ct. Nominal GDP is nothing but the total market value of all the goods and services produced in India in a financial year. For purposes of analysing the economy one often uses the “real” GDP but for preparing the budget, it is the nominal GDP that matters. The real GDP is “derived” from the nominal GDP by removing the effect of inflation. Once the government knows the nominal GDP of the current financial year, it uses this number to project the likely nominal GDP in the next financial year for which the budget is being made. Typically in India, as indeed is the case with most developing economies, the governments are forced to spend more than they earn. That means they have to borrow money from the market. But overtime India instituted strict rules limiting how much the Union government can borrow. These limits are set by the Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. The FRBM Act stipulates that the total borrowings (fiscal deficit) cannot be more than 3% of the (nominal) GDP. Incorrect Answer: A Explanation: Option A accurately captures the main points of the passage by highlighting the key mechanisms for translating demographic opportunity into economic gains in India.

#### 3. Question

There are four key mechanisms that translate a demographic bonus to economic dividend: employment, education and skills, health conditions and governance. Employment or job creation is an important mechanism to translate demographic bonus to economic dividend. If India is able to generate sufficient and quality jobs for its bulging working age population, realisation of demographic dividend will become a reality. Education, skills generation and ensuring a healthy lifespan by preventing diseases and disabilities are also important channels that translate demographic opportunity into economic gains. A skilled and healthy workforce is critical not only for better productivity of an economic activity but it also reduces excessive public spending and helps in greater capital creation. Good governance, reflected through conscientious policies, is another important aspect for reaping demographic dividend as it helps in creating a healthy environment for increasing efficiency and productivity of the population.

Which one of the following statements best sums up the above passage?

• a) The realization of demographic dividend in India requires job creation, education, skills generation, and good governance to translate demographic opportunity into economic gains.

• b) The key mechanisms to translate demographic bonus into economic dividend are healthcare, job creation, and governance and these can help India become a developed country.

• c) Only job creation can ensure that India will realize the demographic dividend.

• d) The education, skills, and health conditions of the population are not important for the realization of demographic dividend in India.

Explanation:

• Option A accurately captures the main points of the passage by highlighting the key mechanisms for translating demographic opportunity into economic gains in India.

Nominal GDP is nothing but the total market value of all the goods and services produced in India in a financial year. For purposes of analysing the economy one often uses the “real” GDP but for preparing the budget, it is the nominal GDP that matters. The real GDP is “derived” from the nominal GDP by removing the effect of inflation.

Once the government knows the nominal GDP of the current financial year, it uses this number to project the likely nominal GDP in the next financial year for which the budget is being made.

Typically in India, as indeed is the case with most developing economies, the governments are forced to spend more than they earn. That means they have to borrow money from the market. But overtime India instituted strict rules limiting how much the Union government can borrow. These limits are set by the Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. The FRBM Act stipulates that the total borrowings (fiscal deficit) cannot be more than 3% of the (nominal) GDP.

Explanation:

• Option A accurately captures the main points of the passage by highlighting the key mechanisms for translating demographic opportunity into economic gains in India.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question In recent years, the phenomenon of eliminating one’s thought adversaries has marked a sharp rise. In the last few years, numerous mediapersons, writers, and thinkers have been put to death by violent means. Narendra Dabholkar was killed in Pune in 2013, Comrade Govind Pansare in Kolhapur in early 2015, M.M.Kalburgi in Dharwad later that year, and journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru in 2017. All four were advocates of rationality, truth, and communal harmony. The following assumptions have been drawn from the above passage: When thought adversaries are eliminated their ideas get buried. Violent killing of media persons, writers and thinkers reflects intellectual bankruptcy. Which of the above assumptions are/ is valid? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: B Option B is correct. Violent killing does not stop spreading of ideas and such events does reflect inability to tolerate a different opinion and debate like civilized societies. Incorrect Answer: B Option B is correct. Violent killing does not stop spreading of ideas and such events does reflect inability to tolerate a different opinion and debate like civilized societies.

#### 4. Question

In recent years, the phenomenon of eliminating one’s thought adversaries has marked a sharp rise. In the last few years, numerous mediapersons, writers, and thinkers have been put to death by violent means. Narendra Dabholkar was killed in Pune in 2013, Comrade Govind Pansare in Kolhapur in early 2015, M.M.Kalburgi in Dharwad later that year, and journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru in 2017. All four were advocates of rationality, truth, and communal harmony.

The following assumptions have been drawn from the above passage:

• When thought adversaries are eliminated their ideas get buried.

• Violent killing of media persons, writers and thinkers reflects intellectual bankruptcy.

Which of the above assumptions are/ is valid?

• c) Both 1 and 2

• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Option B is correct. Violent killing does not stop spreading of ideas and such events does reflect inability to tolerate a different opinion and debate like civilized societies.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question What are the valid inferences for a democratic nation like India from the above passage? Supporters of bigotry and superstition are not in a position to discuss and debate opposite view points. Media persons, writers and thinkers should not ruffle feathers if they value their lives. Advocates of rationality, truth and communal harmony have been silenced for good. Executive and Judiciary needs to take appropriate measures to ensure freedom of speech is not silenced by the fear of gun. Select the correct answer using the code below a) 1, 2 and 3 only. b) 1, 3 and 4 only. c) 1 and 4 only. d) 3 and 4 only Correct Answer: C Option C is correct. Statements at 2 and 3 are not valid inferences for a democratic nation from the above passage. Incorrect Answer: C Option C is correct. Statements at 2 and 3 are not valid inferences for a democratic nation from the above passage.

#### 5. Question

What are the valid inferences for a democratic nation like India from the above passage?

• Supporters of bigotry and superstition are not in a position to discuss and debate opposite view points.

• Media persons, writers and thinkers should not ruffle feathers if they value their lives.

• Advocates of rationality, truth and communal harmony have been silenced for good.

• Executive and Judiciary needs to take appropriate measures to ensure freedom of speech is not silenced by the fear of gun.

Select the correct answer using the code below

• a) 1, 2 and 3 only.

• b) 1, 3 and 4 only.

• c) 1 and 4 only.

• d) 3 and 4 only

Option C is correct. Statements at 2 and 3 are not valid inferences for a democratic nation from the above passage.

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