UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 10 Feb 2026

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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• Not categorized 0% • Question 1 of 5 1. Question The architecture of the modern internet is built on a paradox: services are offered for free, yet the companies providing them are among the most profitable in history. This model, often termed ‘surveillance capitalism,’ functions by extracting behavioral data from users to predict and influence their future actions. The asymmetry is profound; while platforms possess granular knowledge of user habits, users remain largely ignorant of the algorithmic mechanisms guiding their choices. Consequently, the erosion of privacy is not merely a loss of secrecy, but a surrender of autonomy. When algorithms curate information to maximize engagement, they subtly bypass critical thinking, replacing independent human judgment with automated nudges. In this ecosystem, the user is not the customer, but the raw material for a computational process designed to modify behavior. Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? The primary danger of digital platforms lies in the theft of financial data rather than the manipulation of behavior. The current digital economic model inherently undermines individual agency by capitalizing on the opacity of its operations. 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 Answer: (b) Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that the danger is “not merely a loss of secrecy, but a surrender of autonomy” and focuses on “behavioral modification.” It argues that the extraction of behavioral data to influence actions is the core issue, not financial theft or security breaches. Statement 2 is correct: The passage highlights the “asymmetry” where platforms know everything while users are “ignorant of the algorithmic mechanisms.” It further states that this leads to a “surrender of autonomy” and replaces “independent human judgment.” This aligns perfectly with the inference that the model undermines agency through opacity (lack of transparency). Therefore, option (b) is correct. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that the danger is “not merely a loss of secrecy, but a surrender of autonomy” and focuses on “behavioral modification.” It argues that the extraction of behavioral data to influence actions is the core issue, not financial theft or security breaches. Statement 2 is correct: The passage highlights the “asymmetry” where platforms know everything while users are “ignorant of the algorithmic mechanisms.” It further states that this leads to a “surrender of autonomy” and replaces “independent human judgment.” This aligns perfectly with the inference that the model undermines agency through opacity (lack of transparency). Therefore, option (b) is correct.

1. Question

The architecture of the modern internet is built on a paradox: services are offered for free, yet the companies providing them are among the most profitable in history. This model, often termed ‘surveillance capitalism,’ functions by extracting behavioral data from users to predict and influence their future actions. The asymmetry is profound; while platforms possess granular knowledge of user habits, users remain largely ignorant of the algorithmic mechanisms guiding their choices. Consequently, the erosion of privacy is not merely a loss of secrecy, but a surrender of autonomy. When algorithms curate information to maximize engagement, they subtly bypass critical thinking, replacing independent human judgment with automated nudges. In this ecosystem, the user is not the customer, but the raw material for a computational process designed to modify behavior.

Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage?

• The primary danger of digital platforms lies in the theft of financial data rather than the manipulation of behavior. • The current digital economic model inherently undermines individual agency by capitalizing on the opacity of its operations. 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 Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that the danger is “not merely a loss of secrecy, but a surrender of autonomy” and focuses on “behavioral modification.” It argues that the extraction of behavioral data to influence actions is the core issue, not financial theft or security breaches. • Statement 2 is correct: The passage highlights the “asymmetry” where platforms know everything while users are “ignorant of the algorithmic mechanisms.” It further states that this leads to a “surrender of autonomy” and replaces “independent human judgment.” This aligns perfectly with the inference that the model undermines agency through opacity (lack of transparency). Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that the danger is “not merely a loss of secrecy, but a surrender of autonomy” and focuses on “behavioral modification.” It argues that the extraction of behavioral data to influence actions is the core issue, not financial theft or security breaches. • Statement 2 is correct: The passage highlights the “asymmetry” where platforms know everything while users are “ignorant of the algorithmic mechanisms.” It further states that this leads to a “surrender of autonomy” and replaces “independent human judgment.” This aligns perfectly with the inference that the model undermines agency through opacity (lack of transparency). Therefore, option (b) is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Users would stop using digital platforms if they fully understood how their data was being manipulated. The preservation of human autonomy is incompatible with the current business models of major digital platforms. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption 1 is invalid: While the passage mentions that users are “ignorant,” it does not provide enough evidence to assume they would stop using the services if they knew the truth. Users might prioritize convenience over privacy even if informed. This is a behavioral prediction not supported by the text. Assumption 2 is valid: The passage argues that the current model (“surveillance capitalism”) functions by “extracting behavioral data… to predict and influence.” It concludes that this ecosystem leads to a “surrender of autonomy.” Therefore, it logically assumes that as long as this specific business model exists, human autonomy is compromised (incompatible). Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Assumption 1 is invalid: While the passage mentions that users are “ignorant,” it does not provide enough evidence to assume they would stop using the services if they knew the truth. Users might prioritize convenience over privacy even if informed. This is a behavioral prediction not supported by the text. Assumption 2 is valid: The passage argues that the current model (“surveillance capitalism”) functions by “extracting behavioral data… to predict and influence.” It concludes that this ecosystem leads to a “surrender of autonomy.” Therefore, it logically assumes that as long as this specific business model exists, human autonomy is compromised (incompatible). Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

2. Question

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

• Users would stop using digital platforms if they fully understood how their data was being manipulated. • The preservation of human autonomy is incompatible with the current business models of major digital platforms. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

• (a) 1 only • (b) 2 only • (c) Both 1 and 2 • (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Assumption 1 is invalid: While the passage mentions that users are “ignorant,” it does not provide enough evidence to assume they would stop using the services if they knew the truth. Users might prioritize convenience over privacy even if informed. This is a behavioral prediction not supported by the text. • Assumption 2 is valid: The passage argues that the current model (“surveillance capitalism”) functions by “extracting behavioral data… to predict and influence.” It concludes that this ecosystem leads to a “surrender of autonomy.” Therefore, it logically assumes that as long as this specific business model exists, human autonomy is compromised (incompatible). Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Assumption 1 is invalid: While the passage mentions that users are “ignorant,” it does not provide enough evidence to assume they would stop using the services if they knew the truth. Users might prioritize convenience over privacy even if informed. This is a behavioral prediction not supported by the text. • Assumption 2 is valid: The passage argues that the current model (“surveillance capitalism”) functions by “extracting behavioral data… to predict and influence.” It concludes that this ecosystem leads to a “surrender of autonomy.” Therefore, it logically assumes that as long as this specific business model exists, human autonomy is compromised (incompatible). Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Advances in space technology have significantly expanded the range of services dependent on satellites, including navigation, communication, weather forecasting, and disaster management. However, the rapid increase in satellite launches—particularly by private players—has raised concerns about orbital congestion and space debris. Even small fragments of debris can damage active satellites, disrupt critical services, and increase the long-term costs of space operations. While technological solutions such as debris-tracking systems and satellite de-orbiting mechanisms are being developed, effective mitigation ultimately depends on international cooperation and the establishment of shared norms for responsible behaviour in outer space. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage? (a) Private sector participation has accelerated technological innovation in space. (b) Space debris poses a serious threat to the sustainability of satellite-based services. (c) Satellite services have become indispensable for modern societies. (d) Technological solutions alone can effectively address the problem of orbital congestion. Correct Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: Although private players are mentioned, the passage does not focus on innovation benefits. The emphasis is on the risks arising from increased launches. Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights how space debris resulting from increased satellite activity threatens active satellites and essential services, making sustainability the central concern. Option (c) is incorrect: This is a background statement in the passage, not its main argument. The core issue is the challenge posed by debris, not the importance of satellites per se. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that technological solutions alone are insufficient and that international cooperation is necessary. Incorrect Answer: (b) Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect: Although private players are mentioned, the passage does not focus on innovation benefits. The emphasis is on the risks arising from increased launches. Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights how space debris resulting from increased satellite activity threatens active satellites and essential services, making sustainability the central concern. Option (c) is incorrect: This is a background statement in the passage, not its main argument. The core issue is the challenge posed by debris, not the importance of satellites per se. Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that technological solutions alone are insufficient and that international cooperation is necessary.

3. Question

Advances in space technology have significantly expanded the range of services dependent on satellites, including navigation, communication, weather forecasting, and disaster management. However, the rapid increase in satellite launches—particularly by private players—has raised concerns about orbital congestion and space debris. Even small fragments of debris can damage active satellites, disrupt critical services, and increase the long-term costs of space operations. While technological solutions such as debris-tracking systems and satellite de-orbiting mechanisms are being developed, effective mitigation ultimately depends on international cooperation and the establishment of shared norms for responsible behaviour in outer space.

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

• (a) Private sector participation has accelerated technological innovation in space. • (b) Space debris poses a serious threat to the sustainability of satellite-based services. • (c) Satellite services have become indispensable for modern societies. • (d) Technological solutions alone can effectively address the problem of orbital congestion. Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: Although private players are mentioned, the passage does not focus on innovation benefits. The emphasis is on the risks arising from increased launches. • Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights how space debris resulting from increased satellite activity threatens active satellites and essential services, making sustainability the central concern. • Option (c) is incorrect: This is a background statement in the passage, not its main argument. The core issue is the challenge posed by debris, not the importance of satellites per se. • Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that technological solutions alone are insufficient and that international cooperation is necessary. Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Option (a) is incorrect: Although private players are mentioned, the passage does not focus on innovation benefits. The emphasis is on the risks arising from increased launches. • Option (b) is correct: The passage highlights how space debris resulting from increased satellite activity threatens active satellites and essential services, making sustainability the central concern. • Option (c) is incorrect: This is a background statement in the passage, not its main argument. The core issue is the challenge posed by debris, not the importance of satellites per se. • Option (d) is incorrect: The passage explicitly states that technological solutions alone are insufficient and that international cooperation is necessary. • Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: Unregulated expansion of space activities can undermine the long-term usability of outer space. International rules governing outer space activities are already sufficient to address space debris. 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 valid: The passage assumes that without coordinated regulation and responsible behaviour, increasing satellite launches and debris will threaten the sustainability of space operations. Assumption II is invalid: The passage calls for the establishment of shared norms and international cooperation, implying that existing rules are not sufficient to address the problem. Incorrect Answer: (a) Explanation: Assumption I is valid: The passage assumes that without coordinated regulation and responsible behaviour, increasing satellite launches and debris will threaten the sustainability of space operations. Assumption II is invalid: The passage calls for the establishment of shared norms and international cooperation, implying that existing rules are not sufficient to address the problem.

4. Question

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

• Unregulated expansion of space activities can undermine the long-term usability of outer space. • International rules governing outer space activities are already sufficient to address space debris. 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 valid: The passage assumes that without coordinated regulation and responsible behaviour, increasing satellite launches and debris will threaten the sustainability of space operations. • Assumption II is invalid: The passage calls for the establishment of shared norms and international cooperation, implying that existing rules are not sufficient to address the problem. Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Assumption I is valid: The passage assumes that without coordinated regulation and responsible behaviour, increasing satellite launches and debris will threaten the sustainability of space operations. • Assumption II is invalid: The passage calls for the establishment of shared norms and international cooperation, implying that existing rules are not sufficient to address the problem. • Question 5 of 5 5. Question The positive integers x and y leave remainders of 1 and 5, respectively, when divided by 8. What is the remainder when (x + y) is divided by 8? (a) 4 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) 7 Correct Answer: (c) Explanation Write the numbers in divisor form: x = 8p + 1 y = 8q + 5 Then, x + y = (8p + 1) + (8q + 5) = 8(p + q) + 6 So, the remainder when (x + y) is divided by 8 is 6. Correct Answer: (c) 6 Incorrect Answer: (c) Explanation Write the numbers in divisor form: x = 8p + 1 y = 8q + 5 Then, x + y = (8p + 1) + (8q + 5) = 8(p + q) + 6 So, the remainder when (x + y) is divided by 8 is 6. Correct Answer: (c) 6

5. Question

The positive integers x and y leave remainders of 1 and 5, respectively, when divided by 8. What is the remainder when (x + y) is divided by 8?

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Write the numbers in divisor form:

x = 8p + 1 y = 8q + 5

Then, x + y = (8p + 1) + (8q + 5) = 8(p + q) + 6

So, the remainder when (x + y) is divided by 8 is 6.

Correct Answer: (c) 6

Answer: (c)

Explanation

Write the numbers in divisor form:

x = 8p + 1 y = 8q + 5

Then, x + y = (8p + 1) + (8q + 5) = 8(p + q) + 6

So, the remainder when (x + y) is divided by 8 is 6.

Correct Answer: (c) 6

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