UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 7 Dec 2024

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?

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:

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

How many of the above assumptions are valid?

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?

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:

1. When thought adversaries are eliminated their ideas get buried.
2. Violent killing of media persons, writers and thinkers reflects intellectual bankruptcy.

Which of the above assumptions are/ is valid?

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

1. Supporters of bigotry and superstition are not in a position to discuss and debate opposite view points.
2. Media persons, writers and thinkers should not ruffle feathers if they value their lives.
3. Advocates of rationality, truth and communal harmony have been silenced for good.
4. 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