UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 4 Sep 2025

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

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:

1. Cultural microevolutionary models can incorporate both individual decision-making and large-scale cultural trends.
2. Cultural change is always driven by selective advantages rather than random processes.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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:

1. Informal recycling methods for e-waste significantly contribute to environmental contamination.
2. The primary reason for the growth of e-waste is the absence of adequate recycling facilities in developing countries.
3. Weak regulatory enforcement exacerbates the environmental hazards posed by e-waste.

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

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?