UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 20 Jan 2026

Public trust is one of the most essential yet fragile pillars of democratic governance. Institutions—whether courts, legislatures, or regulatory bodies—derive their legitimacy not only from constitutional authority but from citizens’ perception of fairness and integrity. When decisions appear opaque, biased, or influenced by special interests, trust begins to erode. This erosion is rarely sudden; it accumulates through repeated small breaches that weaken the social contract over time.

However, rebuilding trust is more complex than enforcing compliance or increasing surveillance. It requires transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen engagement. Democracies function best when people feel their voices matter, when institutions demonstrate moral consistency, and when errors are acknowledged rather than concealed. Trust is thus not a passive expectation but an active relationship between the state and society. Without it, even well-designed policies struggle to gain acceptance, and collective action becomes far more difficult.

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

With reference to the above passage, consider the following assumptions:

1. Public trust is maintained when institutions act consistently with democratic values.
2. People are more likely to support policies when they trust the decision-making process.
3. Institutional errors should be concealed to prevent public criticism and preserve trust.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

Human freedom is often imagined as the absence of constraints—a life where one can choose without limitation. Yet philosophers have long argued that true freedom is not found in limitless options, but in the conscious alignment of choice with purpose. A person overwhelmed by infinite possibilities may feel not liberated but scattered, unable to discern what truly matters. Likewise, external freedom without inner clarity can lead to impulsivity rather than autonomy.

Self-discipline, reflection, and responsibility are therefore not opposites of freedom but its foundations. They enable individuals to act intentionally rather than reactively, shaping a life guided by values rather than circumstance. Freedom without direction can become a form of drift; direction without freedom becomes coercion. The challenge of human existence is to hold both together—to cultivate an inner compass that turns choice into meaning.

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

Consider the following statements:

1. Unlimited choices may diminish rather than enhance an individual’s sense of freedom.
2. Self-discipline and reflection strengthen one’s capacity for meaningful autonomy.
3. Freedom and responsibility are fundamentally incompatible.

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

For an event, ticket prices for Category A, B, and C are in the ratio 9 : 6 : 3, and the number of tickets sold are in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7 respectively. If total revenue = ₹3,78,000, what is the revenue from Category B?