UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 11 Mar 2026

Trust forms the foundation of social relationships, economic transactions, and institutional functioning. In everyday life, people rely on trust to cooperate, exchange information, and make collective decisions. Financial systems depend on public confidence, democratic institutions require credibility, and social harmony is sustained through mutual reliability.

However, trust is not static; it can be strengthened through transparency, accountability, and consistent behaviour, or weakened by corruption, misinformation, and repeated failures. In societies where trust in institutions declines, individuals often become more cautious, and informal networks tend to replace formal mechanisms.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

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

1. Transparency and accountability contribute to building public trust.
2. Declining institutional trust can alter patterns of social and economic interaction.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

The growth of digital communication and online financial services has been accompanied by new forms of cyber fraud. One such practice, often referred to as “digital arrest,” involves criminals impersonating law enforcement officials and threatening individuals with legal action unless immediate payments are made. These interactions commonly occur through video calls, emails, or messaging platforms, where victims are placed under intense psychological pressure.

Such frauds take advantage of fear, limited legal awareness, and social trust in authority. Individuals who are unfamiliar with legal procedures or digital systems are more likely to comply with such demands. Although public agencies have introduced reporting mechanisms and awareness initiatives, variations in access to information and digital skills continue to influence patterns of vulnerability.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

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

1. Differences in legal and digital awareness affect susceptibility to cyber fraud.
2. All users of online services are equally vulnerable to digital arrest scams.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

Two cards are drawn at random from a standard deck without replacement. What is the probability that both cards are red and from the same suit?