UPSC Insta–DART (Daily Aptitude and Reasoning Test) 25 Mar 2026

The value of a machine depreciates at the rate of 10% per annum. If its present value is ₹81,000, what was its value 2 years ago?

Passage 1.

Labour markets in many economies have undergone significant changes in recent decades. The expansion of automation, digital platforms, and remote working arrangements has altered patterns of employment across manufacturing and service sectors. Firms increasingly rely on short-term contracts, freelance work, and task-based assignments to adjust to fluctuating demand.

At the same time, traditional forms of long-term employment continue to exist alongside these new arrangements. Differences in educational attainment, skill levels, and access to training opportunities influence workers’ ability to move between occupations and adapt to changing labour requirements. Variations in social security coverage and regulatory frameworks further affect employment conditions across regions.

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

1. Employment structures have become more diverse in response to economic and technological changes.
2. Workers’ career mobility is influenced by education and institutional arrangements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

1. Skill development affects workers’ ability to adjust to labour market changes.
2. All regions provide equal institutional support for employment security.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?

Over-the-top (OTT) platforms have become a major mode of audio-visual content distribution in many countries. Streaming services offering films, television programmes, documentaries, and user-generated content have expanded access to entertainment across regions and social groups. Improvements in mobile internet connectivity and the spread of affordable smartphones have contributed to the growth of these platforms.

OTT services make extensive use of data analytics to track viewing behaviour, personalise recommendations, and assess audience preferences. These practices influence content production and advertising strategies. Regulatory approaches toward online streaming differ across jurisdictions, shaping issues related to content standards, taxation, and competition with traditional broadcasting services.

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

1. The expansion of OTT platforms is linked to technological developments in connectivity and devices.
2. Data-based analysis plays a role in shaping content and revenue models of streaming services.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

1. Differences in regulatory policies affect the functioning of OTT platforms.
2. All streaming services operate under uniform legal and commercial conditions.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?