Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes: RAS Prelims MCQs
151 RAS Prelims MCQs on human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes test nutrients, vitamins, deficiency diseases and government programmes. Carbohydrates, vitamin names, iron and anaemia, overnutrition, adulteration and epidemic dropsy, the role of an ASHA worker and the aims of Poshan Abhiyan are asked as facts and effects.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 91–100 of 151 questions
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q91. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer:
Disease
Pathogen/Cause
A. Tuberculosis
i. Plasmodium species
B. Malaria
ii. Salmonella typhi
C. Covid-19
iii. Mycobacterium
D. Typhoid
iv. SARS-CoV-2
Explanation
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium bacteria, while malaria is caused by Plasmodium protozoa. Covid-19 is an acute respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Typhoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Understanding these specific pathogens is critical for implementing the correct medical treatments and public health strategies to control the spread of each infectious disease.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q92. The spread of cancer cells from the primary site of origin to other parts of the body is termed:
Explanation
Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the blood or lymphatic system to form new tumors in other parts of the body. This spread is what makes cancer a particularly dangerous and life-threatening disease. Once a cancer has metastasized, it is often more difficult to treat and requires systemic therapies like chemotherapy rather than localized surgery.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q93. A condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities is known as:
Explanation
Major Depressive Disorder is a clinical mental health condition characterized by a persistent and deep sense of sadness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It significantly impacts a person’s ability to sleep, eat, and work, often leading to various emotional and physical problems. Unlike temporary sadness, this disorder requires professional intervention, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both treatments.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q94. One of the primary targets of the Poshan Abhiyan is to reduce stunting in children (0-6 years) by what percentage annually?
Explanation
One of the key goals of Poshan Abhiyan is to reduce the prevalence of stunting in children under six years of age by two percent annually. By targeting this specific reduction, the program aims to significantly lower the overall burden of chronic malnutrition over time. This objective is pursued through a multi-sectoral approach involving improved nutrition, better healthcare services, and increased social awareness.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q95. At the national level, which authority is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?
Explanation
The National Health Authority is the apex government body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Its role includes managing the scheme’s overall strategy, coordinating with state governments, and ensuring the smooth operation of the IT systems used for beneficiary identification and claims processing. The NHA is critical for achieving the goal of universal health coverage.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q96. Consider the following carbohydrates: I. Glucose II. Fructose III. Sucrose Which of the above is/are considered monosaccharides?
Explanation
Monosaccharides are the simplest sugars and cannot be further hydrolyzed into smaller units. Glucose and fructose are both examples of monosaccharides that are naturally found in various foods. Sucrose, on the other hand, is a disaccharide formed by the chemical bonding of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule. Understanding these classifications is important for grasping how carbohydrates are digested and metabolized.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q97. The deficiency of which vitamin is historically known to affect sailors on long voyages, causing swollen and bleeding gums?
Explanation
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a severe deficiency of Vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen. Historically, it was common among sailors who lacked access to fresh fruits and vegetables during long sea voyages. Symptoms include fatigue, swollen and bleeding gums, and joint pain. The discovery that citrus fruits could prevent and cure scurvy was a major breakthrough in nutritional science.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q98. Which of the following is an excellent plant-based source of dietary iron?
Explanation
Spinach is well-known for being an excellent plant-based source of iron, specifically non-heme iron. While iron is also found in animal products, leafy green vegetables like spinach provide a vital source for individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet. To maximize the absorption of iron from spinach, it is often recommended to consume it with foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q99. A balanced diet should provide adequate micronutrients. Which of the following statements about micronutrients is correct?
Explanation
Micronutrients, which include various vitamins and minerals, are required by the body in very small amounts. Although they do not provide energy themselves, they are essential for regulating a wide range of metabolic processes, including growth, immune function, and brain development. Because the body cannot produce most micronutrients, they must be obtained through a varied and balanced diet for optimal health.
RAS PrelimsHealth, Environment and Agriculture · Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Q100. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children is determined by assessing the:
Explanation
The Mid-Upper Arm Circumference is a quick and effective measurement used to screen children for severe acute malnutrition. A measurement below a specific threshold indicates significant wasting and an increased risk of mortality. This tool is particularly useful in community settings because it is easy to perform and requires minimal equipment, allowing for the rapid identification and referral of malnourished children.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
91
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii
92
(b) Metastasis
93
(d) Major Depressive Disorder
94
(b) 2%
95
(a) National Health Authority (NHA)
96
(b) I and II only
97
(b) Vitamin C
98
(c) Spinach
99
(d) Essential for regulating metabolic processes
100
(a) Mid-Upper Arm Circumference
Key facts from Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
Carbohydrates are the main source of immediate energy; overnutrition leads to obesity.
Vitamin C is ascorbic acid; tocopherol (vitamin E) is not part of the Vitamin B complex.
Iron deficiency most directly leads to anaemia, and anaemia among pregnant women raises the maternal mortality rate.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance is the daily intake level sufficient for most healthy people.
Argemone oil in edible mustard oil causes epidemic dropsy.
An ASHA worker links the community with the public health system under the National Health Mission; Poshan Abhiyan targets stunting, under-nutrition and anaemia.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes?
This page has 151 practice MCQs on Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which condition does iron deficiency cause?
Anaemia, a low level of haemoglobin in the blood. It causes weakness and tiredness, and in pregnant women it raises the risk to both mother and child, so iron and folic acid tablets are given under the public health programmes.
What causes epidemic dropsy?
Argemone oil mixed in edible mustard oil as an adulterant. The toxin it contains affects the body and causes swelling, so adulteration of mustard oil has led to outbreaks in India.
What is the role of an ASHA worker?
To link the community with the public health system under the National Health Mission. An ASHA, the Accredited Social Health Activist, is a village-level worker who guides women to institutional delivery and immunisation.
