Q131. The primary function of the large intestine in the human digestive system is to:
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 131–140 of 151 questions
Q132. Which of the following components of the immune system releases histamine during an allergic reaction?
Explanation
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in allergic reactions and the body’s inflammatory response. When these cells encounter an allergen to which they have been sensitized, they release various chemicals, most notably histamine. Histamine causes common allergy symptoms such as swelling, itching, and redness by increasing the permeability of blood vessels and stimulating nerve endings in the affected tissue.
Q133. Consider the following statements about non-communicable diseases (NCDs):
I. They are chronic in nature and progress slowly.
II. Lifestyle factors like tobacco use and physical inactivity are major risk factors.
III. They are transmitted through vectors like mosquitoes.
IV. Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths globally.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They are chronic in nature and progress slowly.
II. Lifestyle factors like tobacco use and physical inactivity are major risk factors.
III. They are transmitted through vectors like mosquitoes.
IV. Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths globally.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer that develop slowly over time. They are not transmitted through pathogens or vectors but are largely influenced by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, tobacco use, and lack of exercise. Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death among NCDs worldwide. Understanding these risks is essential for implementing public health strategies focused on prevention and lifestyle modification.
Q134. Which viral disease, characterized by paralysis and muscular atrophy, has been successfully eradicated from India due to massive immunization efforts?
Explanation
India was officially certified polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2014.
Q135. The causative organism for Tuberculosis is:
Explanation
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria primarily attack the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While many people have latent TB, meaning they carry the bacteria without being ill, the active disease requires a prolonged course of multiple antibiotics for a complete cure.
Q136. Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) is a common clinical finding in chronic cases of:
Explanation
Splenomegaly, or the enlargement of the spleen, is a common clinical feature of chronic or repeated malarial infections. The spleen plays a key role in filtering out damaged red blood cells and fighting infection. In malaria, the spleen becomes overworked as it clears the high volume of red cells destroyed by the parasite. Over time, this increased activity leads to the significant enlargement of the organ, which can be detected during a physical examination.
Q137. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer:
| Food Item | Common Adulterant |
|---|---|
| A. Ghee | i. Brick powder |
| B. Tea leaves | ii. Dried papaya seeds |
| C. Chilli powder | iii. Vanaspati / Animal fat |
| D. Black pepper | iv. Used and dried tea leaves colored artificially |
Explanation
Pure ghee is sometimes adulterated with cheaper vanaspati or animal fats to increase its volume. Tea leaves may be mixed with previously used and redried leaves that have been artificially colored. Chilli powder is frequently adulterated with brick powder to add weight and maintain its red appearance. Dried papaya seeds are a classic adulterant for black pepper due to their physical similarity, misleading consumers about the product’s quality.
Q138. Substances that are known to promote the formation of cancer in the body are termed:
Explanation
Carcinogens are substances or exposures that can lead to the development of cancer by causing damage to the DNA within cells. These can include chemical substances, such as those found in tobacco smoke, physical agents like ultraviolet radiation, or even certain biological pathogens. Identifying and reducing exposure to known carcinogens is a fundamental part of public health strategies aimed at preventing the onset of various types of cancer.
Q139. Under the National Health Mission, Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) are set up to:
Explanation
Rogi Kalyan Samitis are hospital management societies established under the National Health Mission to improve the functioning of public health facilities. They are composed of local stakeholders, including community representatives and health officials. These societies have the authority to utilize local funds for hospital maintenance, purchasing essential equipment, and improving patient amenities, thereby ensuring that health services are more responsive to the needs of the local community.
Q140. At the village level, the primary frontline worker responsible for delivering nutritional services under the Poshan Abhiyan is the:
Explanation
Anganwadi workers are the primary frontline personnel responsible for delivering nutritional and basic health services at the village level. They manage the Anganwadi centres where they provide supplementary nutrition, conduct growth monitoring, and offer preschool education to children. These workers also provide essential health and nutrition counseling to pregnant women and lactating mothers, making them a cornerstone of the Poshan Abhiyan and Integrated Child Development Services.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 131 | (d) Absorbing water and electrolytes from waste matter |
| 132 | (b) Mast cells |
| 133 | (a) I, II and IV only |
| 134 | (d) Poliomyelitis |
| 135 | (a) The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
| 136 | (b) Malaria |
| 137 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 138 | (a) Carcinogens |
| 139 | (d) Hospital societies improving patient care quality |
| 140 | (c) Anganwadi Worker (AWW) |
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.