Q61. In anthropometric measurements for children, ‘Stunting’ is defined as:
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 61–70 of 151 questions
Q62. Water is a common adulterant in milk. Its presence changes the specific gravity of milk, which can be easily detected using a:
Explanation
A lactometer is a specialized hydrometer used to measure the specific gravity of milk, which helps in determining its purity. Since water has a lower density than milk, adding water will decrease the overall specific gravity of the mixture. By measuring this property, the lactometer can quickly indicate whether milk has been diluted with water, making it a simple tool for quality control.
Q63. Read the following statements and select the correct option:
Assertion (A): Food irradiation is a preservation method that makes the food radioactive and unsafe for human consumption.
Reason (R): Irradiation involves exposing food to ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria and pests.
Assertion (A): Food irradiation is a preservation method that makes the food radioactive and unsafe for human consumption.
Reason (R): Irradiation involves exposing food to ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria and pests.
Explanation
Food irradiation involves exposing food to controlled amounts of ionizing radiation to kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and insects. While this process effectively improves food safety and extends shelf life, it does not make the food radioactive or unsafe for human consumption. This scientifically proven method is used worldwide and does not leave any residual radiation in the food after the treatment is completed.
Q64. The internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, and guidelines relating to food, food production, and food safety are maintained by the:
Explanation
The Codex Alimentarius Commission is an international intergovernmental body established by the FAO and WHO. It develops harmonized international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. These standards serve as a global reference point for national food safety regulations and provide a basis for international trade agreements.
Q65. The enzyme trypsin, which aids in the digestion of proteins, is secreted by the:
Explanation
Trypsin is a vital proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides in the small intestine. It is produced by the pancreas in an inactive form called trypsinogen, which is then activated by another enzyme in the duodenum. This pancreatic secretion is essential for the complete digestion of dietary proteins, allowing the resulting amino acids to be absorbed into the body.
Q66. Immunity acquired by an infant through antibodies passed from the mother via the placenta or breast milk is an example of:
Explanation
Passive immunity occurs when an individual receives antibodies produced by another person or animal rather than producing them themselves. When a mother passes antibodies to her baby through the placenta or breast milk, it is a natural process that provides the infant with immediate protection against specific diseases. This form of immunity is temporary, lasting only until the maternal antibodies are naturally degraded.
Q67. Consider the following statements regarding the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in India:
I. BCG vaccine is administered to prevent severe forms of childhood tuberculosis.
II. Rotavirus vaccine is given orally to prevent severe diarrhea.
III. The Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth.
IV. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) prevents polio.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. BCG vaccine is administered to prevent severe forms of childhood tuberculosis.
II. Rotavirus vaccine is given orally to prevent severe diarrhea.
III. The Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth.
IV. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) prevents polio.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, the BCG vaccine prevents childhood tuberculosis, and the rotavirus vaccine protects against severe diarrhea.
Q68. Ringworm is a common communicable disease caused by:
Explanation
Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a common skin infection characterized by a circular, red, and itchy rash. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm but by various types of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive on the dead tissues of the skin, hair, and nails. It is a communicable disease that spreads through direct contact or contaminated objects.
Q69. The BCG vaccine, given at birth, stands for:
Explanation
The BCG vaccine is named after Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin, who developed it from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis. It is primarily administered to infants shortly after birth to protect them against severe forms of tuberculosis, such as TB meningitis and disseminated TB. It remains a critical tool in public health programs in countries where tuberculosis is a significant burden.
Q70. Which drug, historically extracted from the bark of the Cinchona tree, is used in the treatment of malaria?
Explanation
Quinine is a natural alkaloid that was historically the primary treatment for malaria. It is extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, native to South America. Quinine works by interfering with the malaria parasite’s ability to process haemoglobin within red blood cells. While newer medications are now more common, quinine is still used today in certain cases of severe or drug-resistant malaria.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (d) Low height for age |
| 62 | (a) Lactometer |
| 63 | (d) A is false but R is true. |
| 64 | (a) Codex Alimentarius Commission |
| 65 | (d) Pancreas |
| 66 | (b) Naturally acquired passive immunity |
| 67 | (b) IV only |
| 68 | (d) A fungus |
| 69 | (a) Bacillus Calmette-Guérin |
| 70 | (b) Quinine |
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.