General Knowledge (17)

HIV tests detect antibodies or antigens produced by the body in response to HIV infection. A positive test result indicates HIV infection, which if left untreated can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The test identifies the virus, not the advanced disease stage.

Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic with exceptionally high impact strength and toughness, making it ideal for bullet-resistant applications. It is widely used in bulletproof glass, riot shields, and ballistic visors where transparency and protection are both required.

The stapes is one of the three ossicles (tiny bones) in the middle ear and measures approximately 2-3mm in length. It is the smallest and lightest bone in the entire human body, transmitting sound vibrations from the incus to the inner ear.

Chlorophyll is the primary photosynthetic pigment in plants, giving leaves their characteristic green color. It absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light for photosynthesis while reflecting green light, which is what our eyes perceive.

Physics is the branch of science that systematically studies matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the natural universe. It formulates natural laws through mathematical descriptions of phenomena ranging from subatomic particles to galaxies.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions. Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the primary and earliest symptom of Vitamin A deficiency. Malaria is caused by a parasite, Scurvy by Vitamin C deficiency, and Cholera by bacterial infection.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a premier research institution located in Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka. It was established in 1909 with support from Jamsetji Tata and the Maharaja of Mysore. IIT Kharagpur is in West Bengal, while Chennai and New Delhi host other institutions but not IISc.