1.
What African country experienced a 2012 rebellion by Tuareg fighters?
Correct Answer
A. Mali
Explanation
In 2012, Mali experienced a rebellion by Tuareg fighters. The Tuareg people, an ethnic group in Mali, have long sought greater autonomy and independence. This rebellion was a result of their grievances regarding political and economic marginalization. The conflict escalated quickly, with the Tuareg fighters seizing control of several key cities in northern Mali. The rebellion led to a political crisis in Mali, with the government being overthrown and Islamist groups taking advantage of the instability. The situation in Mali remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to address the underlying issues and establish peace and stability.
2.
What popular internationally franchised TV quiz show ended in the UK in March 2012?
Correct Answer
C. The Weakest Link
Explanation
"The Weakest Link" was a popular internationally franchised TV quiz show that ended in the UK in March 2012.
3.
What author became persona non grata in Israel in April of 2012?
Correct Answer
C. Gunter Grass
Explanation
Gunter Grass became persona non grata in Israel in April of 2012. This means that he was deemed unwelcome or unacceptable in the country. The reason for this was Grass's controversial poem titled "What Must Be Said," in which he criticized Israel's nuclear program and expressed concern about the threat it posed to world peace. The poem was seen as anti-Semitic and sparked widespread outrage in Israel, leading to Grass being declared persona non grata.
4.
What website disclosed five million emails from private intelligence company Stratfor?
Correct Answer
C. WikiLeaks
Explanation
WikiLeaks is the correct answer because it is a well-known website that is known for leaking confidential and classified information. In this case, WikiLeaks disclosed five million emails from the private intelligence company Stratfor, which caused a significant controversy and raised concerns about privacy and security. The organization has a history of releasing sensitive information from various sources, making it a likely candidate for this type of disclosure.
5.
Who officially declared the Games open at the London 2012 Olympics?
Correct Answer
A. Queen Elizabeth II
Explanation
Queen Elizabeth II officially declared the Games open at the London 2012 Olympics. As the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and the head of the Commonwealth, it is a customary role for the Queen to declare the Games open. This ceremonial duty signifies the start of the Olympic Games and highlights the importance of the event on a global scale. Queen Elizabeth II's involvement in the opening ceremony adds prestige and tradition to the occasion.
6.
What company bought Lucasfilm Ltd and its rights for Star Wars and Indiana Jones?
Correct Answer
C. Walt Disney
Explanation
Walt Disney bought Lucasfilm Ltd and its rights for Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This acquisition took place in 2012, when Disney purchased Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion. This allowed Disney to gain control over the iconic Star Wars franchise, as well as the Indiana Jones series. As a result, Disney has since released new Star Wars films, TV shows, and merchandise, further expanding the franchise's reach and popularity.
7.
What company was denied a patent for mobile pinch-to-zoom feature by the US patent agency?
Correct Answer
D. Apple
Explanation
Apple was denied a patent for the mobile pinch-to-zoom feature by the US patent agency. This suggests that Apple had applied for a patent for this feature, but it was rejected by the agency. This could be due to various reasons, such as prior art or the feature being considered too obvious or non-innovative.
8.
In what Florida city was Trayvon Martin shot down by a neighborhood watch volunteer?
Correct Answer
C. Sanford
Explanation
Trayvon Martin was shot down by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford, Florida.
9.
What publication after 244 years of print stopped its printed edition in 2012?
Correct Answer
A. Encyclopedia Britannica
Explanation
Encyclopedia Britannica, a renowned publication, ceased its print edition in 2012 after 244 years of being in print. This suggests that in the face of advancing digital technology and the availability of online resources, the company made the decision to discontinue its traditional printed format. This move reflects the changing preferences of readers and the shift towards accessing information digitally rather than through physical copies of books or magazines.
10.
What news host said about Obama and gay marriage, "the president of the United States, now in the 21st century"?
Correct Answer
C. Shep Smith
Explanation
Shep Smith is the news host who made the statement about Obama and gay marriage, referring to him as "the president of the United States, now in the 21st century."
11.
Which of these artists was inducted by John Mellencamp into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012?
Correct Answer
B. Donovan
Explanation
Donovan was inducted by John Mellencamp into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
12.
What online payment company did Google purchase in April 2012?
Correct Answer
B. TxVia
Explanation
In April 2012, Google purchased TxVia, an online payment company. This acquisition allowed Google to strengthen its presence in the digital payment industry and expand its capabilities in processing online transactions. TxVia's technology and expertise likely aligned with Google's strategic goals, making it an attractive acquisition target.
13.
How many games was Metta World Peace suspended for his elbow to Harden's head?
Correct Answer
A. 7 Games
Explanation
Metta World Peace was suspended for 7 games for his elbow to Harden's head. This indicates that the incident was deemed severe enough to warrant a significant punishment, lasting for a considerable number of games.
14.
How old did Mark Zuckerberg turn the year of Facebook's huge IPO?
Correct Answer
D. 28 Years Old
Explanation
Mark Zuckerberg turned 28 years old during the year of Facebook's huge IPO. This suggests that he was in his late twenties when the IPO took place.
15.
Where did a Russian passenger jet, Sukhoi Superjet 100, crash in May 2012?
Correct Answer
D. Indonesia
Explanation
In May 2012, a Russian passenger jet, Sukhoi Superjet 100, crashed in Indonesia.