This article presents a quiz with questions about history, culture, geography, and famous people around the world. It includes questions on topics like the most populous city, Oscar-winning actresses, famous photographs, and important landmarks.
Key Facts
Jakarta, Indonesia, is the world’s most populous city according to the UN.
Julie Andrews and Julie Christie won Best Actress Oscars in consecutive years (1965 and 1966).
The golden apple was thrown by the goddess Eris at a wedding, causing a mythological dispute.
Richard Nixon appeared 55 times on the cover of Time magazine.
Blackpool Tower became Britain’s tallest structure in 1894.
Mojang Studios in Sweden created the popular video game Minecraft.
Greta Thunberg started the Fridays for Future school strikes focusing on climate change.
Millvina Dean, who died in 2009, was the last survivor of the Titanic sinking.
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More than 300,000 people have left their homes and holiday places in Spain and France due to large wildfires. The fires have caused one death, destroyed houses, and forced many to stay in emergency shelters while the fires continue to burn.
Key Facts
Wildfires are spreading through parts of Spain and France, forcing mass evacuations.
Over 300,000 people have fled their homes and holiday accommodations.
One person died in eastern Spain because of the fires.
Emergency shelters in France and Spain are hosting thousands of evacuated people.
Firefighters reported a rare "pyro cumulonimbus" cloud, meaning the fire created its own wind and made the situation harder to control.
New evacuations have been ordered near Bordeaux in France and near Toledo, southwest of Madrid in Spain.
The evacuation operation in France is one of the largest in peacetime history.
Families are staying in places like exhibition halls and gymnasiums after escaping the fires.
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The United States has paused air strikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of nightly attacks, reportedly due to concerns about running low on defensive weapons like Patriot interceptors. Fighting in the region, including attacks related to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, continues, while talks about potential negotiations remain uncertain.
Key Facts
The US stopped air strikes on Iran for a short time after almost two weeks of nightly attacks.
Media reports say the pause may be because the US is running low on defense weapons, such as Patriot interceptors.
No recent Iranian retaliatory attacks on countries hosting US military forces have been reported.
Fighting has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases and regional shipping.
President Donald Trump threatened stronger strikes but decided to pause and pursue talks.
Vice President JD Vance and General Dan Caine warned about risks from escalating the conflict.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked Saudi energy sites, while Saudi forces responded with strikes.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards blocked several ships from passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
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The documentary House of Hope follows Manar Wahhab and her husband, who started a Waldorf-inspired school in the occupied West Bank. The school focuses on teaching children peaceful resistance and helps them express their feelings while living under difficult conditions.
Key Facts
The film centers on Manar Wahhab, a Palestinian woman who founded the school with her husband, Milad Vosgueritchian.
The school is located in al-Eizariya in the occupied West Bank.
It uses the Waldorf education approach, which encourages non-violent resistance and emotional expression.
The filmmaker, Marjolein Busstra, spent three years filming and visited the West Bank nine times.
Wahhab and the crew shared a trusting relationship, allowing filming during vulnerable moments.
The school aims to protect children’s dignity and give them a sense of agency despite living under occupation.
The film was produced by Think-Film, known for other documentaries on Palestinian stories.
Wahhab wanted to show her true self to represent her community’s hope and voice.
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Typhoon Noul hit southern China, including Hong Kong, causing strong winds and heavy rain. Authorities evacuated more than 700,000 people in Guangdong province to keep them safe from the storm.
Key Facts
Typhoon Noul made landfall early Sunday morning in Huidong county, Guangdong province.
It brought winds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph) and heavy rainfall.
Over 715,000 people were evacuated in Guangdong province by Sunday.
More than 340,000 people had been evacuated on Saturday before the typhoon struck.
The typhoon caused around 350 flight cancellations at Hong Kong airport.
At least nine people were injured in Hong Kong during the storm.
A large scaffolding fell from a high-rise building in Hong Kong, but no injuries were reported.
Noul was the strongest typhoon to hit China so far in 2024, following previous storms Bavi and Maysak.
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German police issued a wanted notice for a 21-year-old suspect after a van crashed into people at Berlin’s Pride festival, killing one and injuring at least 16. Authorities said some victims were also stabbed, and the suspect may be armed and dangerous.
Key Facts
The attack happened during Berlin’s annual Christopher Street Day parade, an LGBTQ+ event.
One person died and at least 16 were injured in the incident.
Police identified the suspect as Abdul B., a 21-year-old with links to Islamic groups in Berlin.
The suspect reportedly left the vehicle after the attack.
Some people were stabbed in addition to being hit by the van.
Authorities warned the public not to approach the suspect as he may be dangerous.
Police have not confirmed the suspect’s motives or the exact details of the crime.
The event and related festivities were canceled after the attack.
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Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández returned to Honduras after being released from U.S. prison, where he was serving time for drug trafficking and received a pardon from President Donald Trump. Hernández now faces corruption charges in Honduras, but some worry the case might not lead to a fair trial due to the country's weak justice system and political influence.
Key Facts
Juan Orlando Hernández was president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022.
He was extradited to the U.S. for a drug trafficking trial and sentenced to 45 years in prison.
President Donald Trump pardoned Hernández, leading to his release in December.
Hernández faces corruption charges related to misuse of public funds during his earlier political career.
An arrest warrant for Hernández was suspended in June, but the case is still active.
Hernández plans to appear in court on August 3 for his arraignment.
Experts believe the corruption case in Honduras may be influenced by political factors, risking impunity.
Hernández has denied all charges and says the case against him lacks legal basis.
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At least 14 people have died as wildfires continue to burn in Spain. Two large fires have joined together, creating a massive blaze that is nearing another wildfire in nearby Castilla y León, forcing many people to leave their homes.
Key Facts
At least 14 people have died due to wildfires in Spain.
Two separate fires have merged into one large fire.
The combined fire is approaching another wildfire in Castilla y León.
Tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
The wildfires are causing widespread damage across affected areas of Spain.
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Andy Burnham, the new prime minister, has said there will be no early general election. He stated that most people voted for the current government's plan and he wants to focus on moving the country forward.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new prime minister.
He ruled out holding an early general election.
Burnham said the majority of voters supported the last election’s manifesto.
He promised to respect the manifesto with support from members of parliament.
Burnham wants to focus on getting the country back on track and working well.
The full interview will be shown on BBC One’s Panorama program on Monday at 8:00 pm BST.
The interview was conducted by BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would be willing to disagree with President Donald Trump if it is best for Britain's interests. He also expressed concern about Trump’s actions toward Iran and emphasized the importance of defense spending and national security.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new prime minister of Britain.
Burnham said he would call out President Trump if it is right for Britain’s national interest.
He described his first meeting with Trump as “really warm.”
Burnham did not clearly say if he trusts Trump.
He expressed concern about Trump starting conflict with Iran.
Burnham discussed the need to increase defense spending to 3% of the country’s GDP but did not set a date for it.
His Chancellor, John Healey, resigned from the previous government over defense spending issues.
Burnham ruled out an early general election before 2029, focusing instead on stabilizing the country.
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A UK government-backed study found that many journalists are changing what they report because they fear for their safety. They face threats and abuse, especially online, when covering topics like rightwing protests, the Trump administration, and trans issues. Female journalists experience more harassment, including gender-based attacks.
Key Facts
About one-third of UK journalists have altered their reporting due to safety concerns.
The study surveyed 531 journalists and included 55 detailed interviews.
Topics causing safety worries include rightwing anti-immigration protests, the Trump administration, and trans issues.
Female journalists face more sexual and gender-based harassment and threats.
Journalists report increased online abuse and intimidation, including being followed or publicly identified.
Newsrooms often treat these safety risks as normal in a politically divided environment.
The rise of online and video journalism makes journalists more visible and sometimes easier to target.
Similar problems with journalist safety and hostility toward the media have been seen in the United States.
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France’s parliament approved a law allowing the use of two pesticides banned in the country because they harm bees. Beekeepers and environmental groups strongly oppose the law, saying it risks bee populations and biodiversity. Farmers support the law, arguing it helps protect crops threatened by pests.
Key Facts
France passed a law permitting the use of pesticides acetamiprid and flupyradifurone under certain conditions.
These pesticides were banned in France but allowed in the EU due to their harmful effects on bees.
Beekeepers warn the pesticides cause high bee deaths and reduce honey harvests.
The law aims to fight aphid diseases that damage crops like sugar beet, apples, hazelnuts, and cherries.
France’s environment minister resigned in protest but later stayed after discussions with President Macron.
The largest French farmers’ union supported the law, calling it a victory for farmers.
Honey production in France has fallen by half since the mid-1990s, partly due to neonicotinoid pesticides.
Environmental groups say the law ignores scientific evidence and harms the environment.
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Houthi forces in Yemen, supported by Iran, have attacked Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities on the Red Sea, escalating the ongoing regional conflict involving the US, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. This attack follows a breakdown of a truce and comes amid wider tensions impacting global energy supplies and regional stability.
Key Facts
Houthis fired missiles and drones at two major Saudi oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
The conflict is linked to a broader war involving the US and Israel against Iran.
Iran has been targeted by US air strikes after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.
A truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis collapsed recently after attacks on Sanaa airport and missile launches.
Saudi Arabia’s Patriot missile defense system intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu’s oil installations.
The blockade risks by Houthis on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could severely disrupt global shipping and energy trade.
The conflict is contributing to rising energy prices and threatens food security in vulnerable countries.
The broader war also connects with Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, with attacks causing casualties and diplomatic tensions.
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The US military shared videos showing their forces boarding one ship and disabling another tanker. These actions were taken because the tankers tried to break the US naval blockade around Iran.
Key Facts
The US military released videos of their operations on tankers near Iran.
Forces boarded one tanker as part of the operation.
Another tanker was disabled by the US military.
These tankers were accused of trying to break the naval blockade of Iran.
CENTCOM (US Central Command) said 12 commercial ships were redirected.
Two tankers were disabled for not following orders.
The blockade aims to control shipping near Iran.
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Thousands of people in Tunisia protested in the capital, Tunis, demanding that President Kais Saied resign. The protests mark five years since Saied declared a state of emergency, suspended parliament, and took control by ruling through decrees.
Key Facts
President Kais Saied declared a national emergency in Tunisia five years ago and later dissolved parliament.
Since then, he has ruled by decree, limiting political freedoms and controlling the government.
Thousands marched in Tunis to call for Saied’s resignation and to protest poor living conditions and political repression.
The protests included demands for the release of political prisoners jailed since Saied took emergency powers.
Opposition parties and independent groups united in protest against Saied’s rule, saying it reversed Tunisia’s democratic progress.
Saied’s government has dismissed judges, cracked down on media, and arrested opposition leaders.
One notable prisoner is Rached Ghannouchi, a leading political figure sentenced on terrorism charges who is in poor health.
President Saied says his actions fight corruption and maintain order, denying that freedoms have been restricted.
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Iran criticized Ukraine for attacking one of its commercial ships and called Ukraine’s top diplomat to protest. Iran said one sailor died and asked the United Nations Security Council to take action, warning the attack might make the ongoing war worse.
Key Facts
Iran says Ukraine attacked one of its commercial ships.
One Iranian sailor was killed in the attack.
Iran summoned Kyiv’s top diplomat to express its protest.
Iran asked the UN Security Council to respond to the incident.
Iranian officials warn the attack could escalate the war.
The incident was reported from Tehran by Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi.
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Two men climbed over the glass wall at the top of Seattle’s Space Needle and parachuted down from the 605-foot structure. The Seattle Police Department is looking for them and says they face trespassing charges.
Key Facts
The two men entered the Space Needle by buying tickets at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday.
They were seen on security cameras at the top observation deck before going into a restroom.
After putting on helmets, they climbed over the glass wall and jumped off with parachutes.
The men have not been found or identified by the police.
They are described as white men in their late 20s.
The Space Needle stands 605 feet tall and has a glass observation deck open to the sky.
BASE jumping is an extreme sport where people jump from buildings, antennas, bridges, or cliffs and use parachutes.
The men are facing charges for trespassing.
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Hurricane Genevieve became a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico and is expected to grow stronger but stay far from land. Another storm, Hurricane Fausto, is a Category 2 hurricane moving toward the Hawaiian Islands but is expected to weaken soon.
Key Facts
Genevieve's winds reached 80 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane.
It is about 500 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 15 mph.
No warnings or watches are in place for the Mexican coast from Genevieve.
Swells from Genevieve may cause dangerous surf and rip currents on Mexico’s southwestern coast and southern Baja California Peninsula.
Hurricane Fausto has winds of 100 mph, classifying it as a Category 2 hurricane.
Fausto is located about 1,060 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 13 mph.
Fausto is expected to weaken to a tropical storm but could still create dangerous surf near Hawaii.
Residents in Hawaii are advised to watch Fausto’s progress.
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Large wildfires near Bordeaux in southwestern France have forced about 200,000 people to leave their homes. The fires have burned around 98,000 hectares and caused the closure of Bordeaux Airport. France has asked for international help to control the fires.
Key Facts
About 200,000 people were evacuated near Bordeaux due to wildfires.
The fires have destroyed roughly 98,000 hectares of land.
Bordeaux Airport has been closed because of the fires.
Firefighters are actively working to stop the spread of the flames.
France has requested help from other countries to fight the fires.
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A South African couple saw a rare gathering of nearly 300 humpback whales, called a "supergroup," off the coast of South Africa. This large group shows that humpback whale numbers are rebounding after international whaling bans since 1986, though new dangers, such as conflicts involving Iran, could threaten them.
Key Facts
Nearly 300 humpback whales formed a "supergroup" seen off South Africa in December 2026.
The whales were counted by photographing their tails, as each whale's tail pattern is unique.
This is possibly the largest group of humpback whales ever recorded.
Humpback whale numbers in the southern hemisphere have grown from fewer than 10,000 during heavy whaling to over 100,000 today.
The International Whaling Commission monitors whale populations and enforces the whaling ban that started in 1986.
Humpbacks usually travel alone or in small groups but form supergroups in areas with lots of food like small fish and krill.
Whale sightings are increasing in many parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
Experts warn that conflicts like the war involving Iran could bring new threats to whales in the region.
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