Here are the answers to our January quiz on key news topics, plus some additional background information
1. What was the top Google search in 2021?
Answer: d
Additional notes: Covid-19 was followed closely by the federal election.
2. What is a diplomatic boycott of the Olympics?
Answer: b
Additional notes: Canada has chosen to employ a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing games due to China’s poor human rights record.
3. What was the most stolen vehicle in Canada in 2021?
Answer: a
Additional notes: Statistics are compiled from insurance records.
4. What country will allow same-sex couples to marry as of April 2022?
Answer: b
Additional notes: Japan’s legislation surprised some who regarded the country as ultra-traditional.
5. Who was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame?
Answer: d
Additional notes: In total, 15 people were inducted in 2021. Banting, Best, MacLeod and Collip were inducted as pillars of excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, Romeo Dallaire for his Humanitarianism and Salome Bey as a Legend.
6. What is the most powerful telescope ever made?
Answer: a
Additional notes: The James Webb space telescope the telescope was launched on Christmas Day and reached its space station on January 25, 2022. It is believed to be so powerful that it will change our understanding of space.
7. Who is Desmond Tutu?
Answer: d
Additional notes: Desmond Tutu is well known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work. He was an advocate of non-violent pressure for change. He died December 26, 2021 at the age of 90.
8. What is a tsunami?
Answer: a
Additional notes: Tsunami is a Japanese word for a series of long waves caused by the displacement of water in the ocean or a large lake, usually triggered by an underwater earthquake. On January 15, 2022 there was a Tsunami warning for the BC coast after a volcano erupted near Tonga. The Tsunami never reached BC but caused devastation to the Tongan Islands.
9. In what country did the number of childbirths drop by 12%?
Answer: b
Additional notes: The pandemic was thought to be at least partly responsible as China’s birth rate dropped significantly.
10. Who is Zara Rutherford?
Answer: b
Additional notes: Zara Rutherford flew 28,000 nautical miles across five continents to become the youngest woman ever to finish a solo global flight.
Click here to view the questions.