Weekly Quiz

True or false, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that COVID-19 is still a “major global health emergency”?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

WHO recently declared that COVID-19 no longer represents a "global health emergency”. Officials said the virus' global death rate had dropped from a peak of more than 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 on 24 April 2023.

During the coronation, King Charles III sat on a 700 year-old chair with a rock underneath it. What is the rock known as?

• The Stone of Destiny  

• The Stone of Reason 

• The Stone of Power

Answer explanation

The Stone of Scone (or stone of destiny), which is enclosed underneath the chair, is a 152kg lump of sandstone. For years the stone has been a symbol of monarchy, being used in both Scottish and English coronations, and is where rulers of past and present have been crowned upon. The coronation chair itself was commissioned by King Edward and built in 1300.

In which building was this event held?

• Buckingham Palace  

• Windsor Castle  

• Westminster Abbey

Answer explanation

The symbolic ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey, with the King becoming the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned there since 1066. The coronation service and processions to and from Buckingham Palace have been among the largest-scale ceremonial events held in Britain for nearly 70 years.

What happened last week that is likely to impact the US film and television industry?

• Television and film writers went on strike

• New safety protocols introduced on film sets will limit the type of stunts that can be performed

• New laws have been introduced in the US enforcing pay parity among actors

Answer explanation

Television and film writers went on strike - Last time the writers went on strike was 2007. That strike lasted 100 days and cost the Los Angeles economy about US$2.1 billion ($3.37b). A lot of shows were pulled off the air, film productions were slowed down and the quality of the output suffered enormously.

Which country is banning the recreational use of vapes?

• Japan

• United States 

• Australia

Answer explanation

Imports of non-prescription vapes will be blocked, and flavoured, scented or high nicotine cartridges will be restricted. Under new rules, vapes will only be sold in pharmacies and in "pharmaceutical-like" packaging.

What is the name given to this English folk dance?

• Morris dancing

• Cornish dancing

• Gilbert dancing

Answer explanation

Morris dancers performed their traditional May Day routines last week. Morris dancing involves performers - often wearing hats and bells on their legs - wielding handkerchiefs, sticks or swords, to the accompaniment of folk music. The Morris dancing tradition dates back at least to the 1400s

Ed Sheeran was vindicated when he was found not guilty in the copyright case against. Which song was at the centre of the case?

• Thinking out loud 

• Shape of you 

• Photograph

Answer explanation

Thinking out loud - Ed Sheeran did not copy Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On when composing Thinking Out Loud, a US court has ruled. The descendants of Marvin Gaye's co-writer argued that Sheeran, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Publishing owed them money for copyright infringement. Sheeran had said he would give up his music career if found guilty at the the trial in New York. Thankfully, that doesn't need to happen

What have police in Scotland been ordered to do?

• learn to ride a horse 

• leave mobile phones at home 

• shave off their beards

Answer explanation

Police Scotland said it was necessary so front-line officers and staff could wear protective FFP3 masks which require users to be clean-shaven. It means hundreds of officers will have to shave off their beards and moustaches by the end of the month. Four are understood to be taking legal action in relation to the policy.

In which UK theatre is the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest being held this week?

• AO Arena, Manchester 

• Utilita Arena, Newcastle 

• M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

Answer explanation

The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on Saturday 13 May with Semi-Finals on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May. The UK is holding the event on behalf of Ukraine, who won the contest last year.

What has Coca-Cola changed about their iconic Sprite bottles?

• The bottles are now only available in glass

• They are changing the plastic from green to clear

• They will no longer be producing 1.5 litre plastic bottles

Answer explanation

The company has said that they are ditching the green plastic in an attempt to improve sustainability. Clear plastic is easier to turn into products that can continue to be recycled. While green PET [polyethylene terephthalate] plastic is recyclable, it’s usually converted into single-use items like clothing and carpet that cannot be recycled again.