Question 1: Which car company manufactured the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle?
Question 2: What is the main compound in aspirin that helps relieve pain and reduce fever?
Acetylsalicylic acid is the active ingredient in aspirin. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. Aspirin was first synthesized in 1897 by Felix Hoffmann, a chemist at Bayer.
Question 3: Who was the first person to step foot on the Moon?
Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969, as part of the Apollo 11 mission. His famous words upon stepping on the lunar surface were: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
Question 4: What feature do squids have that is quite unique among animals?
Squids have three hearts; two branchial hearts pump blood to the gills, where oxygen is taken up, and a systemic heart circulates the oxygen-rich blood to the body. This adaptation supports their active and fast-moving lifestyle.
Question 5: What is the traditional Japanese garment called that is essentially a long robe secured with a sash?
The kimono, which literally means "thing to wear" in Japanese, is a traditional full-length robe worn by men, women and children. It is typically worn with an obi, a wide sash that is tied at the back to secure the garment. Kimonos are known for their intricate patterns and designs, often reflecting the seasons or special occasions.
Question 6: What is the religious significance of the Ganges River in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, the Ganges River, known as Ganga, is considered sacred and is personified as a goddess. Hindus believe that bathing in the river causes the remission of sins and facilitates Moksha, liberation from the cycle of life and death. The city of Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is a particularly holy site.
Question 7: Which native-Australian animal is known for its distinctive laughing call?
The kookaburra is a native Australian bird, known for its laughter-like call, which is often used in wildlife soundtracks to represent the sounds of the Australian bush. The bird belongs to the kingfisher family but feeds mainly on insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
Question 8: Where was former President Barack Obama born?
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the first U.S. President to be born outside of the contiguous 48 states.
Question 9: How many awards did the 1969 film "Midnight Cowboy" win at the 42nd Annual Academy Awards?
"Midnight Cowboy" won three Academy Awards in 1970: Best Picture, Best Director (John Schlesinger), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Waldo Salt). Notably, it is the only X-rated film in history to win the Best Picture award, although its rating was later changed to an R rating.
Question 10: Which city is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It was constructed in 1889 and has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
The Toyota Prius, launched in Japan in 1997, was the world's first mass-produced hybrid car. It was released worldwide in 2000. As of 2020, the Prius is sold in over 90 countries and regions.