The United Nations recognizes six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Among these, both Chinese and Arabic are widely spoken in Asia and serve as official working languages for the organization's global operations and documentation.
132
In which city was the world's first 12-meter long 3D-printed steel pedestrian bridge installed over a canal?
In 2021, Amsterdam became the site of the world's first fully functional 3D-printed stainless steel bridge. The structure was designed by MX3D and installed over the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal. This project demonstrated the potential of robotic 3D printing technology in civil engineering and urban infrastructure, allowing for complex, organic designs that traditional manufacturing methods could not easily achieve.
133
Which Commonwealth member state transitioned into a republic in 2021, removing the British monarch as its head of state?
In November 2021, Barbados officially became a republic, ending its status as a constitutional monarchy under the British Crown. This historic transition saw the removal of Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state and the inauguration of the country's first president. This move was seen as a significant step in the nation's post-colonial development and the assertion of its full sovereignty.
134
On what date did the Taliban seize control of Kabul during their 2021 nationwide offensive?
On August 15, 2021, Taliban fighters entered the capital city of Kabul, effectively ending the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. This event marked the culmination of a rapid military campaign across the country following the withdrawal of international forces.
135
What is the literal meaning of the term 'Intifada'?
The term 'Intifada' is an Arabic word that translates to 'shaking off' or 'uprising'. It is most commonly used in a political context to describe a popular rebellion or resistance movement against occupation or oppressive authority, most notably associated with the Palestinian resistance movements against Israeli control.
136
What is the name of the trilateral security partnership established between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom?
AUKUS is a trilateral security pact announced in September 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The primary focus of this alliance is to enhance security and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, most notably through the provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. This strategic partnership represents a significant shift in regional defense dynamics and underscores the commitment of these nations to shared security interests.
137
As of November 2021, which two nations had successfully landed robotic missions on the surface of Mars?
By November 2021, the United States had a long history of successful Mars landings, including the Perseverance rover. China joined this exclusive group in May 2021 with the successful landing of its Zhurong rover as part of the Tianwen-1 mission. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the Chinese space program, demonstrating advanced capabilities in deep space exploration and planetary landing technologies.
138
On what date was the James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and CSA, fully deployed in space?
The James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021. Following its launch, it underwent a complex series of deployments to reach its final destination at the second Lagrange point (L2). The deployment process was successfully completed in early January 2022, confirming the launch month as December 2021.
139
What is the literal meaning of the term 'Intifada'?
The term 'Intifada' is derived from the Arabic root 'nafada', which literally means 'to shake off' or 'to rise up'. In a political and historical context, it is most commonly used to describe the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation, specifically the First Intifada that began in 1987 and the Second Intifada that began in 2000.
140
Which scholar is the author of the famous Quranic commentary known as 'Al-Kashshaf'?
Al-Kashshaf 'an Haqa'iq al-Tanzil, commonly referred to as 'Al-Kashshaf', is a highly influential tafsir (exegesis) of the Quran. It was written by the renowned scholar Abu al-Qasim al-Zamakhshari, often referred to as Allama Zamakhshari, who was celebrated for his deep linguistic analysis and mastery of Arabic rhetoric.
