Mercury is closest to the Sun and has the fastest average orbital speed (approx. 47.87 km/s).

Standardized admissions tests like the SAT are designed as predictive measures of first-year collegiate academic readiness.

The SAT is a standardized entrance test in the US, originally named Scholastic Aptitude Test and later Scholastic Assessment Test.

The Agni missile is a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India, with the first test firing taking place in 1989.

In 2005, China's rapid economic growth was accompanied by challenges related to its large population 1. Resource management, environmental sustainability, and social equity were areas of concern.

As of early 2007 (the year of this paper), Ban Ki-moon of South Korea was the UN Secretary-General. He assumed office on January 1, 2007, succeeding Kofi Annan [1, p5]. His first term ended in 2011, and he was re-elected for a second term.

As of 2009, Sudan (before the secession of South Sudan in 2011) was the largest country in Africa by land area [2, p26]. After South Sudan's independence, Algeria became the largest African country.

As of early 2011, when this paper was likely set, Pakistan had served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council six times. These terms were: 1952–1953, 1968–1969, 1976–1977, 1983–1984, 1993–1994, and 2003–20042. Pakistan was later elected for a seventh term (2012-2013).

China has been the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) for several years, including around 20112. The country's rapid industrialization and reliance on coal have contributed significantly to its emissions.

Richard Holbrooke was appointed as the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan in January 2009 and served in this capacity until his death in December 20102. For an exam in early 2011, he would be the most recent prominent figure in that role. Marc Grossman was appointed to the position in February 2011.