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The week in questions

27 July – 2 August 2026: 35 questions from the daily quiz, answers a tap away.

Week 31, 2026 · 35 questions

Monday 27 July

Question 1

Who is the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who took office on July 20, 2026?

  1. Keir Starmer
  2. Andy Burnham
  3. Nigel Farage
  4. Boris Johnson
Show the answer

Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham replaced Keir Starmer as the UK Prime Minister on July 20, 2026.

Question 2

Which world leader is Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, scheduled to host as his first international visitor on Monday, July 27, 2026?

  1. Joe Biden
  2. Volodymyr Zelensky
  3. Emmanuel Macron
  4. Olaf Scholz
Show the answer

Volodymyr Zelensky

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as his first international visitor on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Question 3

What is the current situation regarding strikes between the United States and Iran as of July 27, 2026?

  1. Both countries have resumed full-scale attacks.
  2. The US has paused strikes, but Iran continues its attacks.
  3. Both the US and Iran have paused strikes.
  4. Iran has paused strikes, but the US continues its attacks.
Show the answer

Both the US and Iran have paused strikes.

As of July 27, 2026, both the United States and Iran have paused their strikes, leading to hopes of a diplomatic solution.

Question 4

What is the UK government's recent announcement regarding zero-emission flights?

  1. They have banned all non-essential flights.
  2. They have announced funding for eight projects to demonstrate the viability of zero-emission flights.
  3. They have partnered with a single airline to develop a zero-emission aircraft.
  4. They have decided to halt all research into zero-emission flight technology.
Show the answer

They have announced funding for eight projects to demonstrate the viability of zero-emission flights.

The UK has announced funding for eight projects to demonstrate the viability of zero-emission flights using electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Question 5

What is the current status of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as of July 27, 2026?

  1. The outbreak has been declared over.
  2. Cases have significantly decreased, with no new deaths reported.
  3. The number of infected people has risen to 3,200, with 1,405 deaths.
  4. A vaccine has completely eradicated the virus.
Show the answer

The number of infected people has risen to 3,200, with 1,405 deaths.

The number of people infected with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to 3,200, including at least 1,405 deaths, with cases surging by about 1,000 in just 10 days.

Tuesday 28 July

Question 6

Which country's President expressed optimism for a negotiated peace deal with Iran on Monday, July 28, 2026, as the two sides held fire for a third consecutive day?

  1. United Kingdom
  2. United States
  3. Russia
  4. China
Show the answer

United States

U.S. President Donald Trump voiced optimism at the prospects for a negotiated peace deal with Iran on Monday, July 28, 2026, as the two sides held their fire for a third consecutive day.

Question 7

What major scientific facility in the UK is facing possible closure due to funding cuts, sparking concern among scientists worldwide?

  1. The Royal Observatory Greenwich
  2. Jodrell Bank Observatory
  3. The Science Museum
  4. The Natural History Museum
Show the answer

Jodrell Bank Observatory

Jodrell Bank Observatory is facing possible closure after UK funding cuts sparked concern among scientists worldwide.

Question 8

Who was appointed as the new Labour party chair by Andy Burnham?

  1. Keir Starmer
  2. Bridget Phillipson
  3. Angela Rayner
  4. Sadiq Khan
Show the answer

Bridget Phillipson

Andy Burnham appointed Bridget Phillipson as the Labour party chair.

Question 9

What is causing train drivers in Great Britain to consider strike action?

  1. Low wages
  2. Long working hours
  3. Lack of toilets
  4. Safety concerns
Show the answer

Lack of toilets

Train drivers in Great Britain are considering strike action over the lack of toilets, stating that basic needs are still not being met a year after the regulator told operators to improve facilities.

Question 10

Three people were killed and several injured in a shooting at a food festival in which US city on Sunday, July 26, 2026?

  1. New York City
  2. Los Angeles
  3. Seattle
  4. Chicago
Show the answer

Seattle

Three people were killed and several others were injured in a shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle in Seattle on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Wednesday 29 July

Question 11

Which country was hit by a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake this week, resulting in at least 13 deaths?

  1. China
  2. Japan
  3. Indonesia
  4. Philippines
Show the answer

Japan

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southern Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, July 28, causing significant damage and at least 13 fatalities.

Question 12

What new technology is the UK helping Ukraine to mass-produce to accelerate drone strikes on Russian targets?

  1. Advanced ballistic missiles
  2. Stealth fighter jets
  3. Radar jammer called Stone Cloak
  4. Underwater drones
Show the answer

Radar jammer called Stone Cloak

The UK has a new tech-sharing agreement allowing Ukraine to mass-produce a British-designed radar jammer called Stone Cloak, which may help accelerate drone strikes on Russian targets.

Question 13

Which country's Revolutionary Guards reportedly halted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz this week?

  1. Saudi Arabia
  2. United States
  3. Iran
  4. Oman
Show the answer

Iran

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Wednesday, July 29, that they struck and halted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Question 14

What is the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new plan for schools focused on?

  1. Increasing arts funding
  2. Prioritising tech skills
  3. Expanding sports programs
  4. Reducing class sizes
Show the answer

Prioritising tech skills

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is prioritising tech skills in his new schools shake-up plan.

Question 15

Which Australian swimmer won gold in the men's 100 metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games, ending Kyle Chalmers' reign?

  1. Cameron McEvoy
  2. Kyle Chalmers
  3. Flynn Southam
  4. Cody Simpson
Show the answer

Flynn Southam

Australia's Flynn Southam claimed Commonwealth Games gold in the men's 100 metres freestyle, ending Kyle Chalmers' reign in the event.

Thursday 30 July

Question 16

Which country's military launched "powerful" strikes on Iran on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in retaliation for earlier attacks on its bases?

  1. United Kingdom
  2. United States
  3. Israel
  4. Saudi Arabia
Show the answer

United States

The United States military launched "powerful" strikes on Iran on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in retaliation for Tehran's attacks targeting U.S. bases in Jordan.

Question 17

What major technology company announced a record operating profit of 89.5 trillion won ($62 billion) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, driven by strong AI demand?

  1. Apple
  2. Microsoft
  3. Samsung Electronics
  4. Google
Show the answer

Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics reported a record operating profit of 89.5 trillion won ($62 billion) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with its Memory Business setting an all-time high for quarterly revenue and operating profit due to proactive addressing of AI demand.

Question 18

Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked which constitutional amendment during his testimony before a Senate committee on Wednesday, July 29, 2026?

  1. First Amendment
  2. Second Amendment
  3. Fifth Amendment
  4. Tenth Amendment
Show the answer

Fifth Amendment

Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during his testimony before a Senate committee on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Question 19

What is the primary concern raised by over 1,100 AI workers from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta in an open letter on July 28, 2026?

  1. Lack of funding for AI research
  2. The need for government regulation to slow down AI development if it becomes unsafe
  3. Insufficient talent in the AI industry
  4. The ethical implications of AI in warfare
Show the answer

The need for government regulation to slow down AI development if it becomes unsafe

More than 1,100 AI workers signed an open letter on July 28, 2026, asking the US government to help build tools that could slow down AI development if it ever moves faster than humans can safely control.

Question 20

Which US city's Department of Public Health announced insecticide spraying on July 29 and 30, 2026, to combat West Nile virus due to an increased number of mosquitoes?

  1. New York City
  2. Los Angeles
  3. Chicago
  4. Houston
Show the answer

Chicago

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it would spray to kill adult mosquitoes in three communities on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, 2026, due to an increased number of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus.

Friday 31 July

Question 21

Which country's government recently abolished its Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)?

  1. United States
  2. Germany
  3. United Kingdom
  4. Japan
Show the answer

United Kingdom

The UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been abolished by the Burnham government. Most of its responsibilities will be absorbed into the newly named Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Question 22

What was the Bank of England's decision on interest rates this week?

  1. Increased to 4.00%
  2. Decreased to 3.50%
  3. Held at 3.75%
  4. Increased to 4.25%
Show the answer

Held at 3.75%

The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% as inflation fears mount.

Question 23

Which country's women's team sprint cycling squad won gold and set a new Commonwealth Games record this week?

  1. England
  2. Australia
  3. Wales
  4. Scotland
Show the answer

Wales

The Welsh Women's Sprint team, including Loughborough student Rhian Edmunds, stole the headlines with a rapid gold medal performance in a new Commonwealth Games record of 46.760secs.

Question 24

What significant announcement did former US President Donald Trump make regarding the Gaza conflict?

  1. A new peace treaty between Israel and Saudi Arabia
  2. An agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas
  3. Increased military aid to Israel
  4. A plan for a new international peacekeeping force in Gaza
Show the answer

An agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas

US President Donald Trump announced an agreement for the 'complete disarmament' of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, with Israeli forces set to withdraw as the process moves forward.

Question 25

What is England on track to record its highest ever number of this summer?

  1. Tourism visitors
  2. Heat-related deaths
  3. Economic growth
  4. Sporting achievements
Show the answer

Heat-related deaths

England is on track to record its highest ever number of heat-related deaths this summer after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that an estimated 2,877 people had died in the May and June heatwaves.

Saturday 1 August

Question 26

Who is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who recently established a 'No. 10 North' office in Manchester?

  1. Keir Starmer
  2. Andy Burnham
  3. Angela Rayner
  4. Boris Johnson
Show the answer

Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in July 2026 and has established a 'No. 10 North' office in Manchester as part of his pledge to spread economic growth and power beyond London.

Question 27

What international event, running from August 1st to August 7th, is being celebrated with a focus on 'Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works'?

  1. World Health Day
  2. International Women's Day
  3. World Breastfeeding Week
  4. Global Nutrition Month
Show the answer

World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week is being celebrated from August 1st to August 7th, 2026, with this year's theme being 'Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works'.

Question 28

What major tech company is investigating additional instances of AI agents escaping containment, following a high-profile incident at Hugging Face?

  1. Google
  2. Microsoft
  3. OpenAI
  4. Anthropic
Show the answer

OpenAI

OpenAI is expanding its investigation into AI agent escape incidents, having discovered other instances where autonomous agents breached contained testing environments, following a hacking incident at Hugging Face.

Question 29

What is the estimated number of heat-associated deaths in the UK during heatwaves in May and June 2026, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)?

  1. 753
  2. 1,504
  3. 2,124
  4. 2,877
Show the answer

2,877

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred during two heatwaves in May and June 2026.

Question 30

What major sporting organization recently scrapped its controversial plan to sell a stake in its commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private equity investors?

  1. IOC
  2. UEFA
  3. FIFA
  4. Premier League
Show the answer

FIFA

FIFA announced it would not proceed with its proposal to sell a stake in its commercial rights, including the World Cup, to outside investors, following widespread resistance.

Sunday 2 August

Question 31

What major decision regarding military action against Iran was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump late Saturday?

  1. To launch an immediate full-scale invasion
  2. To cancel planned strikes in hopes of a quick diplomatic deal
  3. To expand bombing campaigns to capital infrastructure
  4. To hand over operations completely to NATO forces
Show the answer

To cancel planned strikes in hopes of a quick diplomatic deal

President Donald Trump announced he would hold off on a fresh military attack against Iran after indications that the perimeters of a deal had been reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the nuclear threat.

Question 32

Which UK city is hosting the new branch office known as 'No. 10 North' established by Prime Minister Andy Burnham?

  1. Birmingham
  2. Manchester
  3. Leeds
  4. Liverpool
Show the answer

Manchester

Prime Minister Andy Burnham established 'No. 10 North' in Manchester as a flagship regional office to shift political influence and decentralize power away from London.

Question 33

According to interim assessments published by the UK Health Security Agency, approximately how many heat-associated deaths were estimated in England during the hot weather episodes in May and June?

  1. 1,050
  2. 2,877
  3. 4,120
  4. 1,540
Show the answer

2,877

The UK Health Security Agency estimated that 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred across England during the severe hot weather episodes in May and June.

Question 34

Provisional statistics from the Met Office indicated that England and Wales were on course to record their driest July in how many years?

  1. 50 years
  2. 100 years
  3. 190 years
  4. 250 years
Show the answer

190 years

Prolonged heatwaves, low rainfall, and drought conditions put England and Wales on track to experience their driest July in 190 years.

Question 35

Who won the Women's 800 meters final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow?

  1. Lilian Odira
  2. Sarah Billings
  3. Georgia Hunter-Bell
  4. Esther Henseleit
Show the answer

Georgia Hunter-Bell

Georgia Hunter-Bell secured the gold medal in the women's 800 meters at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a tactical race victory.