First News 832

A new train line has opened in London. What is it called?

• The Elizabeth line

• The Speedy line

• The Philip line

• The Queen line

A 6,000km flight between London and New York could be cut to just over 40 minutes with hypersonic travel.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Researchers say they've developed a hypersonic propulsion system that could mean future flight speeds of up to 13,000mph! Planes typically fly at around 460-575mph at the moment. 'Hypersonic' means speeds more than five times the speed of sound.

Which organisation have Sweden and Finland officially applied to join?

• The European Union

• The World Health Organization

• The United Nations

• NATO

Scientists have managed to change tomatoes to make them redder and juicier.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Scientists have changed a gene in tomatoes so that they contain more vitamin D3. This is good news, as a lack of vitamin D affects around one billion people globally and can increase the risk of diseases such as cancer and dementia.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will be appearing on which TV soap opera for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?

• Holby City

• EastEnders

• Coronation Street

• Casualty

A famous US circus group has increased the number of animals in their show to improve ticket sales.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey have removed animals from their show. They were known for including animals like elephants in their act, but a change in public values, as well as lawsuits from animal activists, made them less and less popular.

Which Dutch Formula 1 driver is back at the top of the F1 driver standings after winning the Spanish Grand Prix?

• Lewis Hamilton

• Fernando Alonso

• Max Verstappen

• Sebastian Vettel

Why have cats living in the town of Walldorf, Germany, been banned from going outside until the end of August?

• To stop the spread of a new disease between cats

• To help a protected bird species

• To protect them from local foxes

• Because there is an increase in traffic during summer months

A pair of identical twins in California have given birth to their babies at the same hospital on the exact same day.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Sisters Jill Justiniani and Erin Cheplak weren’t due on the same date but ended up welcoming their baby boys just hours apart. Now not only will both mums share a birthday, both sons will get to celebrate their birthdays together every year too!

Why has a mum from Texas been reminding people to lock their phones?

• Her two-year-old son ordered 31 McDonald’s cheeseburgers on her phone

• Her dog posted a status on her Facebook page with his nose

• She accidentally called the fire brigade while looking for her keys

• She accidentally deleted all her contacts