1.
Which soft drink was invented in 1886 in Atlanta?
Correct Answer
B. Coca-Cola
Explanation
Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 in Atlanta. It is a popular soft drink that was created by pharmacist John Pemberton. The drink's original formula included cocaine from coca leaves and caffeine from kola nuts, which gave it its stimulating and refreshing properties. Over the years, the formula has been modified, but Coca-Cola remains one of the most recognized and consumed beverages worldwide.
2.
Which of these U.S. coins is largest?
Correct Answer
A. Quarter
Explanation
The quarter is the largest U.S. coin. It is larger than the nickel, dime, and penny. The quarter has a diameter of 0.955 inches (24.26 mm) and a thickness of 0.069 inches (1.75 mm). It is made of a cupronickel alloy, which gives it a silver appearance. The other options, nickel, dime, and penny, are smaller in size and made of different materials.
3.
Which photography company filed for bankruptcy in January of 2012?
Correct Answer
A. Eastman Kodak
Explanation
Eastman Kodak filed for bankruptcy in January of 2012. This bankruptcy was primarily due to the company's failure to adapt to the digital photography revolution and the increasing popularity of smartphones with built-in cameras. Kodak, once a dominant player in the photography industry, struggled to compete with companies like Fujifilm and Polaroid that successfully transitioned to digital photography. This bankruptcy marked a significant decline for Eastman Kodak, which was once a household name in the photography world.
4.
Which bank was fined over $400 million in 2012 following the Libor scandal?
Correct Answer
C. Barclays
Explanation
Barclays was fined over $400 million in 2012 following the Libor scandal. The Libor scandal involved the manipulation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor), which is a benchmark interest rate used globally. Barclays was found guilty of submitting false Libor rates to benefit their trading positions. As a result, they faced significant fines and reputational damage.
5.
Who was #1 on Forbes' list of the world's billionaires in March of 2013?
Correct Answer
A. Carlos Slim Helu
Explanation
Carlos Slim Helu was ranked as the number one billionaire on Forbes' list in March 2013. This indicates that he had the highest net worth among all the billionaires in the world at that time.
6.
Which company filed a lawsuit against Oracle in 2011?
Correct Answer
B. Hewlett-Packard
Explanation
In 2011, Hewlett-Packard filed a lawsuit against Oracle. This suggests that Hewlett-Packard had some legal dispute or grievance with Oracle during that time. The exact details of the lawsuit are not provided in the question, but it can be inferred that Hewlett-Packard felt the need to take legal action against Oracle for some reason.
7.
Scott Thompson became CEO of which company in 2012?
Correct Answer
D. Yahoo
Explanation
Scott Thompson became CEO of Yahoo in 2012.
8.
Which company raised $671 million with its IPO in 2012?
Correct Answer
D. Carlyle Group
Explanation
Carlyle Group is the correct answer because it raised $671 million through its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2012. An IPO is a process through which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, allowing it to raise capital by selling ownership stakes. In this case, Carlyle Group successfully raised a significant amount of money through its IPO in 2012.
9.
Who became managing director of the International Monetary Fund in 2011?
Correct Answer
D. Christine Lagarde
Explanation
Christine Lagarde became the managing director of the International Monetary Fund in 2011. Lagarde, a French lawyer and politician, served as the Finance Minister of France before taking on the role at the IMF. She was the first woman to hold this position and played a crucial role in navigating the global financial crisis and implementing policies to stabilize the global economy. Lagarde's leadership and experience in the financial sector made her a suitable candidate for the position.
10.
Which company was #2 in the world in market capitalization for all of 2012?
Correct Answer
C. ExxonMobil
Explanation
ExxonMobil was the second largest company in terms of market capitalization in 2012. This means that it had the second highest total value of its outstanding shares in the stock market. This indicates that ExxonMobil was considered to be a highly valuable and successful company during that year.
11.
Who began manufacturing the anti-tuberculosis drug Sirturo in 2012?
Correct Answer
D. Johnson & Johnson
Explanation
In 2012, Johnson & Johnson began manufacturing the anti-tuberculosis drug Sirturo.
12.
Which computer company launched a Patent Tracker in 2013?
Correct Answer
B. Microsoft
Explanation
Microsoft launched a Patent Tracker in 2013. This tool allows users to search and track patents that have been filed by Microsoft. It provides information on the status, claims, and other details of the patents. This initiative by Microsoft aims to increase transparency and accessibility to their patent portfolio.
13.
Which company owned GEICO, Dairy Queen, and Fruit of the Loom in 2012?
Correct Answer
B. Berkshire Hathaway
Explanation
Berkshire Hathaway owned GEICO, Dairy Queen, and Fruit of the Loom in 2012. This conglomerate company, led by Warren Buffett, has a diverse portfolio of businesses in various industries. GEICO is an insurance company, Dairy Queen is a fast-food chain, and Fruit of the Loom is a clothing manufacturer. Berkshire Hathaway's ownership of these well-known brands demonstrates its strategy of investing in and acquiring companies across different sectors.
14.
Which pharmaceutical company sold its Capsugel unit to KKR & Co. in 2011?
Correct Answer
A. Pfizer
Explanation
In 2011, Pfizer sold its Capsugel unit to KKR & Co. This indicates that Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that made the sale.
15.
Which insurance company sold its stake in AIA Group in 2011 to cover debts?
Correct Answer
B. AIG
Explanation
In 2011, AIG sold its stake in AIA Group to cover its debts. This decision was made to generate funds and improve the financial stability of AIG. Selling the stake in AIA Group allowed AIG to raise capital and address its financial obligations, helping the company recover from its financial troubles.