Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

A war that reshaped the modern world

World War II ran from 1939 to 1945, and its scale remains staggering: fighting spread across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, involving most of the world's major powers. The conflict ended in 1945 with Germany's surrender in May and Japan's in September, and it directly led to the founding of the United Nations later that year. Many of the political borders and alliances we recognise today were shaped in its aftermath.

Paella's regional roots

Paella is closely associated with Spain, specifically the Valencia region on the Mediterranean coast. The dish traditionally centres on rice, saffron and olive oil, cooked in a wide, shallow pan that gives paella its name. While seafood versions are famous abroad, the original Valencian recipes often featured rabbit, chicken and sometimes snails - a reminder that a national dish can have very local origins.

More than a spice mix

Curry in India is less a single recipe than a family of dishes, and spices are what give them their identity. Blends vary by region and household, often combining turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and chilli. The word "curry" itself is an English adaptation, and many Indians would simply name the specific dish rather than call it a curry at all.

How South Korea became an esports powerhouse

South Korea's status as a global esports hub grew out of a specific set of circumstances in the late 1990s and early 2000s: widespread high-speed internet, PC cafes known as PC bangs, and televised professional leagues. Games such as StarCraft turned players into national figures, and the country's approach to competitive gaming influenced how esports developed worldwide. Today, Korean teams and players remain a major force across multiple titles.

The wall that divided a city

The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, an event that paved the way for German reunification the following year. Built in 1961, the wall had separated East and West Berlin for nearly three decades, becoming the most visible symbol of the Cold War divide in Europe. Its opening followed months of mounting pressure and mass protests, and crowds on both sides famously gathered at the crossings that November night.