The news in 2021 has, of course, been dominated by coronavirus with a bit of politics thrown in.
Indeed, two years into the pandemic, it seems almost novel to remember a time when the current affairs agenda was a bit more varied.
But how well do you remember the news from 10, 20 and 30 years back?
We’ve come up with 30 questions, ten each from 1991, 2001 and 2011, to test your knowledge of news and pop culture from years gone by.
The answers are at the bottom – no cheating!
Round 1 -1991
1) The first website went online in August 1991 – which British scientist was behind the historic development?
2) In 1991, American rock band Nirvana released which single from its album Nevermind that became its biggest hit in most countries?
3) The Gulf War began in January 1991 after Iraq invaded which Middle Eastern country the previous year?
4) Which fighting video game was released in arcades by Capcom in 1991, becoming one of the best-selling and most influential titles in gaming history?
5) Following reunification the previous year, which European country formally regained its independence in March 1991, completely ending more than 45 years of occupation?
6) 1991 saw the start of the very last Football League First Division season before the Premier League replaced it as the top division. Which team ultimately won the title the following May?
7) The Silence Of The Lambs was released in cinemas in 1991. How many of the five major award categories did it win at the Oscars the following year?
8) Which computer retailer, whose name began to be removed from Currys branding in October 2021, opened its first store in November 1991?
9) Which Queen song returned to the top of the UK charts following the tragic death of Freddie Mercury in November 1991?
10) On December 26, 1991, which socialist state ceased to exist after almost 70 years following completion of its dissolution?
Round 2 – 2001
11) George W. Bush was sworn in as President of the United States – who was the Democratic candidate who narrowly won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote and the presidency?
12) Video game giant Sega announced is was leaving the console market having been a major player since the 1980s. What was the name of its final machine that stopped production in 2001?
13) Which Swede began his job as manager of the England football team in 2001?
14) Tony Blair won a second successive general election for Labour in 2001. Who was leading the Conservative party at the time of the poll and subsequently resigned the following day?
15) A major outbreak of which disease among farm animals caused a crisis in British agriculture and tourism in 2001?
16) Which portable device was first released by Apple in 2001?
17) The author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy passed away in May 2001 – what was his name?
18) What is the name of the distinctive visitor attraction made up of multiple biome domes that opened in Cornwall in March 2001?
19) What is the full name of the first Harry Potter film that was released in November 2001?
20) Charles Ingram gained infamy after he was accused of cheating his way to victory on which TV game show in 2001?
Round 3 – 2011
21) The standard rate of value-added tax was increased to 20% in January 2011 where it has remained ever since. What rate was it immediately before this date?
22) Which Royal couple married on April 29, 2011?
23) A UK-wide referendum was held on May 6, 2011, with voters rejecting the introduction of what type of voting system at general elections?
24) The final instalment of the Harry Potter film series was released in July 2011 – what was its name?
25) Manchester City won which footballing competition in May 2011 to end their 35-year wait for a major trophy?
26) Which fantasy TV series, starring Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, premiered in 2011?
27) Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was shot and killed in a raid by US special forces in Pakistan in May 2011. What was the official code name of the mission?
28) 2011 marked the first time since 2002 the Wimbledon men’s singles title was not won by Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer – who lifted the trophy?
29) A devastating 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the Pacific Ocean on March 11, 2011, led to a nuclear disaster in which Japanese prefecture?
30) What was the name of the founder of Apple who tragically died aged 56 in October 2011?
ANSWERS
1) Tim Berners-Lee 2) Smells Like Teen Spirit 3) Kuwait 4) Street Fighter II 5) Germany 6) Leeds United 7) Five 8) PC World 9) Bohemian Rhapsody 10) Soviet Union 11) Al Gore 12) Dreamcast 13) Sven-Göran Eriksson 14) William Hague 15) Foot-and-mouth disease 16) iPod 17) Douglas Adams 18) Eden Project 19) Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone 20) Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? 21) 17.5% 22) Prince William and Kate Middleton (Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) 23) Alternative vote 24) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt.2 25) FA Cup 26) Game Of Thrones 27) Operation Neptune Spear 28) Novak Djokovic 29) Fukushima 30) Steve Jobs
