A list of puzzling questions
Editor’s note: Every week, we feature three questions from our quiz master Shantanu Sharma—who is a researcher-writer, and has a side hustle as a professional quiz guru. He’d love to hear from you—so send your feedback/suggestions or just say ‘hi’ over at sharmashantanu312@gmail.com or @shantorasbox on Twitter.
How this works: Every correct answer is worth 10 points. If a question has multiple parts, each is worth 5 points. You have until Friday 12 pm to send in your answers to talktous@splainer.in or via DMs on Insta or Twitter. The correct answers will be published every Tuesday. The grand prize for the winner at the end of the month: a quarterly subscription for anyone of your choice—including the option of adding three months to your sub. That’s Rs 899 in value—so it’s pretty darn good:)
Rule to note: We will pick winners each month using a lucky draw.
The answers to the previous week’s quiz are at the bottom.
One: Recognized with a Padma Shri for his outstanding sporting achievements, identify the ‘champion’ whose unwavering determination saw him conquer numerous challenges and battlefields. Hint: His life was the subject of a recent biopic.
Two: Think laterally and give a one word connect for the following elements:
(a) A recent Netflix series
(b) An increasingly popular desi-fizzy drink
(c) One of the entrances to the national monument where the tricolour flies high
Three: Which of the world's most valuable companies’ early success stories is being highlighted by the CEO in the video below, during a recent commencement address to graduating students?
About last week’s quiz…
Here are the answers to the previous edition of the splainer quiz:
One: These two books offer contrasting perspectives on the two rivals in the space race. The book on the left tells a story of brave men who took on great odds in one program. The second exposes the PR-manufactured hype of the other. Both have almost the same title—except for a single five-letter word. Hint: One word is the antonym of the other.
Answer: Right and Wrong
Tom Wolfe’s ‘The Right Stuff’ (1979) delves into the courage of the first NASA astronauts in Project Mercury—men like Yeager, Conrad, Grissom, and Glenn—and what made them willing to take on such odds to challenge the Russians. The book served as the basis of a 1983 multi-Oscar-winning film of the same name, and a more recent Disney+ series.
John Strausbaugh’s recent book ‘The Wrong Stuff’ (2024) unveils the flawed reality behind the Soviet space program's perceived triumphs and PR victories during the Space Race. Despite notable achievements, the program relied heavily on propaganda and faced severe internal challenges. You can read a detailed review here.
Two: This Asian skyscraper’s curved, UV-blocking glass facade reduces its carbon footprint. Which floral emblem—which is also visible on the country’s flag—inspired the design of this office building?
Answer: Orchid flower
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the Henderson office building, nearing completion, is Hong Kong's Central Business District. It was reportedly the world's most expensive plot when it was purchased by developer Henderson Land in 2017. Its design was inspired by the bud of Bauhinia blakeana, the Hong Kong orchid, contrasting the building's organic shape with the traditional skyscrapers nearby. Over 50 years ago, Hong Kong chose the flower of the orchid tree, named after a former governor, as its emblem, now appearing on the region’s coat of arms, flag, and coins.
Three: Imagine if tennis legend Roger Federer staged a remarkable comeback at Wimbledon 2024, sealing a victory in three straight sets. What would the scoreboard read if it was represented by these popular baked items?
Answer: 6-0, 6-1, 6-0
The elements are bagel and breadstick.
In tennis lingo, a bagel refers to a 6-0 set victory, symbolising the zero games won by the opponent. Meanwhile, a breadstick describes a 6-1 win, with the shape of the breadstick symbolising the numeral 1. As you keep King Federer’s comeback hopes alive, check out the phenomenal Iga Swiatek’s bakery credentials, where bagels and breadsticks are always on the menu. Since the start of 2022, she has inflicted a 6-0 or 6-1 set on opponents in 49% of her matches.
And the winners are…
Here are the top five scorers for the third week of June. Congratulations!
