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—as are the weekly winners.
One: This is the coat of arms of a town in a European country. It also shares the last name of a next-generation sports star—who dominates every surface. Hint: Roses are red… wait, so are cherries!
Two: Work out the name of an online talk show hosted by this ‘shark’. It’s a culinary wordplay on a popular drama series featuring the cooking talents of Mr. Pink and Mr. White.
Three: If the God of Cricket sits at the top, and two former Aussie skippers share third place, who is the age-defying master of swing and seam in the second spot on this illustrious list?
About last week’s quiz…
Here are the answers to the previous edition of the splainer quiz:
One: Five chief executives have come and gone, but this feline has remained a constant presence for over a decade. Who will be his new companion?
Answer: Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer became the new Prime Minister of the UK, with The Labour Party winning the UK general elections. 10 Downing Street (the building in the background) has been the residence of British prime ministers since 1735 and rivals the White House as one of the world's most significant political buildings. Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, has resided at Number 10 since February 15, 2011. His duties include greeting guests, inspecting security, and testing antique furniture for napping. You can follow him on Twitter here.
Two: Figure out the calendar connection among the following elements:
a) An insatiable champion ‘hungry’ for more
b) This iconic painting of the first draft a historic document
c) A colourful spectacle put on by this famous brand.
Answer: Fourth of July or the US Independence Day
Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest is a beloved Independence Day tradition in Coney Island, New York. Contestants race to consume as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes to win the prized Mustard Belt, $10,000, and the champion title. The winner in the picture is Hall of Famer Joey Chestnut, who has won the contest 16 times. John Trumbull’s ‘The Declaration of Independence’ painting depicts June 28, 1776, when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress. It was officially adopted on July 4 and signed on August 2. Since 1976, millions have gathered on July 4th to enjoy Macy’s (the same department store that presents the Thanksgiving parade) spectacular Independence Day fireworks in New York City, either over the East River or Hudson River, synchronised to music.
Three: The exquisite trophy you see below will be awarded to the winners of a World Cup tournament that is currently underway. Name the sport, where skillful fingers do all the talking.
Answer: Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup will dazzle global audiences with eight weeks of intense competition through July and August. Set to take place in Saudi Arabia annually from 2024, this prestigious event at Riyadh Boulevard City boasts a record-breaking $60 million prize pool. Made by Royal Warrant holder Thomas Lyte, the design of the Esports World Cup trophy captures Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and esports culture with elements like palm trees. Standing 60cm tall, and crafted from over 9kg of sterling silver bullion and gold-plated, the trophy represents the highest honour for esports athletes worldwide.
And the winners are…
Here are the top five scorers for the second week of July. Congratulations!
