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 Monday. 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 499 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 winners for the third week of January.

One: These were two of the proposed flag designs for a country that's been making the headlines recently. What is it? How does the official flag differ from those of other countries in the region? (5+5)

Two: Connect the lateral hints to work out the connection, one of the largest of its kind.

a) Authors whose work has seen the light of OTT release

b) Breaking the shackles with the first public space store

c) Remember him or forgotten memory?

Three: These special trains transported their passengers to specially constructed sustainable venues. Name them.

About last week’s quiz… 

Here are the answers to the previous edition of the splainer quiz:

One: Every year, some states and UTs get to showcase their tableaux during the Republic Day celebrations. While the one on top was part of the parade a few years ago, the one below failed to make the cut. Identify both. (5+5)

Answer: Goa and Delhi

Each year, around September, the Defence Ministry extends invitations to all states, Union Territories, Central Government departments, and select constitutional authorities to present their tableaux for the Republic Day parade. The 71st Republic Day parade (2020) featured 22 contingents, including Goa’s ‘Save the Frog’ tableau. The state prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing any frog species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Delhi was shortlisted for the 2025 parade, but its proposed tableau failed to meet the stringent evaluation standards of the Tableau Selection Committee, according to sources. The theme of the 2025 Republic Day Celebrations was 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.

Two: These are three of the many artists leaving their mark on the Indian Constitution. Who mentored the artists? How many artworks were created originally? (5+5)

Answer: Nandalal Bose and 22

The Indian Constitution was meticulously calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada (in English), and Vasant K Vaidaya (in Hindi) while Nandalal Bose and his team from Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, illustrated it. One of the longest written Constitutions for any sovereign state in the world, each of the 22 parts (today there are 25) of the Indian Constitution begins with an illustration. Their artwork traces India's journey from Mohenjo Daro to the freedom struggle, showcasing the country's diversity—from deserts with marching camels to the majestic Himalayas. The three artists in question are Beohar Rammanohar Sinha, Nibedita Bose, and Vinayak Shivaram Masoji. You can read more about the other key artists and calligraphers involved in the making here.

Three: Name the notable honour given to these two men when they were heads of state.

Answer: Twice-invited as Republic Day parade chief guest

France's Jacques Chirac (1976 and 1998) and Bhutan's Jigme Singye Wangchuck (1984 and 2005) have been invited twice as chief guests at the Republic Day parade. This invitation is India’s highest diplomatic honor. This includes a guard of honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan and an evening reception hosted by the President of India. Historical ties, such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), also influence the choice. ICYMI: Indonesia's newly elected President, Prabowo Subianto, was the chief guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

And the winners are…

Here are the top five scorers for the third week of January. Congratulations!