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 month of March.
One: Whose unhurried artistic vision does this museum bring to life? Also, name the museum. (5+5)
Two: Connect the first two images and that should help you fill the blank spot for the third. (5+5)
a) Somewhere in a US state
b) Somewhere in Italy
c) What and where?
Three: Which recent record-setter remained largely hidden from the world for seven decades in this medical institution?
About last week’s quiz…
Here are the answers to the previous edition of the splainer quiz:
One: This woman picked an untrained and inexperienced talent who has recently riveted the attention of a global audience. Who is she?
Answer: Shaheen Baig
Netflix UK’s latest show, ‘Adolescence’, has captivated audiences with its bold take on online misogyny’s impact on young boys. The series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is arrested for a classmate’s murder. Despite being Cooper’s first-ever acting role, director Philip Barantini praises his instinctive brilliance, saying, “Actors train for years and still can’t master what Owen has done.” Behind his breakout role is Shaheen Baig, a BAFTA-nominated casting director known for ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’. Baig, who launched her own company in 2002, has an unmatched eye for talent. You can watch Cooper’s audition here.
Two: Connect the following to figure out the name of a historical figure who recently sparked political fury.
a) Man with wings of fire.
b) Double dhamaka
c) One of the cradles of the sport’s governing body
Answer: Aurangzeb.
Nagpur witnessed widespread mob violence on March 17—soon after Hindu groups staged protests against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb. Our explainer has a detailed timeline and more on the controversy. As for the elements:
The first refers to Delhi's Aurangzeb Lane being renamed Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lane after a unanimous decision by the New Delhi Municipal Council in 2023. The second refers to the 2013 film ‘Aurangzeb’ which was headlined by Arjun Kapoor—who played a double role in an action-thriller drama. The third element is Roshanara Club which was established in the early 20th century near Roshanara Garden—named after Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter, Roshanara Begum, who designed it in 1650. The club, a key venue for the Delhi Ranji Trophy team, also played a role in the BCCI’s formation. Notable founding members included Sir Sobha Singh, Rai Bahadur Sultan Singh, and RE Grant Govan.
Three: These arrows reflect a change of guard at the top of a global sporting organisation. What is it—and who is this newly anointed chief? (5+5)
Answer: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President and Kristy Coventry
Kirsty Coventry has made history as the first woman and first African to be elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). At 41, she is also the youngest to hold the role. Coventry was chosen from seven candidates at the 144th IOC Session in Greece and will officially take over on June 24, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach after his 12-year tenure.
A decorated Olympian, Coventry has won seven of Zimbabwe’s eight Olympic medals. Thomas Bach, a former Olympic fencing champion and lawyer, led the IOC since 2013, having previously served as an IOC Vice-President and chaired multiple commissions.
And the super quizzers for March are…
Editor’s note: We didn’t use a lucky draw for the monthly winners this time as the scores had a straightforward winner.
Here is the leaderboard at the end of March. Congratulations to the lucky three for acing the splainer quiz! We will be emailing you soon with details of your prize—a quarterly splainer sub!
