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. We email the winner at the end of the month with details of the grand prize.
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 second week of July.
One: Which European city will be lit-up with events like this throughout 2025? Which beloved resident are they celebrating?
Two: Connect the elements below to work out a fictional universe.
a) Doctor of Medicine, better known for literary pursuits
b) Biotech firm
c) Creative media house
Three: The last time this happened in the sport’s modern avatar was thanks to this German legend. Who recently matched it, and with which unfortunate result? (5+5)
About last week’s quiz…
Here are the answers to the previous edition of the splainer quiz:
One: A connoisseur of flavour and finesse, what coveted distinction is she the only Indian recipient of?
Answer: Master of Wine
Sonal C Holland MW is India’s first and only Master of Wine, one of just 422 professionals worldwide to hold this prestigious title. She is the Founder of the Sonal Holland Academy, a certified centre offering structured, globally benchmarked education in wine, spirits, and beer. She is also the Chairperson and Founder of the India Wine & Spirits Awards.
Established over 70 years ago in the UK, the Master of Wine (MW) title is rigorous, comprising three stages: theory papers, blind tastings, and an original research paper. It typically takes years of study, global travel, and hands-on experience to complete. In her inspiring memoir ‘One in a Billion’ (2025), Sonal shares her journey from a middle-class upbringing in Mumbai to global recognition with personal anecdotes, wine insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at India’s growing wine culture.
Two: Assemble this constellation of clues to work out a literary connection.
a) Remember this looney?
b) Greek goddess
c) Pray to the Godmother
Answer: Andy Weir
The three elements are: Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes character), Artemis, and Hail Mary (catholic prayer).
Andy Weir built a two-decade career as a software engineer before the phenomenal success of ‘The Martian’ (2011) let him live out his dream of writing full-time. The book became a runaway hit and a Hollywood blockbuster, where astronaut Mark Watney is stranded on Mars and must use brains, botany, and duct tape to stay alive. In ‘Artemis’ (2017), the action moves to the Moon, where Jazz Bashara, a smart, rebellious smuggler, navigates lunar poverty, corporate sabotage, and organized crime. ‘Project Hail Mary’ (2021) takes things interstellar, with Ryland Grace waking up alone on a spaceship, no memory, and the fate of humanity in his hands. Check out the trailer of the latest adaptation here.
Three: Which new bride is the brains and guts behind this company? What cinematic production need does it fulfill? (5+5)
Answer: Lauren Sánchez and Aerial Cinematography
After a successful career in broadcasting with Good Day LA, Extra, and Fox Sports Net, Lauren Sánchez earned her pilot’s license at 40, a decision inspired by her father, a flight instructor and aircraft mechanic. She had been training quietly while working as an anchor, eventually discovering a passion for flying.
Launched in 2016, Black Ops Aviation specializes in high-end aerial cinematography for film, TV, and streaming platforms. The company has provided dynamic airborne visuals for major clients, including Netflix, Amazon, and Apple, and consulted on large-scale productions like Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. Sánchez often serves as both pilot and aerial coordinator. She was also part of an all-female crew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. Here are some pictures from Lauren and Jeff Bezos’s multi-day wedding extravaganza in Venice.
And the winners are…
Here are the top four scorers for the second week of July. Congratulations!
