QFI Open Quiz Prelims

The QFI Open Quiz 2009brought to you by

The Prelimsbrought to you by

QuizmasterVinod Ganesh

Research TeamKrishnamurti GaneshVikram Rajan

The QFI Open Quiz 2009

Rules


40 questions worth 1 point each Questions 11-20 are tie-breakers Top 8 teams qualify for the finals


The opening three words of the preamble to the constitution of India form the title of a popular TV talk show. What are the words?

1


This product, launched by Sony in 1998, was a portable storage device that could be attached to a personal computer easily. The brand name has now become a generic term used to describe all such products. What was the brand name?

2


The actress Manorama has acted with five Chief Ministers during her career. In 1955-56, she acted with C. Annadurai in the play ‘Sivaji Kanda Hindu Samrajyam’. She then went on to work with M. Karunanidhi in his play ‘Udhaya Suriyan’ and did several films with M.G.R. and Jayalalithaa.

Who was the fifth Chief Minister she acted with?

3


Genentech Inc. is the world’s first biotechnology company, founded in 1976 by a venture capitalist Robert Swanson and a biochemist Herbert Boyer. What was its ticker symbol on the NYSE?

4

Note: It was acquired by Roche Ltd. in March. So, it now trades under the Roche’s ticker ROC.


The Polish biochemist Kazimerz Funk is generally considered to be the first person to formulate the concept behind this set of organic compounds. He called them vital amines because he believed that they always contained an amine (nitrogen) group. Later, when it was found that this was not true, the name was slightly modified. What is the new name?

5


6

This is a stanza of a 17th century poem by the Afghan poet Saib-e-Tabrezi, written in praise of Kabul:

“Every street of Kabul is enthralling to the eye,Through the bazaars, caravans of Egypt pass

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,

And ___ ___ ___ ___ that hide behind her walls”

Which 2007 novel gets its name from the blanked out words in the last line?


The name of this product/service was selected because it was onomatopoeic. The word typically represents a sound of arrival or conclusion, such as the sound made when an elevator arrives. The company felt that it was memorable, short, easy to spell, and that it would remind people of the sound made during the moment of discovery and decision making. What is the name?

7


8

What common word originates from the fact that ancient Greek poetry was usually recited with the music of the lyre?


9

In the mammoth 11,000 page charge-sheet filed against him by the police, he was booked under various acts including the Railway Act, because he had entered railway station premises without a valid train or platform ticket. Who?


Just like the English word ‘blacksmith’ has given rise to the common surname ‘Smith’, the Italian word for blacksmiths is a fairly common surname among Italians. What is the name?

10


11

Maximilian Bircher-Benner was a Swiss physician and a pioneer in nutritional research. In 1900, at his Zürich hospital, he went against the accepted thought of cooked food being the healthiest to introduce a meal of raw oats, nuts and apples for his patients. This preparation was inspired by a dish that he had been served while on a hike in the Swiss Alps. Which common preparation are we talking about?


12

In the 15th century, a village was established on the bank of the River Ghaghra and occupied by the local Bhanjara community. The people made a wall of yellow mud around their village in order to secure their homes from wild animals, as the area was in the midst of a forest. The village thus derived its name from the local term for a ‘yellow wall’. This name was later adopted by the nearest town/city. Which town?


13

His highly successful 1988 autobiography was published by Doubleday in secret because of the massive public interest in his life. Relatives of the company’s employees were hired as couriers, to deliver portions of the book from the company’s head office to the printing plant in Pennsylvania and manuscripts were kept under lock and key. The book was referred to using the code name ‘Neil Armstrong’. Whose autobiography?


14

One of the most famous couples in Indian history, the names by which they are popularly known mean ‘Conqueror of the World’ and ‘Light Of the World’ respectively, in their native language. Who are we talking about?


15

While tailoring this item of clothing, the cloth is always cut longer than the leg and finished with a tight fit at the ankle. When the wearer is seated, the extra cloth makes it possible to bend the legs and sit comfortably. The excess material falls into folds and looks like a set of bangles resting on the ankle. The item gets its name from this fact. What are we talking about?


16

What name did the media give to the 2009 civil unrest and subsequent anti-government riots in Moldova, because of the way the protestors had spread the message and organized themselves?


17

The visual shows a type of small, lightly armed warship, used mostly for coastal patrol, fighting minor battles, and supporting larger warships. It was mainly known for its maneuverability and speed, and because of this, its name was used by General Motors for one of its most famous and successful sports cars. What is the name?


17


18

On the official posters for this 2008 film, the title and names of the actors were printed in mirror writing as a nod to the film’s plot. Which film?


19

What was promoted through this advertisement? Who is the advertiser?


19


Which popular children’s story is this cartoon film based on? And what is the name of the person voicing the lead character?

20


20


21

Muhammad Shah, 18th century Mughal emperor, once had to travel on an expedition and needed an auspicious time to do so. However, the Hindu and the Muslim astrologers in his court were embroiled in an argument over certain planetary positions. To solve this heated debate, one of the emperor’s Hindu allies suggested the creation of something that gets its name from the words for ‘instrument’ and ‘formula’ in Sanskrit. What, and where would you find it?


22

Bill Frindall, a famous British cricket statistician, used to famously boast that he was born on the first day of the longest test match ever played - the ‘timeless test’ played over ten days between England and South Africa in 1939. So, it was quite ironic that his funeral took place on the same day as the shortest test match ever, which lasted a mere ten balls. Which two teams were involved?


23

‘Asmā allāh al-Ḥusnā’, or ‘The 99 Most Beautiful Names of God’ are the names by which Muslims regard God (Allah), with each name representing a specific attribute. These 99 names are always listed in a certain order and the first name on the list means ‘merciful’. This name was chosen by a famous person when he converted to Islam. What is the name?


24

Members of this species of fish have snouts to suck up food and a coronet on their heads that is distinct for each individual, much like a human fingerprint. They are unique in the animal world because it is the male who becomes pregnant and gives birth to live young that are almost fully developed. Which creature are we talking about?


25

Which popular sweet in the Indian subcontinent gets its name from the fact that it is similar to ice in appearance?


26

The U.S. and India are accepted as having the world’s two largest film industries, referred to as Hollywood and Bollywood respectively. The third largest film industry is termed Nollywood. Which country does it belong to?


27

This symbol is called the ‘Jora Ghaas Phool’ and symbolizes the down-trodden grass-root flowers. It was created by the founder of a political party and the Election Commission has allocated this symbol exclusively for the use of the party during elections. Which party?


28

According to legend, there was a ruler who once went on a hunting expedition. After a long day, he felt remorse as he realized the futility of hunting. His minister suggested that he take to singing instead and spreading the message of peace as a pastime. The enthusiastic king wanted to start straightaway and the minister suggested that he use his bow and arrow to create rhythms. What is this incident considered the origin of?


29

After the announcement of this year’s Padma awards, this person remarked,

“She will become the 5th Padma Award recipient in our family. First, my father was awarded the Padma Bhushan, then the Padma Shri for me, followed again by the Padma Bhushan for me some years later, my wife’s Padma Shri and now this one. This must be a record for the country. 5 Padma Awards in one family. God has been very kind to us. The people of this land have been very kind to us.”

Who is the speaker? Who was the recipient?


30

In the Mahabaratha, Draupadi is known widely by her patronymic surname, derived from the name of her father, King Drupad. Her actual first name, which she shares with another character in the epic, means ‘black’ or ‘dark’. What is the name?


Niccolo De Conti was a merchant explorer from Venice who visited India in the early 15th century. While here, he encountered a language in which all native words ended in vowel sounds, a quality found in Italian as well. As a result, he called this language the ‘Italian of the East’. Which language are we talking about?

31


32

The Outrigger Canoe Club, on Waikiki beach in Hawaii, is credited with having invented this sport in 1915. The club still hosts many tournaments in the sport, including a state championship named after Duke Kahanamoku, the club’s most famous member. Which sport are we talking about?


33

The uniforms of the Swiss Guard, sworn sentinels of Vatican City, were designed by Commandant Jules Repond in 1914. The works of which famed Renaissance artist did he draw inspiration from?


33


34

According to him, he was alone in a room with a mirror when he first sketched the title character of one of his most famous comic strips. As a result, he based the character’s face on his own. Which character are we talking about?


34


35

At the entrance of which famous structure would you be able to find this?


36

Who composed the music for this award-winning documentary film?


36


37

Identify the male singer. Who sang the original for the 1981 film ‘Rocky’?


38

Which family of birds does this rather astonishing specimen belong to?


38


Who is the playback singer?

39


39


40

The people in the visual are dancers and theatre actors from around Cape Town. What are their most famous roles?


40


Time!

Hand in your answer sheets to the volunteers!


And now for the answers...


The opening three words of the preamble to the constitution of India form the title of a popular TV talk show. What are the words?

1


And the answer is...


1

We The People


This product, launched by Sony in 1998, was a portable storage device that could be attached to a personal computer easily. The brand name has now become a generic term used to describe all such products. What was the brand name?

2




2

Memory Stick


The actress Manorama has acted with five Chief Ministers during her career. In 1955-56, she acted with C. Annadurai in the play ‘Sivaji Kanda Hindu Samrajyam’. She then went on to work with M. Karunanidhi in his play ‘Udhaya Suriyan’ and did several films with M.G.R. and Jayalalithaa.

Who was the fifth Chief Minister she acted with?

3




3

N.T. Ramarao


Genentech Inc. is the world’s first biotechnology company, founded in 1976 by a venture capitalist Robert Swanson and a biochemist Herbert Boyer. What was its ticker symbol on the NYSE?

4

Note: It was acquired by Roche Ltd. in March. So, it now trades under the Roche’s ticker ROC.




4

DNA


The Polish biochemist Kazimerz Funk is generally considered to be the first person to formulate the concept behind this set of organic compounds. He called them vital amines because he believed that they always contained an amine (nitrogen) group. Later, when it was found that this was not true, the name was slightly modified. What is the new name?

5




5

Vitamins


6

This is a stanza of a 17th century poem by the Afghan poet Saib-e-Tabrezi, written in praise of Kabul:

“Every street of Kabul is enthralling to the eye,Through the bazaars, caravans of Egypt pass

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,

And ___ ___ ___ ___ that hide behind her walls”

Which 2007 novel gets its name from the blanked out words in the last line?




6

ʻA Thousand Splendid Sunsʼ


The name of this product/service was selected because it was onomatopoeic. The word typically represents a sound of arrival or conclusion, such as the sound made when an elevator arrives. The company felt that it was memorable, short, easy to spell, and that it would remind people of the sound made during the moment of discovery and decision making. What is the name?

7




7

Bing


8

What common word originates from the fact that ancient Greek poetry was usually recited with the music of the lyre?




8

Lyrics


9

In the mammoth 11,000 page charge-sheet filed against him by the police, he was booked under various acts including the Railway Act, because he had entered railway station premises without a valid train or platform ticket. Who?




9

Ajmal Kasab


Just like the English word ‘blacksmith’ has given rise to the common surname ‘Smith’, the Italian word for blacksmiths is a fairly common surname among Italians. What is the name?

10




10

Ferrari


11

Maximilian Bircher-Benner was a Swiss physician and a pioneer in nutritional research. In 1900, at his Zürich hospital, he went against the accepted thought of cooked food being the healthiest to introduce a meal of raw oats, nuts and apples for his patients. This preparation was inspired by a dish that he had been served while on a hike in the Swiss Alps. Which common preparation are we talking about?




11

Muesli


12

In the 15th century, a village was established on the bank of the River Ghaghra and occupied by the local Bhanjara community. The people made a wall of yellow mud around their village in order to secure their homes from wild animals, as the area was in the midst of a forest. The village thus derived its name from the local term for a ‘yellow wall’. This name was later adopted by the nearest town/city. Which town?




12

Pilibhit


13

His highly successful 1988 autobiography was published by Doubleday in secret because of the massive public interest in his life. Relatives of the company’s employees were hired as couriers, to deliver portions of the book from the company’s head office to the printing plant in Pennsylvania and manuscripts were kept under lock and key. The book was referred to using the code name ‘Neil Armstrong’. Whose autobiography?




13

Michael Jackson


14

One of the most famous couples in Indian history, the names by which they are popularly known mean ‘Conqueror of the World’ and ‘Light Of the World’ respectively, in their native language. Who are we talking about?




14

Jahangir & Nurjahan


15

While tailoring this item of clothing, the cloth is always cut longer than the leg and finished with a tight fit at the ankle. When the wearer is seated, the extra cloth makes it possible to bend the legs and sit comfortably. The excess material falls into folds and looks like a set of bangles resting on the ankle. The item gets its name from this fact. What are we talking about?




15

Churidar


16

What name did the media give to the 2009 civil unrest and subsequent anti-government riots in Moldova, because of the way the protestors had spread the message and organized themselves?




16

Twitter Revolution


17

The visual shows a type of small, lightly armed warship, used mostly for coastal patrol, fighting minor battles, and supporting larger warships. It was mainly known for its maneuverability and speed, and because of this, its name was used by General Motors for one of its most famous and successful sports cars. What is the name?


17




17

Corvette


18

On the official posters for this 2008 film, the title and names of the actors were printed in mirror writing as a nod to the film’s plot. Which film?




18

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button


19

What was promoted through this advertisement? Who is the advertiser?


19




19

Earth Hour, WWF


Which popular children’s story is this cartoon film based on? And what is the name of the person voicing the lead character?

20


20




20

Brave Little Tailor, Walt Disney


21

Muhammad Shah, 18th century Mughal emperor, once had to travel on an expedition and needed an auspicious time to do so. However, the Hindu and the Muslim astrologers in his court were embroiled in an argument over certain planetary positions. To solve this heated debate, one of the emperor’s Hindu allies suggested the creation of something that gets its name from the words for ‘instrument’ and ‘formula’ in Sanskrit. What, and where would you find it?




21

Jantar Mantar, New Delhi


22

Bill Frindall, a famous British cricket statistician, used to famously boast that he was born on the first day of the longest test match ever played - the ‘timeless test’ played over ten days between England and South Africa in 1939. So, it was quite ironic that his funeral took place on the same day as the shortest test match ever, which lasted a mere ten balls. Which two teams were involved?




22

England and West Indies


23

‘Asmā allāh al-Ḥusnā’, or ‘The 99 Most Beautiful Names of God’ are the names by which Muslims regard God (Allah), with each name representing a specific attribute. These 99 names are always listed in a certain order and the first name on the list means ‘merciful’. This name was chosen by a famous person when he converted to Islam. What is the name?




23

Rahman


24

Members of this species of fish have snouts to suck up food and a coronet on their heads that is distinct for each individual, much like a human fingerprint. They are unique in the animal world because it is the male who becomes pregnant and gives birth to live young that are almost fully developed. Which creature are we talking about?




24

Seahorse


25

Which popular sweet in the Indian subcontinent gets its name from the fact that it is similar to ice in appearance?




25

Barfi


26

The U.S. and India are accepted as having the world’s two largest film industries, referred to as Hollywood and Bollywood respectively. The third largest film industry is termed Nollywood. Which country does it belong to?




26

Nigeria


27

This symbol is called the ‘Jora Ghaas Phool’ and symbolizes the down-trodden grass-root flowers. It was created by the founder of a political party and the Election Commission has allocated this symbol exclusively for the use of the party during elections. Which party?




27

Trinamool Congress


28

According to legend, there was a ruler who once went on a hunting expedition. After a long day, he felt remorse as he realized the futility of hunting. His minister suggested that he take to singing instead and spreading the message of peace as a pastime. The enthusiastic king wanted to start straightaway and the minister suggested that he use a bow and arrow to create rhythms. What is this incident considered the origin of?




28

Villupaatu


29

After the announcement of this year’s Padma awards, this person remarked,

“She will become the 5th Padma Award recipient in our family. First, my father was awarded the Padma Bhushan, then the Padma Shri for me, followed again by the Padma Bhushan for me some years later, my wife’s Padma Shri and now this one. This must be a record for the country. 5 Padma Awards in one family. God has been very kind to us. The people of this land have been very kind to us.”

Who is the speaker? Who was the recipient?




29

Amitabh and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan


30

In the Mahabaratha, Draupadi is known widely by her patronymic surname, derived from the name of her father, King Drupad. Her actual first name, which she shares with another character in the epic, means ‘black’ or ‘dark’. What is the name?




30

Krishna


Niccolo De Conti was a merchant explorer from Venice who visited India in the early 15th century. While here, he encountered a language in which all native words ended in vowel sounds, a quality found in Italian as well. As a result, he called this language the ‘Italian of the East’. Which language are we talking about?

31




31

Telugu


32

The Outrigger Canoe Club, on Waikiki beach in Hawaii, is credited with having invented this sport in 1915. The club still hosts many tournaments in the sport, including a state championship named after Duke Kahanamoku, the club’s most famous member. Which sport are we talking about?




32

Beach Volleyball


33

The uniforms of the Swiss Guard, sworn sentinels of Vatican City, were designed by Commandant Jules Repond in 1914. The works of which famed Renaissance artist did he draw inspiration from?


33




33

Raphael


34

According to him, he was alone in a room with a mirror when he first sketched the title character of one of his most famous comic strips. As a result, he based the character’s face on his own. Which character are we talking about?


34




34

Mandrake


35

At the entrance of which famous structure would you be able to find this?




35

Taipei 101


36

Who composed the music for this award-winning documentary film?


36




36

Guitar Prasanna


37

Identify the male singer. Who sang the original for the 1981 film ‘Rocky’?




37

Neil Nitin Mukesh & Kishore Kumar


38

Which family of birds does this rather astonishing specimen belong to?


38




38

Birds of Paradise


Who is the playback singer?

39


39




39

Baba Sehgal


40

The people in the visual are dancers and theatre actors from around Cape Town. What are their most famous roles?


40




40

Vodafone ZooZoos


Good luck!

See you in the finals!

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QFI Open Quiz Prelims