Freshers’ Quiz – Prelims

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1. X was the only candidate who stood against Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in the presidential
elections with the support of the communist parties. She was the minister of woman affairs
in the Azad Hind government. Name X whose brother-in-law is often referred to as the
“Father of Indian Space program”

2. He was the chief designer of the flood protection system for the city of Hyderabad. He was
the president of the 1923 session of the Indian Science Congress. The Government
Sandalwood Oil Factory which manufactures Mysore Sandal was established by X when he
was the Dewan of Mysore. Find X whose 155th birthday was celebrated recently

3. He is the great-grand father of Ness Wadia, an Indian businessman belonging to the Wadia
family. A Muslim, he was reluctant to marry his daughter, Dina Wadia to a Parsi and
disowned her after the marriage. Dina Wadia didn’t travel to her father’s ‘place’ until his
funeral in 1948. Name him.

4. ID X, a popular TV series which has received critical acclaim for its characterization, pacing
and brilliant homages to 1980s films including:
a. E.T.
b. Alien
c. Carrie/Firestarter
d. The Goonies
e. Stand by Me
f. Poltergeist

5. ‘Face of a Hero’ is a 1950 novel written by Louis Falstein. It was initially quite unsuccessful,
however, a 1961 novel, ‘X’, with marked similarities piqued interest and it was reprinted in
1999. Some similarities that have been pointed out include:
a. The presence of a man wrapped in plaster from head to toe,
b. A character whose cats sleep with him in his bed,
c. Taking extra flak jackets on missions,
d. A holiday party ending in gunfire,
e. A rape scene
ID X.
6. In Maldives, it is a multi-purpose boat built by master carpenters using very few tools. Apart
from its use in fishing, inter-island transport and the movement of cargo, they are used as
diving boats, live-aboard cruise vessels, passenger ferry boats and deep-sea fishing craft
complete with outriggers and fighting chairs. You might have heard the name ‘X’ in a sports
context. ID X, also the subject of an upcoming film.

7. X was a revolutionary leader and radical journalist who was murdered on 13 th July, 1793.
According to one such depiction by Y, his final letter reads: “Given that I’m unhappy, I’m
entitled to your help”. Others, such as Edvard Munch, have also immortalised X in their
works. ID X and Y.

8. Odontodactylus scyllarus, commonly called X is a species native to Guam and East Africa.
They are known to be able to see circularly polarized light and even UV light. They also have
appendages that can move at over 80 km/h and have acceleration comparable to a .22
bullet. Thus, some larger specimens are known to even break glass enclosures. ID this really
colorful species which would fit right in a Kung Fu Panda movie.

9. X is an American drama-thriller TV series created by Sam Esmail. The lead character was
inspired by Edward Norton’s character in Fight Club and shares similar problems. Other
influences include Taxi Driver and American Psycho. The show was conceptualized after
Esmail realized that most shows do not accurately portray IT security and, being an
enthusiast, decided to change this. X was praised by the General Director of Kaspersky
because "most of the scenes are top class and the usage of tools, operating systems and
other tiny details, from social engineering to opsec is very good". ID X.

10. The word X derives its origins from the Greek words meaning ‘bad star’. This was because
the Greeks blamed any calamities on unfavourable star positions. Even today, X refers to a
terrible accident or calamity. ID X.

11. "I hope we're not trying to figure out who he is and more figure out who we are through
watching that." A certain girl, 'Gwendolyn' said this about the identification efforts that
were going on, somewhere in the early 2000s. Who is being talked about? Bonus points for
identifying how Gwendolyn herself was related to this affair.

12. When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in early 1933, the US was still reeling under "The
Great Depression". Roosevelt thus started a practice which came to be known as 'Fireside
Chats'. So what exactly was this practice which comforted and renewed the confidence of
millions of Americans? A similar practice has been taking place all across India for some time
now.

13. The expression was first used by Lord Albert, when he exclaimed at the site of certain
developments in the city as ‘____ ____’. The developments were in turn ordered by
Maharaja Ram Singh to show his hospitality to Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria on an
India visit in 1876. Which still in use and rather colourful nickname was thus coined?
14. ‘Isaiah’ is a three year old Cincinati boy, born to Michelle Gregg and Deone Dikckerson. The
young boy recently tried to ‘befriend’ a 17 year old, however the friendship didn’t last long
but the legacy of that friendship certainly did, Who ‘is’ Isaiah’s friend.

15. This country was originally named by Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado as "Provincia De
Nuestro Señor Jesus Cristo, ___ ___ Del Mundo" ("Province of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Savior of the World"), which was subsequently abbreviated to ___ ____. FITB.

16. Though now its name is inseparable from its appearance –it was originally grey and only got
its present look 202 years ago to hide damages to it by an act of arson as revenge for events
in Toronto. It didn’t officially get its present name until 1901. What am I talking about?

17. In July 2011, the sports equipment company HEAD, gifted a Snowboard to Marat Safin. The
Snowboard had the number 1055 imprinted on it. Think of some of the 'specialties' of Safin
and give me the relevance of the number 1055.

18. Which sportsperson has launched a sportswear brand called A-Z . According to him, its for
people who are fighters like him. The name signifies that everyone can start from scratch (A)
and become like him (Z).

19. According to a legend, the town of Burkittsville in Maryland, USA is established at the site of
a particular village. In 1940, a hermit allegedly ritualistically murdered and disemboweled
seven children here. The sleepy little town saw an equally gruesome tragedy in 1995. Name
the village.

20. According to a survey, there is only one mistake in every 6,000,000 deliveries. In fact, the
American business magazine Forbes gave a Six Sigma performance rating for their precision.
What?