3. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Quizmaster
Vinod Ganesh
Research Team
Krishnamurti Ganesh
Vikram Rajan
4. 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
5. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
6. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
7. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
8. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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?
Note: It was acquired by Roche Ltd. in March. So, it now
trades under the Roche’s ticker ROC.
4
9. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
10. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
11. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
12. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
What common word originates from the fact that
ancient Greek poetry was usually recited with the
music of the lyre?
8
13. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
14. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
15. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
16. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
17. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
18. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
19. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
20. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
21. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
23. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
24. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
What was promoted through this advertisement?
Who is the advertiser?
19
26. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Which popular children’s story is this cartoon film
based on? And what is the name of the person
voicing the lead character?
20
28. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
29. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
30. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
‘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
31. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
32. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Which popular sweet in the Indian subcontinent
gets its name from the fact that it is similar to ice
in appearance?
25
33. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
34. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
35. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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?
28
36. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
37. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
38. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
39. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
40. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
42. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
54. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Time!
Hand in your answer sheets
to the volunteers!
55. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
And now for the
answers...
56. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
59. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
62. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
65. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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?
Note: It was acquired by Roche Ltd. in March. So, it now
trades under the Roche’s ticker ROC.
4
68. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
71. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
73. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
ʻA Thousand Splendid Sunsʼ
6
74. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
80. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
83. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
86. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
89. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
92. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
95. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
98. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
101. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
104. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
108. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
115. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Which popular children’s story is this cartoon film
based on? And what is the name of the person
voicing the lead character?
20
118. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Brave Little Tailor, Walt
Disney
20
119. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
121. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
21
122. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
124. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
England and West Indies
22
125. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
‘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
128. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
134. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
137. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
140. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
143. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
145. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
Amitabh and Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan
29
146. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
149. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
152. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
155. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
159. The QFI Open Quiz 2009
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
