FUNDAMENTALS
The recent events in Afghanistan have captured the attention of the world. See how much you know about the country that has been known as 'Graveyard of the empires"
Write with your suggestions, questions (with answers) to senjam@gmail.com.
AFGHANISTAN
1. Several people have fled Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover. However Zablon Simintov, a carpet trader and a restaurateur who lives in Kabul, is not one of them. What is special about Zablon Simintov?
2. Between 1996 and 2001, when Taliban ruled over Afghanistan, only three countries recognised their rule and declared the Islamic Emirate to be the rightful government of Afghanistan. Which three countries?
3. The top three provinces of Afghanistan are named after their capitals Kabul (Kabul Province) Kandahar (Kandahar Province) and Herat (Herat Province). What is the capital of Balkh Province, the fourth largest province of Afghanistan?
4. He is a Fulbright Scholar with a doctorate from Columbia University . He had stints at the World Bank and United Nations. He also co-wrote a book "Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World" along with Clare Lockhart. Identify this person.
5. How do you better know Abdul Karim Sher Khan, an ethnic Pashtun who was born in Afghanistan and came to Bombay where he acquired infamy?
6. Bamiyan, the location of the now destroyed Bamiyan Buddha statues, was the shooting location of a famous Bollywood song from Dharmatma. Which song?
7. Which Afghanistan President studied MA in political science from the Himachal Pradesh University?
8. The Taliban flag that now flies across Afghanistan is a white field with an Islamic oath in black script embossed on it. What is the name given to this Islamic Oath ?
ANYTHING GOES
1. Dhyan Chand's son proved worthy of his lineage by collecting an Olympic Bronze (Munich
1972) and a full set of medals (Bronze, Silver and Gold) in India colours from Hockey World Cups. He was instrumental in scoring the winning goal in India winning its only World Cup Gold till date. Name him?(Dr. Kota Tirupataiah, Hyderabad)
2. Sean Connery did not win any Oscars for his most famous role as James Bond. He won the only Oscar for portraying a character called James Mallone. This was in the category of Best supporting actor. Which movie? (Pravalika Durgalla, Tirupati)
3. Oscar Swahn from Sweden took part in the shooting event in the 1920 summer Olympic games held at Antwerp and won a Silver medal. What was unique about his silver medal? (BK Harinath, Mysuru)
4. The Republic of Congo, South Korea, North Korea, Liechtenstein and Bahrain have something in common with India.Whats it? (Philip Joshua,Secunderabad)
5. Delhi, Jaipur and Agra form the famous Golden Triangle of Indian tourism. Why is it called the Golden Triangle? (Abin K I, Ernakulam)
6. This actress has acted in multiple Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and English language movies. She has also taken up direction and her first movie won the 'Best Midnight Movie Award at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. Name this actress and the awardwinning movie.(UN Murthy, Secunderabad)
7. When he was fourteen, Satyajit Ray had seen a performance of a famous Bharat Natyam dancer in Calcutta. Years later, he made a documentary film on the dancer. The film was titled 'Bala'. Name the dancer? (Somen Sengupta, Kolkata)
8. Japan's Abe Hifumi and Abe Uta both won the gold medals on 25th July 2021 Tokyo 2020 Olympics in judo. What is special about the medals? (Miracle S., Secunderabad)