The Hindu (Tiruchirapalli)

THE SUNDAY CROSSWORD NO. 3303

- Berty Ashley

On this day in 1782, the city of Rattanakos­in was founded on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke. It eventually became the capital city, the full name of which at 169 characters, is the longest for a capital city. Locally known as ‘Krungthep’, which city is this, a popular destinatio­n for Indian tourists, more so since November last year?

On this day in 1960, this city was purposely built as the capital of its country, moving the capital away from its previous location on the coast. Designed in the shape of an airplane, it became a UNESCO World Heritage

Site in 1987. What is the name of this city, which comes from the name of the country, which in turn is named after a tree known for its red colour?

This country is unique as it has three ‘capital’ cities, none of them the largest in terms of size. The country’s three branches of government are split over the dierent cities. If the administra­tive capital is Pretoria, and Bloemfonte­in is the judicial capital, which city is the legislativ­e capital?

The capital of this country was formed by the merger of three cities, Pest, Óbuda and Buda. The name of the city is also a reference to the same. Which city is this, known for its thermal baths and lovely hills?

A

beautiful city known for its picturesqu­e architectu­re, this capital was formed by the merger of Pest, Óbuda and Buda.

Some countries have both an o…cial capital city and a designated de-facto capital. In this particular country, The Hague is the seat of government and the administra­tive centre. It’s also home to the Internatio­nal Court of Justice; but it is not the o…cial capital. Which country is this, and what is its o…cial capital?

El Alto is the highest internatio­nal airport in the world, situated at 4,061 metres above sea level. At this height, the air is so thin that most wide-boy aircraft cannot operate a full load. Built to service the de facto capital La Paz, in which country would you ‘nd this airport?

This city is the most northerly capital in the world, and the most westerly capital in Europe.

With a population of just 1.2 lakh that makes up 32% of the national population, it is also the most bustling. Which city is this, whose name means ‘Bay of Smokes’ in old Norse?

Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, situated 2,850 metre above sea level, on the slopes of an active volcano. If it is the nearest capital to the zero degree latitude, lying less than one degree south of it, which country is it the capital of?

Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary) and Belgrade (Serbia) are four of the most important European capital cities. Known for their vibrant cultural history, all are popular tourist destinatio­ns. What single factor connects them all, allowing free ¬ow of trade and visitors?

This country is the only one in the world that does not have an o…cial capital city. The smallest republic in the world, this island nation in the Paci‘c became very valuable because of rich phosphate deposits, which are now mined in a controlled manner. Which country is this?

A molecular biologist from Madurai, our quizmaster enjoys trivia and music, and is working on a rock ballad called ‘Coee is a Drink, Kaapi is an Emotion’. @bertyashle­y

Across 1

3

Polar animal’s stomach? (4)

Performing culinary operation on –foolishly – rock pigeon (10)

In conversati­on, much time shared by you and me (4)

Eggs and lice covering rancid president’s workplace (4,6)

Cheers that man, earlier sad, starting to brood (4,3,5)

Sluggishne­ss, batting: time to win it back? (7)

Dog’s cross: that is, a little labradoodl­e (7)

Unbroken, like a Manx cat? (7) Colloquial­ly, largest; most like the ocean?

17 19

(7)

Some sets of twins resemble each other (7,5)

Trade ideas, wild wishes (10)

Illegally assist a venture (4)

Flights that may lead to landings? (10) Step back, seeing Afghans, Abyssinian­s, etc.? (4)

23 24 25 26 Down 1

Dilapidate­d sideboards getting batterings (10)

So, hardware flying around? (10)

Region including villas in exclusive resort areas, primarily? (7)

Blearily recalls wine in large amounts (7)

2 4

Ministry of Defence to get ‘nonclerica­l’ if Foreign Office to retire bureaucrat­s (11)

Everyman is to receive visitor, finally: one bearing large showy flowers (4)

Celt’s outburst can be heard (4)

Champion with spine, usually? (5-6)

Note, twice: establishm­ent for racehorses where multiplica­tion is demanded (5,5)

Hot drinks or dry Rieslings? (4,6)

I will be found in Balkan state: bold to move to find unwelcomin­g place (7)

Well-earnt rest, leisurely accepting support(7)

Poems praising systems of regulation not started (4)

Accept only part of repurchase agreement, being in the Black? (4)

8 12 13

14 18

SOLUTION NO. 3302

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