Which Scottish physician successfully demonstrated the anaesthetic properties of chloroform in 1847?
Answer: Sir James Young Simpson
Sir James Young Simpson first successfully demonstrated chloroform as a general anaesthetic on November 4, 1847. This revolutionised surgery and childbirth.
Two
In which century did the Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II against Spanish rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru begin?
Answer: 18th century (1780)
The rebellion was one of the largest indigenous uprisings in Spanish American history and inspired later movements for independence.
Jane Goodall with Prof and Pax. Photograph by Michael Nichols / National Geographic via Wikipedia
Three
Which primatologist first observed chimpanzees making and using tools in Tanzania in 1960?
Answer: Jane Goodall
This pioneering observation at the Kasakela Chimpanzee Community challenged the belief that tool use was unique to humans.
Four
In 1956, which country did Soviet troops invade to suppress a revolution that began on 23 October?
Answer: Hungary
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a significant Cold War event, resulting in thousands of casualties and a mass exodus of refugees.
Five
UNESCO’s constitution entered into force on 4 November 1946, officially establishing the organisation. What does the acronym UNESCO stand for?
Answer: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UNESCO promotes international collaboration in education, science and culture. Its activities focus on supporting national efforts to eliminate illiteracy and extend free education.
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Marlene Dietrich, The Blue Angel. See question two. Image Wikipedia
One
A rock group’s first album, which was self-titled, was released in 1964 while their latest Hackney Diamonds was released in 2023. Which group is this?
Answer: Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in 1962, are one of the most influential bands of the rock era. Known for their gritty, rhythmically driven sound, they pioneered hard rock and were at the forefront of the British Invasion. With over 250 million album sales, they have won four Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
Two
Who played Lola Lola in 1930’s film The Blue Angel?
Answer: Marlene Dietrich
The Blue Angel (1930) is a German musical comedy-drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg, starring Marlene Dietrich. It is based on Heinrich Mann’s novel and follows a professor’s transformation into a cabaret clown.
Three
What is the one word name used for the prestigious institution, part of a larger university, which Marie Curie attended for her studies in physics and mathematics, and where she became the first woman professor?
Answer: Sorbonne
Marie Curie studied at the Sorbonne, which is part of the University of Paris. She earned her degrees in physics and mathematics there and later became the first woman professor at the Sorbonne — National Geographic
Four
What, since February 2025, is the hereditary title of Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, 50th hereditary Imam of Nizari Ismailis?
Answer: Aga Khan
The Aga Khan is the hereditary title of the spiritual leader and Imam of the Nizari Ismāʿīli Shias, a branch of Islam. Currently, the 50th hereditary Imam is Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini. He succeeded his father in February 2025 and oversees development and humanitarian work.
Five
Founded by the Greeks in the first millennium BCE, this city is now Italy’s third-largest as well as Campania’s regional capital. Please name it?Question
Answer: Naples
Naples, the regional capital of Campania, is Italy’s third-largest city and a significant cultural centre. Founded by Greeks in the first millennium BCE, it has a rich history, having served as the capital of various kingdoms. Today, it is a major economic hub with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre and numerous cultural sites nearby.
Peter Sarstedt Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)? Image chordify.net
Six
What connects the five answers above?
Answers: (The song) Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?
Peter Sarstedt’s 1966 hit Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)? features all five of these answers in its lyrics. The song tells the story of Marie-Claire, a girl who rose from poverty in Naples to become a jet-setter. It achieved chart success in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, reaching number one in all of them. In the US, it peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and 36 on Canada’s RPM Adult Contemporary chart. The lyrics are shown below.
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)
by Peter Sarstedt
You talk like Marlene Dietrich And you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire Your clothes are all made by Balmain And there’s diamonds and pearls in your hair, yes there are
You live in a fancy apartment Off the Boulevard St. Michel Where you keep your Rolling Stones records And a friend of Sacha Distel, yes you do
But where do you go to my lovely When you’re alone in your bed? Tell me the thoughts that surround you I want to look inside your head, yes I do
I’ve seen all your qualifications You got from the Sorbonne And the painting you stole from Picasso Your loveliness goes on and on, yes it does
When you go on your summer vacation You go to Juan-les-Pins With your carefully designed topless swimsuit You get an even suntan on your back, and on your legs
And when the snow falls you’re found in St. Moritz With the others of the jet set And you sip your Napoleon brandy But you never get your lips wet, no you don’t
But where do you go to my lovely When you’re alone in your bed? Won’t you tell me the thoughts that surround you? I want to look inside your head, yes I do
You’re in between twenty and thirty That’s a very desirable age Your body is firm and inviting But you live on a glittering stage, yes you do, yes you do
Your name is heard in high places You know the Aga Khan He sent you a race horse for Christmas And you keep it just for fun, for a laugh, ha-ha-ha
They say that when you get married It’ll be to a millionaire But they don’t realize where you came from And I wonder if they really care, or give a damn
But where do you go to my lovely When you’re alone in your bed? Tell me the thoughts that surround you I want to look inside your head, yes I do
I remember the back streets of Naples: Two children begging in rags Both touched with a burning ambition To shake off their lowly-born tags, they tried
So look into my face, Marie-Claire And remember just who you are Then go and forget me forever But I know you still bear the scar, deep inside
I know where you go to my lovely When you’re alone in your bed I know the thoughts that surround you ‘Cause I can look inside your head
His Highness Prince Rahim al-Hussaini. See question 4. Image Wikipedia
One
A rock group’s first album, which was self-titled, was released in 1964 while their latest Hackney Diamonds was released in 2023. Which group is this?
Two
Who played Lola Lola in 1930’s film The Blue Angel?
Three
What is the one word name used for the prestigious institution, part of a larger university, which Marie Curie attended for her studies in physics and mathematics, and where she became the first woman professor?
Four
What, since February 2025, is the hereditary title of Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, 50th hereditary Imam of Nizari Ismailis?
Five
Founded by the Greeks in the first millennium BCE, this city is now Italy’s third-largest as well as Campania’s regional capital. Please name it?
Six
What connects the five answers to the above questions?
Here are the answers to the questions posed earlier.
Meeting of the waters is the confluence between the dark Rio Negro (blackwater) and the pale sandy-coloured Amazon River (whitewater), referred to as the Solimões River in Brazil upriver of this confluence. Image Wikipedia
One
The confluence of what two rivers is shown in the above picture?
Answer: Rio Negro and Amazon aka (Rio Solimões)
The Meeting of Waters in Brazil is where the dark Rio Negro meets the pale, sediment-rich Rio Solimões (Amazon River) but flows side by side for kilometres without mixing due to differences in speed, temperature, and sediment content. The Rio Negro is slower, warmer, and almost sediment-free, while the Solimões is faster, cooler, and carries Andean sediments. This striking visual contrast continues for many kilometres before blending fully.
Two
Who composed the original Star Wars film score?
Answer: John Williams.
Williams’ iconic score, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, revitalized interest in grand orchestral film music and remains one of the most recognizable movie themes in history.
Is it true that China’s President Xi Jinping spent part of his childhood living in a cave?
Answer: True
As of 2010, approximately 3 million people in China’s Shanxi province resided in yaodong, which are caves dug into soft yet insulating dirt. These caves are naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, making them an affordable housing option. China’s president, Xi Jinping, spent part of his childhood in a similar cave in a nearby province. In 1968, at the age of 15, Xi applied to leave Beijing for the countryside, influenced by Mao Zedong’s Down to the Countryside Movement. On 13 January 1969, he moved to Liangjiahe Village in Yan’an, Shaanxi. The rural conditions were challenging which fostered his connection with the rural poor. Initially unable to adapt, he attempted to return to Beijing but was arrested and sent to a work camp. Persuaded by his aunt and uncle, he returned to the village, where he served as the party secretary and lived in a cave house.
Yaodong(earth shelter) covered in snow. Image Wikipedia
Four
What is the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere?
Answer: Nitrogen
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. Despite being so common, most living organisms can’t use atmospheric nitrogen directly — it must first be made into usable forms by bacteria and plants.
Five
The novel Brave New World was written by whom?
Answer: Aldous Huxley
Published in 1932, Brave New World predicted technologies and societal trends — such as genetic engineering and consumerism — that became eerily relevant decades later.
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Edison incandescent light bulb enclosed in cage. Image Wikipedia
One
On October 21, Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb. In which decade did he make this application?
Answer: 1870s
Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman, developed influential devices like the phonograph and electric light bulb. He pioneered organised scientific invention and established the first industrial research laboratory.
Two
In 1984, Niki Lauda clinched Formula One’s World Drivers’ Championship for the final time. How many times had he won the title in total?
Answer: Three
Austrian racing driver Niki Lauda competed in Formula One from 1971 to 1979 and 1982 to 1985, winning three World Drivers’ Championships—1975, 1977 and 1984—with Ferrari and McLaren. He survived a horrific crash in 1976 and made a remarkable comeback to win his second and third titles. Beyond racing, Lauda founded three airlines and held advisory and team principal roles in Formula One.
Three
In 1940, the first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. In what war was the story set?
Answer: Spanish Civil War
Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, tasked with destroying a bridge. The book assumes knowledge of the war between the Republican government and the Nationalist faction, supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Four
The Guggenheim Museum opened in New York on this date in 1959. Which architect designed its iconic spiral building?
Answer: Frank Lloyd Wright
Wright’s radical design broke from traditional gallery layouts, using a continuous ramp to display art in a flowing, organic space. The museum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its innovation.
Five
The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, took place in the …. It was named after a prominent geographic feature: …. Firstly, what body of water and secondly, what geographic feature fill the two gaps in the previous sentence?
Answer: Atlantic Ocean; Cape Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was a decisive victory for the British Royal Navy against the combined French and Spanish fleets during the Napoleonic Wars. Admiral Lord Nelson’s tactics ensured Britain’s naval supremacy but cost him his life. Trafalgar Square in London was named to commemorate this victory.
On 21 October Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb. In which decade did he make this application?
Two
In 1984, Niki Lauda clinched Formula One’s World Drivers’ Championship for the final time. How many times had he won the title in total?
Three
In 1940, the first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. In what war was the story set?
Four
The Guggenheim Museum opened in New York on this date in 1959. Which architect designed its iconic spiral building?
Five
The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, took place in the …. It was named after a prominent geographic feature: the …. Firstly, what body of water and secondly, what geographic feature fill the two gaps in the previous sentence?
The Raising of Lazarus and the Adoration of the Shepherds Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy Image Wikipedia
One
Which Italian artist born this day in 1571, painted the works above which are displayed in Sicily?
Answer: Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, (known mononymously as Caravaggio) an Italian painter from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, gained fame for his realistic religious works.
Two
In 1829 the Metropolitan Police was founded, by what name (two words the first contains eight letters) is the force, especially the Criminal Investigation Department, colloquially known?
Answer: Scotland Yard
Through the efforts of Robert Peel, England’s first professional police force, London’s Metropolitan Police (often called Scotland Yard), was founded; it became a model for future police departments in various other countries, including the United States.
Born in Rome in 1901, who became an associate director of Manhattan Project in 1944?
Answer: Enrico Fermi
Enrico Fermi, an Italian-born American scientist, was a pivotal figure in the nuclear age. He developed mathematical statistics for subatomic phenomena, explored neutron-induced nuclear transformations, and directed the first controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, earning the 1938 Nobel Prize for Physics. Fermi is best known for creating the first artificial nuclear reactor, Chicago Pile-1, and for his contributions to the Manhattan Project. His work spanned statistical mechanics, quantum theory, and nuclear and particle physics.
Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia. Image Wikipedia
Four
Who was the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister of Australia?
Answer: Julia Gillard
Julia Gillard, born in Wales, served as Australia’s 27th prime minister. She was the first and, as of September 2025, the only woman to hold the position.
Five
Following the Challenger disaster in January 1986 and the suspension of NASA’s space shuttle programme, it resumed on this day. In which year and with which shuttle did this happen?
Answer: 1988 and Discovery
On January 28, 1986, the Challenger shuttle exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. A presidential commission discovered a joint seal in a solid rocket booster had failed due to mechanical design flaws exacerbated by cold weather. Hot gases leaking from the joint ignited the shuttle’s external tank fuel leading to the devastating explosion. As a result, the shuttle fleet was grounded for necessary design corrections and administrative changes. On 29 September 1988, Discovery was the first shuttle to resume flights. Endeavour, a replacement orbiter, finally flew its first mission in 1992.
Here are five questions related to today, September 29th.
The Raising of Lazarus and the Adoration of the Shepherds Regional Museum of Messina, Sicily, Italy. Image Wikipedia
One
Which Italian artist born this day in 1571, painted the works above which are displayed in Sicily?
Two
In 1829 the Metropolitan Police was founded, by what name (two words the first contains eight letters) is the force, especially the Criminal Investigation Department, colloquially known?
Three
Born in Rome in 1901, who became an associate director of Manhattan Project in 1944?
Four
Who was the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister of Australia?
Five
Following the Challenger disaster in January 1986 and the suspension of NASA’s space shuttle programme, it resumed on this day. In which year and with which shuttle did this happen?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Althea Gibson, victorious at Wimbledon Ladies Singles in 1957, at parade in her honour, New York. Image Wikipedia
One
Althea Gibson, aged 76, died on this day in 2003. In the mid-1950s she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African-American woman to win titles in what sport?
Answer: Tennis
Althea Gibson was a dominant American tennis player who ruled women’s competition in the late 1950s. She achieved historic milestones as the first Black player to win the French Open (1956), Wimbledon (1957–58) and the US Open (1957–58) singles championships.
Two
Brigitte Bardot was born on 28 September 1934. She gained international recognition in which 1956 film directed by Roger Vadim?
Answer: And God Created Woman
Born in Paris, Bardot aspired to be a ballerina before starting her acting career in 1952. She gained international fame in 1957 for her role in And God Created Woman.
Three
In 1928, a physician and microbiologist observed a mould growth in a laboratory that would later be identified as penicillin. Who was this individual?
Answer: Alexander Fleming
Scottish physician and microbiologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first broadly effective antibiotic, in 1928. He shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 for this discovery.
Four
On 28 September, a European ‘discovered’ California. In which century did this happen?
Answer: 16th century
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the “discoverer” of California, landed near present-day San Diego in 1542, becoming the first European to set foot on the west coast of the future United States.
Five
On 28 September 2008 Singapore hosted its inaugural Formula One race, making it the first night race in the sport’s history. Almost a year later allegations emerged of a driver being instructed by his team to crash his car. Who was the driver and which team was he representing?
Answer: Nelson Piquet Jr. and Renault F1 (or Renault)
The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, the first Formula One race held at night, was won by Fernando Alonso after a controversial incident involving his teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr. Piquet deliberately crashed, bringing out the safety car and benefiting Alonso’s strategy. This incident led to Renault’s disqualification from Formula One, later overturned in court.
