Quiz | As easy as a Sunday morning: what has the 3rd of July given us?

1, On July 3, 1886, this gentleman officially unveiled his Motorwagen, the first purpose-built automobile. This three-wheeled vehicle came exactly 10 years after he developed an engine. Many of the components of this automobile have been around over the years to the modern automobile we know it today. Although simple, it had a water heater and electrical light system. Who was this man whose family name is a symbol of luxury in the industry to this day?

2, On July 3, 1928, a Scottish scientist gave a demonstration in his studio in London. He showed red and blue scarves, a policeman’s helmet, a man sticking out his tongue, the glowing end of a cigarette and some roses. Exactly three years earlier, he had already entered the record books for performing a similar performance, where he showed an office worker the head of a ventriloquist’s dummy. Who was this scientist and what did he demonstrate in 1928?

3, Born on 3 July 1951, this New Zealand player became the first bowler to take 400 Test wickets by taking the wicket of Sanjay Manjrekar. He also took hundreds and five wickets in the same match on three different occasions. In 1984, in one season, he took 117 wickets and scored 1179 runs, a record that still stands today. Who was this record breaking all-rounder?

4, Born on July 3, 1962, this actor is one of the highest-paid box office stars of all time. He is known for his science fiction and action films, often performing his own risky stunts. A certain sunglasses brand was at risk of bankruptcy when this actor wore them in three movies – Risky Business, Rain Man and Top Gun. The last one led to a 40% increase in sales. Which actor is this and what brand did he help?

5, Born on 3 July 1971, this Australian journalist and activist became one of the most wanted figures in America for publishing leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. He was granted asylum by Ecuador where he spent seven years at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. In 2019, he was extradited by the British police and imprisoned where he is currently serving his sentence. Who is that person who said, ‘You have to start with the truth. Truth is the only way by which we can reach anywhere. Because no decision based on lies or ignorance can lead to good conclusion’?

6, The singer was reported dead of a heart attack on 3 July 1971 at 6 am. He was 27 and had just finished recording his band’s sixth album. While the world mourned, there was another group of fans who believed that he faked his death to start a new life and leave his troubles behind. He believed that a French nobleman, Count Jean de Breteuil, may have played a part in this deception. Which singer was this also known as Mr ‘Mojo Risin’?

7, Born on 3 July 1976, Henry Khaba Olonga is a cricketer known for his on-pitch rivalry with Sachin Tendulkar. When he made his Test debut in January 1995, he was the first black cricketer and the youngest person to play for his country. He was forced into exile in Britain, after being blackmailed to “mourn the death of democracy” in his country at the World Cup, which country did he play for?

8, Born on 3 July 1980, this Indian cricketer had the number ‘3’ on his jersey. Although he initially trained to be a batsman, he eventually became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. He also became the youngest Indian bowler to reach 400 wickets and the eighth batsman to score one century in a row. Who is this athlete, who was recently nominated to Rajya Sabha by Aam Aadmi Party?

9, The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd, was released on 3 July 1985. The writer, Bob Gale, got the idea for the film when he found his father’s old school yearbook and wondered if they could be friends if they were both 17. It was titled ‘Astronaut from Pluto’, but producer Steve Spielberg preferred the original name, which has now become iconic. What is this movie that has become a cult classic?

10, Born on 3 July 1987, this German Formula 1 driver is the youngest world champion in the sport. She is loved by her fans for her funny attitude and taking a stand against racism, for LGBTQIA+ rights and for her crusade for the environment. He has a habit of naming his cars, the last being an Aston Martin AMR 21 called the Honey Rider. Who is this athlete, also known as ‘Baby Shumi’ because of his driving style?