The License Raj & Ledger
In 1966, a legendary entrepreneur founded a company that started as a small textile mill in Naroda, Gujarat, producing polyester fabrics. This company would eventually grow into India's largest private sector giant. What was it? and who was the entrepreneur?
Dhirubhai Ambani (Company: Reliance Industries)
"Released in 1960 after nearly a decade in the making, this epic historical drama became the highest-grossing Indian film of all time and featured the legendary song 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya.' What is the name of this cinematic masterpiece?"
Mughal-e-Azam
In 1965, an Italian brand of mineral water was introduced to India, originally sold only in glass bottles at high-end hotels. It was eventually bought by the Parle brothers in 1969 for just ₹4 lakhs. What was the brand?
Bisleri
In 1961, India carried out Operation Vijay, using the army, navy, and air force to finally liberate this coastal territory from 450 years of Portuguese rule. What was the name of this territory?
Goa
He was known as 'The Flying Sikh.' In the 1960 Rome Olympics, he missed a Bronze medal by just 0.1 seconds in the 400m final, setting a national record that stood for nearly 40 years. Who was this legendary athlete?
Milkha Singh
On July 19, 1969, what was the major step Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took to gain more control over the nation’s finances and ensure credit reached the rural poor?
Nationalization of private banks
In 1965, a landmark film based on an R.K. Narayan novel was released. It featured a guide named 'Raju' and was one of the first major Indo-US cinematic collaborations. Who was the 'Evergreen' star who played the lead role?
Dev Anand (Movie: Guide)
In 1965, the Parle company launched a bright orange, carbonated drink that became so iconic it was nicknamed 'The Uncola.' It was the go-to drink for every birthday party in the 60s and 70s. What was it?
Gold Spot
During the 1965 war, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the nation a powerful four-word slogan to boost the morale of both the soldiers and the farmers. What was this iconic slogan?
Jai Jawan Jai Kisan
In 1962, at the age of just 21, he became the youngest-ever Captain of the Indian Test Cricket team. Despite losing an eye in a car accident just before his captaincy, he became one of India’s most charismatic leaders. What was his nickname?
Tiger Pataudi (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi)
In the mid-1960s, India faced a massive food crisis. To solve this, the government introduced high-yielding variety seeds and better irrigation. This movement, which made India self-sufficient in food, is known by what 'colorful' name?
The Green Revolution
In 1966, the film Teesri Manzil became a massive hit, not just for its mystery, but for its high-energy rock-and-roll music. Who was the legendary music director who made his big breakthrough with this film, forever changing the sound of Bollywood?
R.D. Burman (Pancham Da)
In the 1960s, the Indian car market was dominated by a 'Big Three.' You had the Ambassador, the Fiat Padmini, and a third car produced in Madras that was famous for its sharp, sporty fins and two-door model. Name that third car.
Standard Herald
In 1966, India lost its premier nuclear physicist in a tragic plane crash in the Alps. He was the founding director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the 'Father of the Indian Nuclear Program.' Who was he?
Homi J. Bhabha
In 1961, the Government of India instituted a new national award to recognize outstanding achievement in sports. To this day, it remains one of the most prestigious honors an athlete can receive. What is the name of this award?
The Arjuna Award
Long before everyone had a trading app on their phone, the government in 1963 created a 'Trust' to help middle-class Indians finally invest their savings in the stock market. It became famous for its 'US-64' scheme. What was this first-of-its-kind investment institution?
UTI (Unit Trust of India)
In 1964, a film starring Sunil Dutt was released that entered the Guinness World Records. It was a daring cinematic experiment because the entire movie featured only one actor from start to finish. What was the name of this unique film?
Yaadein
In the 1960s, owning a radio was a status symbol. This specific brand of transistors and valve radios featured a famous 'smiling baby' mascot in all its advertisements and became a staple in almost every middle-class Indian living room. What was the name of this brand?
Murphy Radio
He holds a unique record in Indian politics for being the 'Acting' Prime Minister twice in the 1960s—first for 13 days after Nehru's death in 1964, and again for 13 days after Shastri's death in 1966. Who was he?
Gulzarilal Nanda
In the 1960 Olympics, India lost the Hockey Gold to Pakistan. However, in the 1964 Games, India took revenge and won the Gold back by beating Pakistan 1-0 in the final. In which city were these 1964 Olympics held?
Tokyo
In 1961, India proudly showed off its industrial muscles by opening its first integrated public sector steel plant. It was built with technical help from West Germany and was the first in the country to use a fancy new 'L-D' steelmaking process. In which Odisha city was this built?
Rourkela (Rourkela Steel Plant)
When regular daily transmissions started in 1965, this woman became India's very first television newsreader. She read a five-minute news bulletin that made her an overnight celebrity in Delhi. Who was she?"
Pratima Puri
"In March 1969, Indian Railways changed the way people traveled by introducing its first ever 'fully air-conditioned, high-speed' express train, running between New Delhi and Howrah. What was the name of this legendary train service?"
The Rajdhani Express
During the 1962 conflict with China, the fighting centered around a specific boundary line in the East that India recognizes but China does not. It was named after a British colonial administrator. What is the name of this line?
The McMahon Line
In 1960, the Indian Football team qualified for the Rome Olympics. In their group stage, they were tied with a massive European powerhouse until the 82nd minute before eventually drawing 1-1. This is considered one of the greatest 'almost' victories in Indian football history. Which country was it?
France