December 27, 2015

Biz Quizzard 613

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week December 21 - 26. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company has commissioned what it claims as the world's largest rooftop solar project, in Punjab?

2. Which sports-based virtual entertainment company from India has signed on football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for its entry into the Middle East with arcade games built around soccer?

3. Which mobile social game, developed by 99Games, has crossed $5 million in revenues till date on the Apple app store?

4. Which online skills assessment company has acquired online and mobile internship platform, Letsintern, for an undisclosed amount in an all cash deal?

5. Which New Jersey-based pharmaceutical startup, founded last year by five former Ranbaxy executives, has acquired a portfolio of approximately 25 products from specialty drug maker Banner Life Sciences?

6. I liked this campaign very much. Which company has launched its latest campaign 'Kya Pehnu'?

7. Which airport in India has launched its annual shopping and entertainment programme - ‘Season of Smiles’?

8. Which premium lifestyle brand recently unveiled its first digitally immersive flagship store in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar?

9. Which budget hotel rooms aggregator has launched its new campaign #OneForEveryone?

10. Which Indian company has entered the top-50 league of the world's biggest companies in terms of their R&D investments, as per the annual Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard for 2015?

11. Which company has acquired a majority stake in Hyderabad-based Creamline Dairy, making its foray into the country's Rs 4 lakh crore dairy market?

12. Emami has roped in which celebrity as the brand ambassador of hair oil and shampoo variants of its newly-acquired Kesh King brand?

13. Which MNC has agreed to buy a majority stake in US refrigeration systems maker Hussmann from a private equity firm for over 150 billion yen ($1.2 billion)?

14. Hyderabad-based Yuktha Entertainment Services announced the launch of JilMore, an online booking platform for performing artists. Which well known personality has become its mentor?

15. Which education hub, operated by Pathfinder Publishing, has acquired Delhi-based Entrancecorner[dot]com in an all-cash deal?

16. Which digital media company has acquired Apalya Technologies - a Hyderabad-based video delivery company, in an all-cash deal?

17. Which company has acquired 100% equity stake in Ahmedabad-based Duryodhana Developers?

18. Which Gurgaon-based on-demand grocery service has acquired Bengaluru-based hyperlocal grocery delivery startup Jiffstore in a cash-and-stock deal?

19. Parthasarathi Mukherjee will be which bank’s new managing director and chief executive officer?

20. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces recently opened the sixth Taj group hotel in Bengaluru, the latest addition to the group's luxury portfolio. What has it been branded as?

21. The hospitality investment arm of which business group last week announced the acquisition of its first property in India - the Abad Airport Hotel Kochi?

22. Sony Pictures Networks Television India (SPN) has added a Hindi movies HD channel to its bouquet of offerings. What has it been branded as?

23. Which FM network has launched `Rudali', a new advertisement campaign on TV after a gap of nine years?

24. Which advertising group has launched its global branded content unit The Story Lab in India?

25. Real estate developer Ambience Group has snapped ties with which European luxury hotel operator within 4 years of signing a management agreement to operate its property in New Delhi?

26. Which company has acquired Red Fort India Real Estate Holdco's 62.54% stake in Bengaluru's Exora Business Park valued at around Rs 1,400 crore?

27. Which company is acquiring a bouquet of five consumer products from US pharmaceutical giant Merck, which operates in India as MSD?

28. Which home cleaning services provider has acquired another Hyderabad-headquartered startup `Melway' that offers facility management services for an undisclosed amount?

29. Which Indian handset maker aims to tap the growing mobile payments industry in the country by partnering TranServ?

30. Which Indian company is celebrating the milestone of 1 million followers on LinkedIn?

31. Aaj Tak is claiming to have become the first and only news channel to cross which milestone viewers mark for 4 weeks in a row?

32. Which premium biscuits maker is moving into the mass market segment and has roped in actress Kajol to endorse the brand?

33. Mahindra & Mahindra will launch a premium pickup range in January. What has it been branded as?

34. Which company has agreed to buy US-based back-office outsourcing firm Viteos Group for $130 million (Rs `860 crore) in an all-cash deal?

35. Which company last week launched an electronic wallet called Mobo Money, claimed to be the country's first contact-less wallet, which works both at online as well as a brick and mortar stores?

36. Which company will acquire VKS Farms’ feed mill in Coimbatore for Rs. 13.5 crore subject to due diligence and statutory clearances?

37. Which pre-school chain has said it would merge with Zee Learn?

38. Which homeware brand has launched a digital film ‘Main aur Maa’?

39. Which mouth freshener brand has launched the digital campaign 'Pearls of India - Chacha-Chachi Story'?

40. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces last week launched its first hotel in the North-eastern region. Which brand?

41. Messaging app Viber has launched a new app, which allows users to send a photo or short video that will disappear after being seen only once by the recipient. What has it been named?

42. Which nicotine replacement therapy brand has launched the #UQuitIQuit movement in India?

43. Gearing up for its 4G and digital forays, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) has roped in which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

44. Danone and which business group have reached a settlement ending their twin joint ventures that made and sold beverages, including flavoured water?

45. Which travel major has elevated its managing director Madhavan Menon to the post of chairman and managing director effective January 1, 2016?

46. Which company has tied up with Citrus Ventures to set up its school in Bengaluru?

47. Which Indian business group has signed an agreement with Russia's manufacturer of Air Defence Missile Systems, AlmazAntey, to work jointly on a range of air defence missile & radar systems?

48. Which company has maintained its number one position, in terms of revenue, in the list of Fortune 500 Indian companies 2015?

49. IndiGo last week joined the ranks of Air India and Jet Airways to achieve which milestone fleet size?

50. Which company has launched a video titled 'A Christmas Surprise', featuring a musical medley by three Sufi musicians, playing conventional Christmas rhymes?

51. Which company is setting up a tractor plant in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, claimed to be the world’s largest integrated tractor making plant?

52. Which airport lounge has been selected as the ‘World’s Leading Airport Lounge-First Class 2015’ at the recently concluded World Travel Awards in Morocco?

53. Which e-tailer has launched its first flagship fit lounge in Bangalore?

54. Direct-selling FMCG firm Amway India has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador to promote Nutrilite range of the products?

55. Which Indian company last week signed a MoU with the Ministry of Development of Russian Far East to explore and develop investment opportunities in the energy sector?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 613 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

December 20, 2015

Biz Quizzard 612

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week December 14 - 19. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The retirement savings managed and overseen by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are set to cross which milestone mark this month?

2. Which online lingerie and nightwear brand recently carried out an on-ground activation in Bengaluru with the theme "What's your cup size"?

3. Which IT company has named Sandeep Kishore, a senior executive at HCL Technologies, as its chief executive officer?

4. Which MNC outdoor agency has exited its 50:50 joint venture in India with DDB Mudra that was formed in 2009?

5. Which two digital movie distribution companies have merged to form a new equal joint venture called KSSUMW Digital?

6. Which American hotel management company has signed a portfolio agreement with Mushtaq Group of Hotels to open seven properties in Jammu & Kashmir over the next five years?

7. Which $3-billion textile-to-steel pipes conglomerate is carving out the yarn-spinning business, which will be managed by cofounder Rajesh Mandawewala's elder son Abhishek?

8. Which company has entered into a definitive agreement with SPX Cooling Technologies Inc to acquire its dry cooling business globally for around $48 million (about Rs.320 crores)?

9. Which digital payments platform has launched its new brand campaign called #ReverseTheCharge?

10. Which business group has agreed to acquire Italian car styling company Pininfarina SpA for $185 million (Rs`1,240 crore)?

11. Which spices maker from Gujarat will diversify into snacks from next year?

12. Which business family from India has forayed into real estate development in London and Miami through Elephant London, a company floated for the purpose?

13. Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria, PepsiCo's biggest bottler in South Asia, is looking to enter the dairy market in the country by extending which brand?

14. Which sanitaryware manufacturer last week forayed in the air-purifier segment under a new brand called “moonbow”?

15. The Business Standard Annual Awards 2015 were announced last week. Who has got the Lifetime Achievement award?

16. In a first for Indian e-commerce, which mobile site will be available in 12 languages to online shoppers?

17. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc has agreed to buy which MNC’s Japanese finance and leasing business for about $ 4.8 billion to further expand its operations outside of banking?

18. Which online marketplace for buying and selling new and used automobiles and auto-related services has launched its new TV ad campaign ‘Bindaas Ghoom’?

19. Which telecom brand entered the Indian market last week with its flagship smartphone 10?

20. Which MNC has elevated Leena Nair as its chief HR officer from March 2016?

21. Which retailer has acquired ecommerce startup meragrocer[dot]com to foray into online sales?

22. Myntra’s former chief operating officer Ganesh Subramanian is taking a shot at entrepreneurship with a data-driven technology firm he has set up to analyse fashion trends. What is it called?

23. Kwality has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador for its entire range of products for a period of two years?

24. Which Chinese electric-car startup named Padmasree Warrior, Cisco Systems' former technology chief, to lead its US operations?

25. Which table reservations food-tech company has launched a 6-video digital campaign ‘Endless Wait’?

26. Which Chennai-based enterprise software maker has acquired Konotor, a user engagement platform to provide better customer support to mobile-first businesses?

27. Which MNC will bring its $1-billion-plus Doritos - its fastest growing snacking brand worldwide - to Indian stores next week?

28. Which MNC is creating a new company, named C&M Information Technologies, to be based in Beijing and to act as an exclusive licensor for its flagship product to the Chinese government?

29. Cramer Ball has resigned as the CEO of which airline in India, effective February 29?

30. Which company has signed an agreement with Mosons Group to acquire hair-care brand Indulekha for `Rs 330 crore and further deferred payments based on performance?

31. DreamWorks Studios, the joint venture (JV) between Steven Spielberg and Anil Ambani's Reliance Entertainment, is being relaunched. What will it be called?

32. Facebook has announced a partnership with which ride-hailing service that will for the first time allow users in the US to summon a vehicle from within the Messenger smartphone app?

33. Which location has been ranked the most expensive prime office market space in the world by CBRE Research’s semi- annual Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey?

34. Which country has topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best Countries of Business in 2015 list by Forbes?

35. Which MNC has appointed Simon Cooper as chief executive officer, Corporate and Institutional Banking?

36. Which Bengaluru-based property developer last week announced its first commercial project in the country with the launch of a mall at Puzhakkal in Thrissur, Kerala?

37. Which premium air purifier company from Sweden has announced its debut in India?

38. Which brand has launched its first ever advertising campaign ‘Food Mein Daalo Magic’?

39. Which fashion e-tailer has signed an exclusive deal with Missguided to sell the UK-based fashion retailer's products on its platform?

40. Sumi Ghosh will be the new CEO of which beverage chain, effective January 1, 2016?

41. Dilip Gaur has been appointed the new managing director of which Aditya Birla group firm?

42. Microsoft India last week announced the launch of its most affordable Windows 10 smartphone till date. Which model?

43. Which regional airline has received a `No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which will allow it to launch pan-India operations soon?

44. Which international sports personality has unveiled his plans to link up with the Pestana Hotel Group and will invest $40 million in hotels?

45. Which premium car maker has tied up with Mat.se, a leading Swedish online grocery retailer to launch the world's first commercially available In-Car Delivery service?

46. Which Swiss insurance group will pay up to $1.05 billion to buy Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS), a U.S. agricultural crop insurer from Wells Fargo & Co?

47. Actress-designer Mandira Bedi has collaborated with which brand to create 'Me', a unique sari design that will give women a distinctive take on clothing for music festivals?

48. Which ecommerce major has announced the exclusive launch of television-turned-film producer, Ekta Kapoor's fashion label 'EK' on its platform?

49. Which electrical goods maker last week said it would start manufacturing small domestic appliances from January 2016?

50. Mahindra & Mahindra last week unveiled the official name of its mini compact SUV S101. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 612 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

December 13, 2015

Biz Quizzard 611

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week December 07 - 12. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The philanthropic arm of which Indian business group has teamed up with Silicon Valley-based Salman Khan’s free online education initiative Khan Academy?

2. Which company has acquired online marketplace for hyperlocal services Near[dot]in in a cash-and-stock deal, estimated at between $1.5 million-$2 million (Rs 10 crore - Rs 13 crore)?

3. Domestic mobile handset maker Micromax has crossed which annual sales milestone for the year ended March?

4. Which MNC last week launched two all terrain vehicle (ATV) models, Ozark 250 and Quadsport Z400?

5. India’s total installed capacity of solar power has crossed which milestone mark, according to Bridge to India, a solar energy consulting firm?

6. Which paint company has launched a digital campaign 'Think Different'?

7. Which media group’s latest campaign features Deepika Padukone who encourages young readers to inculcate the habit of reading Hindi newspapers?

8. Which online fashion retailer has launched a new campaign with the tagline ‘The Best of Fashion for the Best of You’?

9. Which logistics services provider has merged with year-old Accord Ecom Solutions, a third-party logistics provider, in a deal that marks growing consolidation in the fast-growing sector?

10. Which MNC has launched the SME India Council to help small businesses grow locally and regionally across the country?

11. Which Vadodara-based startup has forged an exclusive tie-up with Raja Ravi Varma's descendents to promote the celebrated 19th century artist's legacy through merchandise products?

12. Kaher Kazem has been appointed president and managing director of India operations of which automobile MNC?

13. Which MNC has decided to cancel the agreement to sell its appliance division to the Swedish group Electrolux which had offered last year to buy it for $3.3 billion?

14. Hong Kong's AIA Group will raise its stake in which life insurance company in India to 49% from 26% for an undisclosed amount?

15. Which Indian business personality has joined the newly created Sustainability Committee of Formula E Championship, an initiative of FIA (Federation Internationale de I’Automobile) and the world’s first fully-electric racing series?

16. Marico has roped in which actor as the new face and brand ambassador of Set Wet deodorants?

17. Which company has launched a television commercial for Ghee with the positioning ‘Champion Banney ki Taakat’?

18. Which airport is set to become the first foreign company to manage an Indian airport, with Airports Authority of India signing an initial agreement with it to hand over the contracts for Ahmedabad and Jaipur?

19. Which online exam preparation service has bought a majority stake in custom web and mobile product development startup Litoro for an undisclosed amount?

20. Which two cities have become substitutes for the banished Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in IPL?

21. Vodafone India last week entered the 4G services arena, starting with which city?

22. Hyundai Motor has announced the introduction of its alternative-fuel compact vehicle, which is due to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016. What has it been branded as?

23. Which international brand is all set to launch its first ever television campaign in India, titled ‘Share the Magic’?

24. Which outdoor wear brand has launched the digital campaign #AgainstAllOdds?

25. Samsung has roped in which actor to endorse its recently launched 4G enabled Galaxy J series (campaign currently on air)?

26. Which Singapore-based big data startup is setting up India operations in association with WPP's media agency conglomerate GroupM?

27. Interactive Intelligence, a US-based provider of software services for customer engagement, has acquired which Mumbai-based developer of remote applications such as video and online chats for businesses?

28. The first vaccine against dengue fever has won clearance in Mexico. Which company?

29. Kati Levoranta would take over as new CEO of which game maker from 2016?

30. Which MNC has launched the mass media campaign, ‘Haath, Mooh aur Bum, Bimari Hogi Kam’?

31. Which Hyderabad-based company has announced the acquisition of Mumbai-based e-learning company Enabilon Learning Pvt Ltd for an undisclosed amount?

32. Which life insurance company has rolled out a new digital campaign titled ‘Ab Meri Baari’ for its Active Retirement plan?

33. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in his personal capacity in which services marketplace?

34. Which company has agreed to sell an 80% stake in European lighting systems and fixtures company Sylvania to Shanghai Feilo Acoustics Co?

35. Which digital payments solutions venture has hived off its mobile banking app Cube into a separate corporate entity?

36. United Spirits, the largest Indian distiller controlled by Diageo Plc, is pulling back from the ready-to-drink (RTD) market barely a year after launching which brand?

37. Which US-based company has acquired US-headquartered Alliance Global Services, a software product development services and test automation solutions firm, for $50 million?

38. Which DTH operator has partnered with Madhuri Dixit and her husband Shriram Nene’s RnM Moving Picture to launch ‘Dance Studio’?

39. French stationary major BIC has fully acquired which Indian manufacturer of writing instruments for Rs 540 crore?

40. Which is India’s most valuable brand, according to a list by international brand valuation firm Interbrand?

41. The Food Corporation of India has awarded a contract to the National Collateral Management Services Ltd to carry out paddy purchase operations in Jharkhand. Why did this make news?

42. Which MNC has announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of FRHI Holdings (FRHI), parent company of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissotel brands?

43. Which company is claiming to have become the first low cost airline in India to introduce a loyalty program for its passengers?

44. Which MNC has agreed to buy Hong Kong’s flagship English-language newspaper, the South China Morning Post?

45. Which MNC has elevated Sanjeev Sharma as its India MD?

46. Which US-based biotechnology company has forayed into the Indian market and has tied up with a local player Phyto Biotech to manufacture health supplements in India?

47. Who has topped the 2015 Forbes India Celebrity 100 list?

48. Housing[dot]com's ousted founder Rahul Yadav is making a comeback with a startup that aims to make government smarter. What is it called?

49. Which company has set aside Rs 1,100 crore for interest free salary advances and is creating an Rs 50 crore direct grant fund to help employees affected by Chennai floods?

50. Which two chemical giants have agreed to merge in an all-stock deal valuing the combined company at $130 billion?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 611 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

December 6, 2015

Biz Quizzard 610


This is not something i usually do. While there is some cynicism and criticism (on valid grounds too) about the announcement made last week, i feel it still needs to be applauded. And for those who have no idea what this is about, Biz Quizzard answers that question through, what else, another question (Q. No. 30).

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 30 - December 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC is reportedly working on launching its global milk-based beverage brand Vio in India, without any carbonation?

2. Who has teamed up with childhood friend and Wharton mate Sumeet Nindrajog to promote Paragon Partners, a private equity firm that will provide growth capital for mid- market deals?

3. Which telecom company has launched a campaign called 'See You Online Ba!'?

4. India's second-largest tea maker Tata Global Beverages has forayed into instant coffee business in the country by launching a new brand. Name the brand?

5. Which company has acquired Papyrus Editor, an online editor to create e-books?

6. Which dairy firm has started selling its products, including milk and curd among others, under its own name? (hint: the brand is very well known in India in another dairy segment)

7. Which MNC has signed a definitive agreement to acquire polypropylene compounding assets of Pune-based Zylog Plastalloys as it intends to expand its India operations?

8. Which luxury watch brand is shutting its India office, deciding to leverage its existing partnership with a local agent?

9. Which company last week announced that it will invest Rs 60,000 crore over the next three-years under a programme called Project Leap?

10. Which town is claiming to be the country's first fully Wi-Fi township?

11. Girnar Soft, the parent company of CarDekho[dot]com, has invested $1 million in an education start-up, which connects students to colleges and help them make career choices. What is it called?

12. Which iconic automobile brand has launched a new film with the positioning ‘Think Fun. Think New’ to create excitement leading up to the launch of the new version in India?

13. Which travel and leisure company has, through its Holidaybreak PLC subsidiary, sold 100% of Explore Worldwide for £25.8 million (Rs 258 crore) to Hotelplan UK Group?

14. Which company has acquired Get Me A Shop, which helps small businesses set up online store fronts, for an undisclosed amount?

15. Which company has forged an exclusive distribution partnership with premium Italian tyre maker, Pirelli, to be the sole distributor of its complete range of motorcycle tyres in India?

16. Prashant Purker has been elevated as MD & CEO of which private equity firm?

17. Which Malaysian kidswear brand has entered India in collaboration with Ajanta International?

18. Which managed marketplace has rolled out a television commercial to highlight the incredible propositions offered on its Sunday Flea Market?

19. Broadcast network TV18 and which international news brand have announced the extension of their collaboration on their news channel?

20. The Indian advertisement for which brand has been named as one of the 20 best ads of the 21st century in a public poll conducted by the Gunn Report, the global index of creative excellence in advertising?

21. Which company has agreed to acquire German IT consulting and software services firm cellent AG from Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg for 73.5 million euro (Rs`520 crore)?

22. Which company, in association with MasterCard Worldwide, is launching `One Currency' card, a prepaid card that promises to allay currency conversion woes during multi-country travel?

23. Which financial giant has inked a deal with Tata Group to be its strategic banking partner?

24. Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) has partnered with which food delivery start-up to foray into the home delivery segment?

25. In a first of its kind offering in the two-wheeler market, which company is offering replacement bikes at its service centers?

26. Which online furniture retailer has launched a new campaign titled ‘Your Furniture Knows’?

27. Uber, the online taxi hailing application, has announced the launch of which specialised service in India on December 3, which is commemorated as World Disability Day?

28. Which instant messaging-based delivery startup has acquired Instano, a Bangalore-based B2C eCommerce App that renders on-demand delivery of services over chat?

29. Which ayurveda company is making a FMCG foray, with a cosmetics and wellness range under the ‘Mantra’ brand?

30. What did Mark Zuckerberg and wife Dr. Priscilla Chan announce last week to celebrate the birth of their daughter Max (Maxima Chan Zuckerberg)?

31. Which company has acquired realtycompass, a real-estate analytics platform?

32. Global luxury firm Maison Montblanc is re-entering India in a tie-up with which company?

33. Pernod Ricard has crossed which milestone annual sales mark in India for the year ended March 2015?

34. Which multi-partner loyalty programme has launched a digital campaign called #PointKyaHai?

35. Which company has signed a non-binding agreement to sell its telecom towers to Sanjiv Ahuja-led Tillman Global Holdings and private equity buyout group TPG?

36. Which company has announced a tie-up with Didi Kuaidi, Lyft and GrabTaxi for a global ride-share partnership between the four companies?

37. Which sports property has unveiled its campaign ‘Khel Fauladi’?

38. Which media company has forayed into the online wedding market space with Special Occasion Limited?

39. Which two-wheeler brand has launched a new campaign with the theme ‘Yaarana Meelon ka’?

40. Terming it a first-of-its-kind service in the world, which company is offering its customers prepaid mobile recharge service through a missed call?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 601 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 29, 2015

Biz Quizzard 609

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 23 - 28. Hope you enjoy it.

1. In a historic merger that will create the world's biggest drug maker, which MNC has agreed to buy Botox-maker Allergan in a $160 billion deal?

2. The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, an enterprise of Bharat Hotels, is looking to make operational its first overseas property by September next year. Which city?

3. Which automobile MNC plans to introduce a new brand called Fly in a few months to target the sub-125cc segment presently dominated by Honda Activa?

4. Which MNC is celebrating the incredible spirit of 104-yr-old marathon runner Fauja Singh in an inspiring video #100andRunning?

5. Which Hindi general entertainment channel has unveiled a refreshed brand identity with the new tagline ‘Har Pal Manoranjan’?

6. Which network gear maker will buy UK-based Acano Ltd for $700 million in cash and equity awards?

7. Which global marketing research firm has launched India's first digital advertisement measurement system?

8. Which payment gateway services platform last week announced the acquisition of all the businesses of Delhi-headquartered BankSmarts Solutions for an undisclosed amount?

9. Which drug firm last week said its subsidiary Alivira Animal Health will acquire Turkey's Topkim for 20.7 million Turkisk Lira (over Rs 48 crore)?

10. Titan has joined hands with which MNC to offer a range of smart watches to be launched soon?

11. Which company has acquired a speciality distributor MedybizPharma for an undisclosed amount?

12. Which company has launched an anti-diabetic product `Dynaglipt' targeting the middle class and rural diabetic patients?

13. Which company has inked a pact with Malaysia-based Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare (Ramsay) to offer diabetes care to people in that country?

14. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has recently given its final approval allowing food processing companies to use which ‘no calorie’ natural sweetener?

15. Which UAE-based luxury chocolate brand last week introduced a first-of-its-kind camel milk chocolate in India?

16. Which company will buy Videocon Telecom's spectrum in the Uttar Pradesh (West) and Gujarat circles for Rs 3,310 crore (about $500 million) in the country's first such trading deal?

17. Which contract manufacturer has formed a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom to make smartphones, tablets and smart devices in India?

18. US-based digital marketing company Cox Automotive has acquired a minority stake in which used-car retailer in India?

19. Which Bengaluru-based company has acquired 70-room Express Sarovar Portico business hotel in Surajkund from Express Infocom?

20. Tata Motors has unveiled the name of its upcoming small hatchback, code-named Kite till now. Name the brand?

21. The consumer products arm of which media company is all set to launch cafes, in association with Funbars Hospitalty?

22. Brand Equity last week published the Most Trusted Brands 2015 ranking. Which brand has topped the list?

23. Mercedes Benz India last week drove in its fastest car globally, priced at Rs 2.4 crore (ex-showroom Delhi). Name the brand?

24. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in which Singapore-based big data company?

25. Which MNC will buy an additional 23% stake in Reliance Life Insurance from Anil Ambani group-run Reliance Capital for Rs 2,265 crore ($342 million)?

26. Which bank has launched a musical logo that will be used across its automated teller machines (ATMs), phone banking, mobile banking application and its website?

27. Which mobile handset maker has released a new ad film called #AndGeneration?

28. Ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1, which brand has launched a global campaign to help create the world's first official safe sex emoji?

29. Which mutual fund has launched a new television commercial ‘Love Note’?

30. Who has emerged as the highest paid director among the top listed private companies, taking home a pay packet of nearly Rs 44 crore last fiscal, according to proxy advisory firm InGovern?

31. Which hyperlocal marketplace has rolled out its first ever television commercial with the tagline ‘local store ko aap tak laaye!’?

32. Which retail chain has raced ahead in the consumer electronics and cellphone retailing business to become the country's largest seller of durable and technology products by revenue?

33. In a record-setting transaction, which realty developer has sold a super luxury duplex apartment in South Mumbai's tony Altamount Road locality at Rs 1.60 lakh per sq ft?

34. Which jewellery retailer from India has tied up with California-based Martian Watches for smart jewellery?

35. Which Pune-based real-estate developer has tied up with the Taj Hotels and Resorts to enter the hospitality segment?

36. Which direct insurance company has developed a digital ad campaign called 'Don't be a Boo Boo', aimed to create awareness about road safety?

37. German mechanical and plant engineering firm Dürr has acquired which Chennai-based Indian supplier?

38. Shilpa Shetty-backed company has entered the consumer electronics market with the launch of mobile phones. What has the range been branded as?

39. Which peer-to-peer international calling app has launched local calling at 19 paise a minute?

40. This is a laudable move. Which business group has launched Nyaya Bharti, a programme to legally and financially support underprivileged undertrials?

41. Revenue from online ticketing on Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) crossed which milestone mark in the year to March?

42. Which company has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% stake in Religare Health Trust Trustee Manager, a Singapore incorporated company?

43. Which lingerie and nightwear brand recently launched its first-ever print campaign titled #underfashion?

44. A two-wheeler taxi service will launch in Gurgaon on December 1, providing commuters another transportation option to cover short distances in the city. What has it been branded as?

45. Which brand has been ranked as India's most creative brand, according to a TRA Research study?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 609 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 22, 2015

Biz Quizzard 608

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 16 - 21. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC will buy Sheraton owner Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc in a $ 12.2 billion deal to create the world’s largest hotel chain?

2. Which company has won the broadcast rights of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) for five years until 2019?

3. Chivas Regal has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador and has launched its new, India-specific brand campaign called 'Win The Right Way'?

4. Which retailer in India has launched Magic Mirror, an innovative augmented reality-based dressing room?

5. Which company last week launched its own brand of instant noodles with the tagline `jhatpat banao, befikar khao'?

6. US private equity firm KKR has signed a definitive agreement to acquire over 70% stake in which Mumbai-based investment bank?

7. Which company has acquired German tyre distribution major Reifencom for 45.6 million euro (around Rs 301 crore)?

8. Which company has acquired a majority stake in Taskbucks - a mobile-only tasks marketplace, which matches consumers with brands and enterprises on its unique platform?

9. Which company has acquired a 51% stake in Chennai-based fitness chain, Inshape Health and Fitnez Pvt Ltd through an all cash-deal?

10. Who has been ranked 'most valuable star’ by editors at culture and entertainment website Vulture[dot]com?

11. Which pizza chain has tied up with PepsiCo's snack brand Kurkure to sell Kurkure pizzas at its stores?

12. Which domestic handset-maker has launched an Android-based smartphone especially designed for kids up to 15 years of age?

13. Which company plans to sell 49% of its power generation, transmission and distribution businesses related to its Mumbai operations to Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), one of the largest pension fund managers in Canada?

14. Which company is all set to launch its first integrated brand campaign titled `Har Zaroorat Poori Ho Chutki Mein, Bank Aapki Muthi Mein'?

15. Which Chinese company last week inked a MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up a Rs 2,800-crore solar cell plant at Atchutapuram in Visakhapatnam district?

16. Which advertising agency has elevated its India CEO Saurabh Varma as CEO for South Asia?

17. Which company has roped in Lisa Haydon as brand ambassador for Lacelle color contact lenses?

18. Which travel search marketplace has announced the launch of ‘Super Value Hotels’, a new meta-search across curated budget hotels on its website?

19. Which is India’s most meaningful brand, according to a study by Havas?

20. Which MNC bank has appointed has appointed Zarin Daruwala as India CEO?

21. Which healthy dining chain has acquired food delivery startup Call A Meal for an undisclosed amount?

22. Apple crossed which milestone sales mark in Indian operations for the first time in the year ended March, according to results filed with the Registrar of Companies (RoC)?

23. Which company has signed a five-year deal with the Association of Tennis Professionals for exclusive broadcast rights for all major ATP World Tour events for India and the rest of SAARC countries?

24. Which MNC last week announced the launch of 'Ek Kadam Unnati Ki Aur', an initiative aimed at working with the government to create the blueprint for the digitisation of rural India?

25. Which company has tied up with German cheese maker Hochland to import and market latter's cream cheese brand Almette in India?

26. Which beverage brand has launched a 'Facebook only' campaign talking about the various challenges of 'Mehmaan Nawaazi'?

27. Which health insurance company has announced the appointment of Ashish Mehrotra as its managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO)?

28. The cabinet has given its approval to Air India to sell four residential flats in Mumbai for Rs 90 crore. Who is the buyer?

29. Which automobile brand has launched a new brand campaign titled ‘Aaj ke zamaney ki leap’?

30. Which MNC has appointed V Raja as its new vice-chairman and managing director for India from December?

31. Which payment gateway firm has launched 'Magic Retry', a feature that will allow consumers to retry a failed transaction by simply picking up from the point where the last error message appeared?

32. Which American institutional investment firm has sold its boutique luxury property Devigarh Palace in Udaipur to former polo player and kin of Jodhpur royal family, Nikhilendra Singh?

33. Buoyed by the success of its sugar-free fizzy drink Coke Zero, Coca-Cola India is planning to test-market the zero-calorie option of which beverage brand?

34. Which online travel and hotel services provider has appointed Deepak Tuli, former co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Goibibo as its Senior Vice-President-Growth Business?

35. US-based assets management major Invesco is buying out the 51% stake of which Indian company in their mutual fund joint venture?

36. Which on-demand transportation app has tied up with MapmyIndia for a multiyear licence?

37. Which media company has entered into a strategic alliance with Shah Rukh Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment to explore opportunities in co-produced television, digital and film content?

38. Which online marketplace will bring the popular ‘Black Friday’ sale to India?

39. Which Direct-to-home (DTH) service provider has appointed Arun Kumar Kapoor as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from November 23?

40. Which company has launched anti-diabetic drug teneligliptin under the brand ‘Tenglyn’ at an aggressive price of Rs 7 per day?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 608 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 15, 2015

Biz Quizzard 607

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 09 - 14. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which car brand has become the best-ever selling model in India with a cumulative total of more than 29 lakh units sold till October 2015?

2. India’s leading social media and digital agency, Social Wavelength has changed its name. What will it be known as?

3. Which MNC last week announced a multi-billion-dollar deal to take over video streaming service Youku Tudou, China’s equivalent to YouTube?

4. Not sure if I covered this before. Which company has entered into an in-principle agreement for the strategic acquisition of the Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu from L&T Shipbuilding?

5. General Electric has won a $2.6 billion (Rs 17,250 crore) order, the biggest in it’s over 100-year history in India. Who is the client?

6. Which ecommerce major has launched a project code-named Udaan to go offline across the country?

7. Which MNC has become the first Swiss watchmaker to offer a “smartwatch" to customers?

8. Which MNC has teamed up with The Viral Fever (TVF) to roll out its latest campaign called #Goodweird?

9. US aviation major Boeing and which company last week announced a joint venture that will manufacture aerostructures for AH-64 Apache attack choppers, recently ordered by India?

10. Who is the most powerful woman in the Indian business sector, according to the latest list by Fortune India?

11. Which manufacturer of PVC profiles in India has launched a television commercial promising a #Soundproof Diwali?

12. Having entered the fruit based jelly confectionery segment with Jellicious Strawberry, Candyman has introduced its second flavor. Which flavor?

13. Which Chinese billionaire bought Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu Couché for $170.4 million last week at Christie’s in New York, making it the second- highest auction price for any artwork?

14. Which commercial vehicles manufacturer has released a video 'Yaaron ki Diwali' that addresses safe driving during the festive season?

15. Which retail chain has launched its festive campaign 'Dildaar Diwali', drawing attention to the problems faced by animals due to loud crackers?

16. Which company has acquired about 40% stake in UK-based OakNorth Bank for $100 million (Rs 660 crore), making it the lender's biggest shareholder?

17. Which online automobile classifieds firm has acquired rival CarWale from German media conglomerate Axe Springer signalling the rising consolidation in the industry segment?

18. Which taxi-booking company has acquired Geotagg, a trip-planning applications company, for an undisclosed sum to strengthen its new bus-shuttle service?

19. Which company is all set to become the first bank to offer wallet services for feature phone users in India?

20. Who has become the first Indian to be elected the vice-chairman of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the bank for global central banks which works to improve the financial stability and prescribes rules for banks across the globe?

21. The government has appointed IS Jha as chairman and managing director of which state-run transmission utility for a period of five years?

22. Sony will finally stop producing which product in March 2016, long after people stopped using them?

23. Which MNC has made a formal $107 billion offer to buy SABMiller, sealing a long-anticipated deal that combines the world's biggest brewers into a company controlling about half the industry's profit?

24. Which DTH operator has launched the 'Missed Call' campaign, featuring Kangana Ranaut and Dhanush?

25. Which menswear brand has launched its new campaign ‘Be Everything You Love’?

26. Which airline has launched a digital campaign #HamariPehliDiwali?

27. Taxi-hailing service provider Ola has launched a dedicated mobile payments app. What has it been branded as?

28. Which Indian company has signed a joint venture agreement with five South Korean cosmetic companies through their arm PLK International?

29. Which MNC bank has elevated Gunit Chadha, its co-CEO to CEO-Asia?

30. Which CEO has topped the list of top-50 global business leaders by Fortune?

31. Which IT major will train 1,000 British graduates as a part of an initiative to develop UK talent?

32. Which celebrity, with business partner Benoit Demouy, has launched her own fashion and beauty agency called Fr8me?

33. Which popular watch making company will buy fitness band maker Misfit for $260 million?

34. Which fashion brand has launched a music video ‘Tripping High’, featuring actor Arjun Kapoor?

35. Madame Tussauds’ wax museum is coming to India. Which city?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 607 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 8, 2015

Biz Quizzard 606

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 02 - 07. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company is merging the telecom business of Sistema Shyam Teleservices (SSTL) (MTS) in a cashless deal worth Rs 4,500-5000 crore?

2. Which Mumbai-based home utility services startup has acquired Zepper Services?

3. Mr Brijmohan Lall Munjal, 92, passed away on November 1st. He was the founder of which business group?

4. Which electrical appliances company has launched a new brand film ‘We are family’?

5. Which company has launched ‘Samayam’ – a news, entertainment and lifestyle content destination available in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages?

6. Which online furniture retailer has launched a new campaign “Is Diwali Kuch Badal Ke Dekhiye”?

7. Which confectionery brand has launched a new campaign with the tagline ‘Chali hawa mastani’?

8. Arre, the digital media brand from UDigital, will launch a show based on the Israeli format Re-Gender. What first is it claiming?

9. Which fast food chain has forayed into packaged products for the first in India and has tied up with online grocery delivery platform Grofers to deliver its packaged and fresh products at consumers' doorsteps?

10. The passenger vehicle unit of Tata Motors has roped in which celebrity as its global brand ambassador?

11. Which company is set to unveil a new hatchback, code-named Kite, by early December 2015?

12. YK Koo is set to become the India managing director of which automobile MNC?

13. Which MNC has agreed to acquire Visa Europe Ltd. in a deal valued at $23.4 billion?

14. Which video game maker will buy Candy Crush Saga creator King Digital Entertainment for $5.9 billion to strengthen its mobile games portfolio?

15. Ratan Tata has made a strategic investment in which US-based wi-fi first mobile virtual network operator, headed by Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia?

16. Which company is claiming to be building the world’s largest Internet of Things (IoT) network in India?

17. Which sports footwear, hardware and apparel maker has been allowed to operate fully-owned stores in the first major approval by the NDA government for 100% FDI single-brand retailing?

18. Multi Screen Media (MSM), which runs the Sony brand of channels in India, will be renamed. What will it be called?

19. Which company has sold French winery Bouvet Ladubay to an undisclosed buyer as part of its restructuring exercise?

20. Amazon[dot]com Inc is set to open its first physical book store. Which city?

21. Which pain reliever brand has roped in tennis diva Sania Mirza and Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri as its brand ambassadors?

22. Forbes Media, in partnership with Worldfone, a Maltese mobile company, has announced the launch of a mobile service for world travelers. What has it been branded as?

23. Which MNC has announced the launch of its international pet food brand 'Eukanuba' in India?

24. Which fairness brand has launched #HandsomeLife, a digital campaign, with Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador?

25. Which online furniture and home décor company has released a short film titled ‘The Homecoming’?

26. Which retail chain has launched its ‘Paper Patakha’ ad film to promote a cleaner and safer Diwali for a better tomorrow?

27. Which MNC confirmed last week that it will launch a new global luxury car brand called Genesis?

28. Angry Birds-maker Rovio has struck a carrier-billing deal with which mobile operator in India?

29. Which MNC has launched a new `On' series of handsets aimed at youth?

30. Which MNC has bagged the deal for supply of 500 MW solar power to NTPC by bidding Rs 4.63 per unit, a record low for India?

31. Which Pune-based maker of a range of pickles, condiments and ready to eat/cook products, has acquired Kolkata-based brand Elmac Agro Manufacturing Ltd for Rs 30 crore?

32. Which company has tied up with DTH service provider Airtel Digital TV to launch a movie premiere service called Miniplex?

33. Which fitness tracking wearable brand has launched its 360-degree campaign #Findyourfit in India?

34. Which MNC has agreed to buy vacation rental site HomeAway Inc for about $3.9 billion in cash and stock, in a move that could ramp up competition with apartment-sharing startup AirBnB?

35. Which sports personality has invested an undisclosed amount in Paree, an affordable brand of sanitary napkins manufactured by Noida-based Soothe Healthcare?

36. Ford India has recently crossed which milestone at its Chennai plant?

37. Which MNC has entered the Indian smartphone market by launching two devices, the Liquid Z530 and the Liquid Z630s?

38. Which US-based technology outsourcing company will buy a 53% stake in mid-tier Indian IT firm Polaris Consulting & Services for Rs 1,173 crore?

39. Which real estate website has promoted Jason Kothari as chief executive officer?

40. Which travel and visa services company has appointed Zubin Karkaria as the global chief executive officer?

41. Which 256-year-old beer brand is going vegan?

42. Which brand / initiative last week became the first non-US based brand to have a Twitter emoji?

43. Which chocolate brand has launched its ‘Badhti Dosti’ campaign?

44. Which ice-cream brand has launched its ‘Brown Is In’ commercial?

45. Which cricketer-turned-businessman is now entering the affordable luxury segment by bringing Italian designer silverware brand Greggio and German porcelain brand KAHLA to the country?

46. Which business personality will buy 49.2% stake in Quantum Advisors which operates Quantum Mutual Fund?

47. Which company has acquired Indian Realty Exchange, a mobile-first aggregator of real estate agents, for an undisclosed sum?

48. Which MNC last week launched Priv, its first Android-based device?

49. Which company has picked up a 25% stake in home beauty-services marketplace BigStylist for Rs 6.4 crore?

50. Which company has announced the acquisition of the baby-care brand “Little’s”?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 606 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 1, 2015

Biz Quizzard 605

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 26 - 31. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which telecom tower operator has joined the Wi-Fi bandwagon by incorporating a new subsidiary, Smartx Services Limited?

2. Which tile and sanitaryware maker has entered into a joint-venture agreement with Andhra Pradesh-based Anjani Tiles to set up a ceramic vitrified tiles facility in Nellore?

3. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the positioning 'Follow No One'?

4. Instagram has unveiled a new feature allowing users to post one-second video loops. What has it been branded as?

5. The investment arm of which business personality has picked up a significant minority stake in Mumbai-based Hygienic Research Institute (HRI), the owner of brand Vasmol, for about Rs 220 crore?

6. Which company has signed an agreement to acquire full stake in Mumbai-based adventure holiday company Nature Trails Resorts for an undisclosed sum?

7. Which integrated business services provider has signed a deal to buy Sri Lankan arm of human resources service provider Randstad India for an undisclosed amount?

8. Ratan Tata and Mohandas Pai have invested in which online deal-making platform?

9. Which express delivery service is set to acquire Townrush, a Bangalore-based hyperlocal delivery player?

10. Which company last week announced the acquisition of Zigwheels[dot]com, one of India’s leading auto portals, from Times Internet?

11. Which company is selling its power systems business in Canada to PTI Holdings Corporation for C$ 20 million?

12. Viacom 18 Digital Ventures, the digital arm of Viacom18, last week announced its new OTT video platform's brand name and identity. What has it been branded as?

13. Which instant messaging based delivery startup has acquired Zoyo, an artificial intelligence-based platform that allows users to shop over chat?

14. Which MNC has named Narendra Nayak as managing director for its India operations?

15. Which company has partnered with the Bhasin Group for construction of Festival City, the country's tallest composite steel structure?

16. Which yet-to-be-launched online venture has acquihired the fashion vertical of Bengaluru-based brand Eat.Shop.Love. (ESL) to power its foray into ecommerce?

17. Cadbury India has roped in south Indian actress Jyothika as brand ambassador for which brand?

18. Which luggage brand has roped in actor Varun Dhawan as brand ambassador?

19. RC Venkateish has resigned as the CEO of which DTH operator?

20. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has tied up with HDFC Bank and MasterCard in a move that will create the largest e-commerce platform in the country. What has it been branded as?

21. Which MNC unveiled its fuel cell sedan Clarity at the 44th Tokyo Auto Show?

22. Which company has launched FooGo, a new food discovery and delivery app at the Mumbai and Delhi airports?

23. Which MNC has launched a digital film #25Everyday to mark its 25th year in India?

24. Flipkart has partnered with which retailer to showcase its exclusive phone portfolio in retail stores across India?

25. Which two-wheeler brand has launched its newest campaign ‘Make Life a sport’?

26. Times Network last week launched India's first real estate and property business television channel. What has it been branded as?

27. Which company has agreed to acquire 51% stake in marquee Delhi-based Saket City Hospital (SCH) for about Rs 350 crore from Smart Health City, a Singapore-based company of the BK Modi Group?

28. Which company has acquired PowerObjects, a US-based provider of Microsoft Dynamics customer resource management solution, for $46 million, or about Rs 299 crore?

29. Rajeev Bakshi will step down as the India managing director of which MNC retailer by the end of January 2016?

30. Which company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire supply chain software and services company Interactive Business Information Systems Inc (IBIS) for $14 million (Rs 92crore)?

31. Which company is all set to become the first Indian media and entertainment company to foray into theatre production?

32. Which newly-launched brand has launched its first ad campaign 'Goodness Ki Shuruaat'?

33. Which Fashion focused etailer has appointed former Benetton India MD Sanjeev Mohanty as its chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD), effective early December 2015?

34. Century Textiles & Industries has named which business personality as its vice chairman, an ascension that was due for a while?

35. Which radio broadcaster has joined hands with the Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL) to set up a custom-produced 24x7 airport radio station - the first in India?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 605 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 25, 2015

Biz Quizzard 604

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 19 - 24. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which smartphone maker is the new title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL)?

2. Which advertising firm has acquired majority stake in Fountainhead Entertainment, a Mumbai-based entertainment, events and activation agency?

3. The ET Awards for Corporate Excellence 2015 were announced last week. Who is the Business Leader for the Year?

4. Which business group is planning to list its Mauritius-based holding company for carbon black, SKI Carbon Black (India) in overseas markets?

5. Which Denmark-based pump solutions company has entered the Indian market and is offering its products through its distributor Seashell Marine in Kakinada?

6. After years of intense lobbying with several countries, China has finally bagged its first ever overseas bullet train project. Which country?

7. Which brand was the most successful launch in India in 2014, according to The Strategist Brand Derby by Business Standard?

8. Which shampoo brand has launched a new campaign aimed at the cricket obsessed Indian guy?

9. Which real estate aggregator platform has acquired Oryden Tech Labs, a creative & design studio based out of Ahmedabad for an undisclosed amount?

10. Which company will buy Noah Consulting, which provides information management consulting services in the oil and gas sector, for $70 million in cash?

11. Which company has acquired Bengaluru-based privately held engineering services firm, Concept to Silicon Systems (C2SiS)?

12. Which electrical goods company has launched a campaign with the positioning ‘Built for Young Energy’?

13. Which skin care / beauty care brand has launched a new campaign featuring actress Genelia Deshmukh?

14. Swedish contract drug manufacturing firm Recipharm has acquired 74% equity stake in which Indian privately held sterile injectable manufacturing firm for 671 crore?

15. Which celebrity has launched her own fashion private label brand called “All About You” on fashion app Myntra?

16. Which company has launched an intra-city logistics aggregator platform called SmartShift, which will act as an exchange platform for cargo owners and transporters?

17. Which taxi aggregator has forged a global alliance with Europe's taxi service, Taxis G7, to launch eCab in India?

18. Which startup has roped in LinkedIn India’s Managing Director Nishant Rao, as its Chief Operating Officer, with effect from November 2015?

19. Which global leader in dermatology has forayed into therapeutic hair care category in India with the launch of Qilib?

20. Which company will acquire the external IT business of the Volvo Group for $138 million (Rs 895 crore)?

21. Which celebrity has launched an online gifting e-commerce brand named sendmygift[dot]com?

22. Which global integrated financial house is all set to launch its new television commercial, titled "When is the right time?"?

23. Which Indian IT major has formed a global alliance partnership with Tableau Software?

24. Which MNC has launched a new television commercial as part of its ongoing ‘Pay with Confidence’ campaign?

25. Which tower company will buy a 51% stake in India's Viom Networks in the largest inbound acquisition so far this fiscal year?

26. Arun Sawhney will retire as the CEO of which pharma company on October 31?

27. Which company has promoted COO Bimal Dayal as CEO designate with immediate effect?

28. Which company will acquire Goldman Sachs' Indian mutual fund business for Rs 243 crore?

29. Which celebrity has announced his association with DCtex Furnishings and has curated a new upholstery and curtain collection, `Iconic', and `Dream Runner', launched last week?

30. Which MNC will buy memory chip maker SanDisk Corp, led by India-born Sanjay Mehrotra, in a deal valued at about $19 billion?

31. Which hospitality major has announced its partnership with wellness expert and ex Miss Universe Lara Dutta as the newest Asia Pacific well-being brand advocate?

32. Which Indian drug manufacturer has signed a deal with Johnson & Johnson to buy seven of its brands in the dermatology, antiemetic and pain management segments?

33. Hong Kong-listed women's footwear retailer C.banner International Holdings will buy which 255-year-old British toy shop for around £100 million ($154.32 million)?

34. YouTube will launch a $10-a-month subscription option in the United States on October 28 that will allow viewers to watch videos from across the site without interruption from advertisements. What has it been branded as?

35. Ratan Tata and credit card player American Express have made an undisclosed investment in which US-based digital currency startup?

36. Which company will soon launch Devaaya, an atta (flour) brand, which will be marketed as toxic metal free?

37. Which online marketplace for puja material and services including booking of priests, launched last week, has roped in actress Ameesha Patel as its brand ambassador?

38. Which beer brand has unveiled its new commercial featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond as part of its integrated global ‘Spectre’ campaign?

39. Which jewellery retailer has launched a new television commercial featuring Deepika Padukone and her parents?

40. Former Igate HR head Srinivas Kandula will be the new India CEO of which MNC?

41. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has crossed which sales milestone during the Navratra-Dusshera period?

42. Which actress has had a pair of jeans named after her following the collaboration with the brand New York and Company?

43. Which actress is now officially a store owner after opening her first draper James Retail outlet in Nashville, Tennessee, USA?

44. Which Indian IT major has partnered Symantec to provide analytics-driven security services?

45. Which company last week inaugurated its first BusZone, an exclusive bus dealership near Chennai?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 604 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 18, 2015

Biz Quizzard 603

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 12 - 17. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which country is the most valued nation brand, according to the latest report by London-based Brand Finance?

2. Which cosmetics major recently revealed its local sustainability initiatives of ‘Sharing Beauty With All’ (SBWA) for India?

3. Which Singapore-based private equity firm has purchased a controlling stake of over 51% in domestic auto components maker SJS Enterprises for an estimated Rs 350 crore?

4. In one of the largest healthcare deals in West Asia, which Dubai-based Indian billionaire has acquired majority stake in Sanad hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for Rs 1,600 crore?

5. Which atta (wheat flour) brand has released its new campaign with the theme, ‘Khali pet jung nahi jeeti jaati’?

6. Which online marketplace held its ‘Bigger than the Biggest Thank You Sale’ between October 5 and 10, 2015 in celebration of reaching 1 crore customers?

7. Which telecom MNC has appointed Sharad Mehrotra as chief executive officer of India operations?

8. Who has won this year’s Nobel memorial prize in economic sciences for “his analysis of consumption, poverty and welfare”?

9. Which MNC has made its first acquisition in India by taking over Bengaluru-based IT security company Pawaa for an undisclosed amount?

10. Which MNC has agreed to buy data storage company EMC Corp in a $67-billion record technology deal?

11. The Economic Times, in association with IIM Udaipur and Futurescape, released its 'The Best Companies for CSR' ranking last week. Which company has topped the list?

12. Which food and beverage company is working with a licensing partner to market a line of mobile phones and accessories in China in the next few months?

13. Which MNC has said it will take bookings of its premium sports utility vehicle Trailblazer exclusively on Amazon[dot]in?

14. Which travel company has acquired British hotel booking portal LateRooms[dot]com from German rival TUI Group for £8.5 million (about Rs 84 crore)?

15. Which company has acquired Canada's Zalicus Pharmaceuticals, a company engaged in the development of a pain management drug candidate coded Z944?

16. Which company in the power sector has appointed N Venugopala Rao as its chief executive officer?

17. According to a report published by Nasscom in association with research firm Zinnov, India has overtaken which country to become the third largest startup base?

18. Which airline last week said that it will restart the world’s longest 19-hour flight service?

19. Which media company has become the first Indian music curator for Apple Music?

20. Which organization has launched a recruitment campaign with the positioning ‘Live a life less ordinary’?

21. Which dairy company has announced its brand association with celebrity chef Ranveer Brar?

22. Aijaz Tobaccowalla has resigned as the India managing director of which drug major?

23. Which MNC has rolled out a new campaign, ‘Chance Pe Dance’, to promote its washing machine exchange offer?

24. Which company is venturing into regional cinema production and has signed a deal with Eros International for co-producing a Marathi movie, Guru, which will be released in January 2016?

25. Which MNC is setting up its first elevator manufacturing facility in India at Pune?

26. Which Hong Kong-based heavy duty truck maker has partnered with recently established Hyderabad-based Overland Trucking Pvt Ltd to introduce its range of mining trucks in India?

27. Which internet-based TV streaming service provider last week officially entered Indian market with 200 plus channels in 12 languages?

28. Which multi-brand certified used car company has acquired the business assets of pre-insurance inspection services firm Autorisk Management Services?

29. Paytm has introduced which new payment option in its Wallet app that can be used by any shopkeeper or taxi driver to accept digital payments without internet connection?

30. Which chief executive is the only Indian among the world’s 100 top CEOs in the Harvard Business Review’s (HBR’s) ‘Best Performing CEOs in the World’ report?

31. Which MNC last week launched its luxury SUV ‘GLE’ in India?

32. Which MNC has replaced Hyundai as the automobile partner with the International Cricket Council (ICC)?

33. Which MNC has appointed Omid Kordestani, a former chief business officer of Google, as its new executive chairman?

34. Which well known advertising personality recently launched his book 'Pandeymonium' in Mumbai?

35. Which cement brand has launched its new campaign, featuring wrestler 'The Great Khali'?

36. Which hotel has been declared the best palace hotel in the world for 2015 by Trip Advisor, based on traveller feedback from around the world?

37. Which MNC has agreed to sell a major chunk of its U.S. commercial lending business to Wells Fargo & Co?

38. Which company has announced the launch of 'Mexitos' - a new brand in the Nacho chips segment?

39. Maruti Suzuki has launched a campaign to promote a limited edition variant of Swift. What has it been sub-branded as?

40. Which city has been ranked world No. 1 in office rental yields, according to a Knight Frank Global Cities report released last week?

41. Which company has roped in stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma (for North) and Baahubali actor Rana Daggubati (for South) to promote its new Bolt range of entry-level smartphones?

42. Which 80-year old iconic pumps brand has roped in actors Om Puri and Rohini Hattangadi as audio brand ambassadors?

43. Which hospitality company is making its India debut with the signing of a management agreement with Moonriver Resorts to operate a resort in Munnar?

44. Mahindra Two Wheelers last week launched a 300 cc bike in the country. What has it been branded as?

45. Which automobile MNC has launched its high performance M range in India?

46. Which iconic brand in India has come up with the first-ever interactive activity book for young audiences called 'Blippable', by associating with Blippar, the augmented reality platform?

47. On the eve of international 'No Bra Day', which online content creator executed a campaign called #BinBraDin to create awareness about breast cancer?

48. Which company last week rolled out two new products - the Supro Van in the passenger van segment and the Supro Maxitruck in load carrier category?

49. Which 90-year-old Mumbai-based fragrance company has got Sebi nod for its Rs 500-crore maiden IPO?

50. Which business group last week entered the pure-play ecommerce space by launching a fashion portal, abof[dot]com, which sells about 55 brands, including those of the parent group?

51. Which company is planning to launch its own brand of 4G smartphones under the brand ‘LYF’?

52. Which company has sold its entire 71.19 per cent stake in Swaraj Automotives Ltd (SAL), a manufacturer of seats and seat mechanisms, to b4S Solutions for Rs 24.84 crore?

53. Which business group has launched its UUS Home Design Studio in Phoenix Market City Mall in Pune?

54. Marico has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador to introduce its next-generation Livon Serum?

55. TVS Motor has roped in which celebrity as “Brand Philosophy Evangelist” for its scooterette ‘Jupiter’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 603 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 11, 2015

Biz Quizzard 602

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 05 - 10. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which business personality has become the first Indian national to buy a wine farm in South Africa?

2. ITC will make its debut in the dairy market this Diwali. Which product and under which brand?

3. Which MNC has acquired Irish video game engine and 3D physics provider Havok from Intel?

4. European networks TERN (Television Entertainment Reality Network) SES has tied up with which company to launch Insight, a UHD (ultra- high definition) factual entertainment channel, in India?

5. Which business group has signed an initial agreement to buy two ready to build coal-fired power plants from Welspun Group for Rs 400 crore?

6. Which premium lifestyle brand has unveiled its new campaign with the baseline ‘Join the Labellion’?

7. Which diamond brand has rolled out a new ad campaign in India – ‘It’s A Long Journey to Become the One’?

8. Which Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) is making its first foray into international format with ‘I Can Do That’?

9. Which brand has launched its new film ‘Last’, which celebrates not only the last athlete who crosses the finish line, but also the imperfect journey of every runner?

10. In what is possibly the single largest philanthropic donation by the Indian-American community, which couple has announced a $100 million gift to New York University's School of Engineering?

11. Which MNC has filed a patent application titled "Lightguide With Multiple In-Coupling Holograms For Head Wearable Display"?

12. Which ecommerce major is opening a fulfillment centre in Hyderabad, its largest so far and 16th warehouse in the country?

13. Tata Chemicals will create a new umbrella brand for its foods portfolio. Name the brand?

14. Which fund is picking up a minority stake in SportyBeans that runs multi-sports programmes for children?

15. Which business process management and technology startup has acquired US-based Benchmark Systems, a healthcare applications services provider, in an all-cash deal?

16. Which MNC last week named co-founder Jack Dorsey as its permanent CEO?

17. Which MNC has rolled out its new brand campaign, ‘Crafted for Car Lovers’?

18. Which agency and Encompass are coming together to form what they claim will be the largest BTL (below-the-line) marketing network in India?

19. Which premium fabric brand last week launched two new ranges of premium shirting fabrics, called Immaculate and Tencel?

20. Which brand is the world’s most valuable brand, according to Interbrand’s 16th annual Best Global Brands report?

21. Ashok Vemuri has quit as the CEO of which IT company?

22. Microsoft last week unveiled its first laptop. What has it been branded as?

23. Which chocolate brand has launched a new brand identity, including a new brand descriptor 'the golden experience'?

24. Which company has claimed to have become India’s first ‘Water Positive’ infrastructure company?

25. Which international airline has unveiled an all-digital Diwali campaign on a global scale on October 1?

26. Flipkart has launched a grocery delivery service on Google Play store. What has it been branded as?

27. Which online classifieds portal has launched its first ever buyer-focused campaign through two TVCs, ‘Start-up nahi, Start Ab’ and ‘Friends ke saath life set kar’?

28. Japanese housing and building materials trading firm Sumitomo Forestry has bought a 26% stake in which company for about $14 million (Rs 91 crore), making it the first foreign direct investment in furniture manufacturing in the country?

29. Sports broadcaster ESPN, owned by ABC and an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Co, has signed a “long term multi-year agreement” with which media company in India?

30. How many families from India feature in Forbes Asia's inaugural ranking of the top 50 Asian business dynasties?

31. In a first, which telecom company in India is offering free life insurance to all its customers?

32. Which celebrity is set to take control of Kerala Blasters, the Kochi-based Indian Super League (ISL) franchise, by raising his stake?

33. Which business group has entered into a partnership with Abraaj Group to build a large scale renewable energy platform by focusing on developing utility-scale solar power plants in India?

34. Which international tyre major is looking to enter two-wheeler segment in India, as it aims to become a leading player in the country?

35. Which kids channel is all set to launch HD feed and will become India’s first HD channel in the kids’ entertainment space?

36. Maruti Suzuki India has rolled out a limited edition of Alto K10. What has it been sub-branded as?

37. Which two-wheeler brand has launched a campaign titled ‘Khushiyon Ka Jackpot’?

38. Which company has acquired a majority stake in Australia-based Transtar International Freight?

39. Tourism New Zealand has roped in which actor as the brand ambassador for India?

40. Phone directory app Truecaller’s user base in India has crossed which milestone mark?

41. Which company has said it will sell its stake in CG Lucy Switchgear to its UK-based joint venture partner for over Rs 42 crore?

42. Gajanan Pendharkar, 81, died in Mumbai last week. He was the chairman of which company?

43. Fashion brand Louis Philippe has made a foray into high-end watches under which brand?

44. Which handset maker last week forayed into the into the laptop segment with the launch of ‘Lapbook’?

45. Which Bengaluru-based lifestyle brand has entered the lucrative fashion apparel and accessories market with the launch of its ‘Collection One’ range?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 602 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 4, 2015

Biz Quizzard 601

 Prepare for Tata Crucible with Biz Quizzard. Are you planning to participate in Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz 2015 and want to brush up on your current affairs? Biz Quizzard is sharing its archives. Get access to one year of Biz Quizzard editions for Rs 1500. 52 weeks (starting August 4, 2014), more than 2200 questions along with answers. For full details, please contact on rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com . Sample question (Q 5, Biz Quizzard 545) : Japan's Panasonic has joined hands with which business group to develop a compact water purification system for India? Answer: Tata Group     

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 28 - October 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Land Rover has come out with its first armored vehicle, priced at a whopping €4,00,000. What has it been branded as?

2. Switchgear products and fan maker Standard, a part of Havells India, has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

3. Which chat-based personal assistant app will acquire Mumbai-based startup Niffler for an undisclosed amount?

4. According to a report last week, India Inc’s equity fund raising has already crossed which mark in 2015 so far?

5. Which online marketplace has rolled out a new communication campaign ‘Get Real’ to educate the stakeholders on the negative effects of selling or promoting fake products?

6. Not sure if I have covered this before. In what could be the first listing of an Indian software products company in nearly one and half decade, which security software firm plans to raise Rs 1,000-1,200 crore through an initial public offer?

7. Which lingerie and nightwear brand has released a new digital campaign about women innerwear taboos, featuring copywriter-turned-comedian Neeti Palta?

8. Which MNC has ended its 12-year third-party manufacturing contract with Kolkata-based SAJ Food Products?

9. Online hotel aggregator Goibibo[dot]com has launched a budget accommodation platform. What has it been branded as?

10. China's largest transportation app Didi Kuaidi has invested in which Indian ride hailing app?

11. According to a report last week, India has overtaken which country as the largest consumer of cashew?

12. Which company has launched a new television commercial for its latest diamond jewellery collection offering, Zuhur?

13. Which information technology services company has acquired the IT business of Blue Star Infotech for Rs 181 crore?

14. Which Indian company has declared its Brazilian unit bankrupt and has filed for protection in the country?

15. Which US-based IT services company has acquired Chennai-based Sybrant Technologies for an undisclosed amount?

16. Which online furniture marketplace has announced the acquisition of 53central[dot]com, a crowd bargaining platform that enables group buying options for sports enthusiasts worldwide?

17. Which German publisher will buy a further 88 percent of news website Business Insider for $343 million?

18. Which online ethnic store has rolled out an integrated campaign, with the soundtrack 'Aaj Jane Ki Zidd Na Karo'?

19. Zee is launching a television channel for French-speaking African audiences. What has it been branded as?

20. In what is claimed to be the biggest transaction for any single end-user commercial real estate sale in India, which MNC has bought 4.35 lakh sq ft in Godrej BKC at Mumbai for Rs 1,479 crore?

21. Which American fashion designer is stepping down as chief executive officer in his namesake company?

22. Which MNC has agreed deals to expand sales of its Cailler premium chocolate brand worldwide, marking its entry into the global super-premium chocolate segment?

23. Which company has signed a three-year bat endorsement deal with Indian cricketer Suresh Raina?

24. Which company has acquired the business assets of the pharmaceutical manufacturing unit of Acacia Life sciences located at Visakhapatnam on a going concern basis?

25. Looks like it is raining records in commercial real estate. Which business group is claiming to have struck the country's biggest-ever single asset real estate deal when it bought over Larsen and Toubro's Elante Mall in Chandigarh for Rs 1,785 crore recently?

26. Which MNC, in partnership with filmmakers Ridley Scott, Richie Mehta and Anurag Kashyap, will come out with a film project titled ‘India in a Day’ that will capture the essence of evolving India over a 24-hour period?

27. In a first, auto-major Maruti Suzuki is planning to send cars manufactured in Gurgaon and Manesar, near Delhi, to Kolkata via which transport mode on a pilot basis in October?

28. Which personality from the automobile industry has been honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA), 2015?

29. Which Taiwanese smartphone major has partnered with Foxconn and will start local manufacturing of smartphones at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh?

30. Which bank has become the first institution worldwide to launch mVisa - a card-less and device-less solution the payments company is betting on in the mobile space?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 601 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

September 27, 2015

Biz Quizzard 600



Biz Quizzard has touched a new milestone with this edition - 600 weeks without a single break. Would like to thank each one of you for being part of this journey.


Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 21 - 26. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Delhi-based real estate firm CDR Group has teamed up with which celebrity and family to buy the Punjab team in the Pro Wrestling League, an IPL-style wrestling event involving top Indian and international wrestlers?

2. Anand Mahindra, Punj Lloyd founder Uday Punj, BookMyShow's Ashish Hemrajani and New York-based Sanjeev Mehra are investing in which mobile-only food marketplace application?

3. Which MNC has shut down Movida India, its mobile payment venture in India?

4. In what is said to be the biggest single asset acquisition in India's hospitality sector, which company is selling its marquee property in Goa to Malaysia’s MetTube Sdn Bhd for Rs 725 crore?

5. Which state is set to house India's first national investment and manufacturing zone?

6. Which real estate portal has ‘acqui-hired’ Plat and BigBHK to strengthen its products and rope in talent from the industry?

7. Taxi-hailing app Uber is launching its carpooling service in India. What has it been branded as?

8. Which Swiss banking group has finally set up shop in India, almost three years after acquiring DSP Merrill Lynch's domestic wealth management business?

9. Which company has secured the high-profile contract to develop and operate the technology platform for the proposed goods and services tax (GST)?

10. Which company last week elevated SN Subrahmanyan as the deputy managing director and president?

11. Kerala-based luxury property developer Prime Meridian has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

12. Which MNC has launched a new commercial, titled 'A part of India's life for 100 years', celebrating 100 years in India?

13. Which automobile MNC has appointed Vikram Pawah as the new Managing Director (MD) of its India operations with immediate effect?

14. Which company has signed a binding agreement with Lighthouse Minerals Holdings Pty to sell the Mt Gordon Copper mine in Australia for A$5 million (about Rs 23 crore) cash?

15. Who has been elected as the new chairman of the US India Business Council (USIBC), the apex advocacy group for India and American companies in the US?

16. Which brand has become the first to get a custom Twitter emoji?

17. Which matrimony portal has recently unveiled its brand new identity and launched a new campaign ‘My conditions apply’?

18. Which media group has unveiled the first look of its e-commerce portal, Gadgets 360?

19. According to a report last week, actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan will endorse a textile showroom brand. Which brand and why is this news special?

20. Which bank has launched a campaign highlighting its positioning ‘Aapka Bhala, Sabki Bhalai’?

21. Which Bengaluru-based company has acquired the four-star business hotel Aura Grande in Mumbai for Rs 100 crore?

22. Which e-commerce firm has partnered with educational loans provider Credila to offer customised educational loans to students at the click of a mouse for the first time in the country?

23. US-based Retail Royalty Company has filed a trademark infringement case in the Delhi High Court against which company?

24. Which textile manufacturer has entered into a joint venture with Scotland-based clothing merchant Holland & Sherry for trading and distribution of premium fabrics in India?

25. Which optic fibre and telecom cable maker has agreed to acquire Elitecore Technologies in a deal that puts the telecom software product firm's enterprise value at Rs 180 crore?

26. Martin Winterkorn has stepped down as the CEO of which MNC?

27. Telecom service provider Uninor has been rebranded. What is the new brand?

28. Which brand last week offered what it claimed as the world's biggest ladoo at Andhericha Raja Ganesh Pandal in Mumbai?

29. Which company will be included in the NSE’s Nifty Midcap 50 index, replacing Aditya Birla Nuvo from the next month?

30. Who has been named India’s richest in Forbes magazine’s latest India rich list?

31. Instagram has crossed which user base milestone?

32. Which personal care manufacturer has announced a strategic partnership with Cartoon Network Enterprises to launch 'DENVER Superman' Deodorants in India?

33. Which company has rolled out an integrated brand campaign, featuring Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for LED lighting?

34. Which company has launched a range of professional salon facial products under the Oxlife brand for men and women?

35. In a rare management buyout deal in the country's corporate landscape, the head of which MNC bank’s India wealth management operation is buying the business from it?

36. Which company has announced the sale of its indirectly owned subsidiary in Malaysia - Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd - for an enterprise value of $500 million to Pandawa Sakti?

37. Italy's Enel Green Power has bought a controlling stake in which wind power generation company for Rs 220 crore, marking its entry into India?

38. Which Kolkata-based group is buying the 65-room Pearl Inn Hotel in Hyderabad for Rs 27 crore?

39. Which company has announced the appointment of R S Sharma, former CMD of NTPC and MD of Jindal Power, as its managing director?

40. Facebook has renamed Internet.org, its free Internet platform. What is the new name?

41. Which natural blood purifier brand has launched a campaign titled 'I Hate You Mom'?

42. Which domestic textile player has announced a joint venture with leading Italian lifestyle brand Cadini?

43. Digital wallet payment service provider Oxigen Services India has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

44. The government has firmed up plans to bring down its holding in which bank to 49%?

45. Bajaj Auto last week launched its much-awaited quadricycle, meant only for export markets for now. What has it been branded as?

46. Which private equity entity has picked up a minority stake in Creative Lifestyles, the flagship company of the Mumbai-based Creative Garments group?

47. Which company has signed an agreement to buy the exclusive intellectual property rights (IPR) of fondaparinux sodium for $17.5 million in cash, from its current owner Alchemia Ltd?

48. Actors Swara Bhaskar, Tena Desae and Rajkumar Rao can be seen in the latest ad of which dairy brand?

49. Aamir Khan has donned the role of a ‘shayar’ in the new campaign for which brand?

50. Which brand was last week launched with the claim of being the costliest locally assembled car in the country?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 600 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

September 20, 2015

Biz Quizzard 599


Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 14 - 19. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which business personality has bought the US consulate's South Mumbai property, Lincoln House at Breach Candy for Rs 750 crore?

2. Online lingerie retailer Zivame has become the latest startup to get funded by which business personality?

3. Which online healthcare platform has acquired hospital information management company Insta Health for $12 million (Rs`80 crore)?

4. Which New York-based private equity (PE) major's real estate division has agreed to buy 100% equity stake in Gurgaon-based builder Alpha G: Corp for Rs 1,600 crore?

5. Which company has announced its decision to sell its tyre business at Haridwar to JK Tyre & Industries and JK Asia Pacific Singapore Pte Ltd. for Rs.2,195 crore?

6. Which airline has signed a 1-year deal with BCCI to fly the Indian cricket team on their domestic and international travel?

7. Which hybrid managed marketplace for Stays in India has unveiled a new brand campaign, ‘Make Room for Something New’, along with the launch of its mobile app?

8. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is bringing back which Ayurveda brand and going mainstream with its first exclusive e-commerce launch in India?

9. Which company has become the first to commercially deploy indigenously developed energy monitoring technology by Telecom Center of Excellence (TCOE) at 500 mobile towers?

10. Who has topped the list of ‘25 Most Powerful Women in Asia-Pacific’, prepared by the global magazine Fortune?

11. Budget hotels marketplace OYO Rooms has launched a new brand, a women's exclusive for women travellers with all-women staff and special amenities for women. Name the brand?

12. Federal Brands has filed a suit against which US apparel company for infringement of copyright and sought damages of Rs 75 crore after the latter launched a global marketing campaign?

13. Talent management company WMEIMG has acquired The Miss Universe Organization from which business personality?

14. The $17-billion Mahindra Group has forayed into e-commerce with the launch of its virtual mall. What has it been branded as?

15. Murugappa Group company EID Parry India will introduce a new sugar brand, described as 100 per cent natural cane sugar. Name the brand?

16. Which networking major has embarked on Project IndiaG (G = Growth) to more than double its India revenue over the next three-five years?

17. Which Indian company has signed a deal with Australian pharmaceutical company Hatchtech, to develop Xeglyze lotion, a head lice product?

18. Which paint brand has launched a digital campaign ‘Make Room for the NEU’?

19. Which Indian fabric manufacturer last week announced a tie-up with Pakistan's ethnic designer brand Sana Safinaz?

20. Which state has topped the World Bank’s first ever ranking of States on the ease of doing business in India?

21. Cross platform note-taking app Evernote has crossed which milestone user mark in India?

22. Which automobile brand has roped in Telugu actor Prabhas (of Bahubali fame) as brand ambassador?

23. Which mobile point-of-sale (mPoS) technology solution has been acquired by payments and remittances company, Suvidhaa Infoserve, in an all-cash deal estimated to be close to Rs 3 crore?

24. Fred DeLuca, 67, died last week. He was the co-founder of which fast-food chain?

25. Which hospitality major is planning to introduce Tribute Portfolio, its upscale brand targeting independent hotels, in India by next year?

26. Which business personality has made a personal investment in Bengaluru-based startup Mubble that offers solutions to help users track and control their telecom spends?

27. Which wires and cable company has rolled out a new TV campaign with positioning ‘Connection Bachat Ka, Connection Zindagi Ka’ and featuring actor Paresh Rawal?

28. Which MNC has launched a new video, 'Shout', based on the famous 'toga party' scene from the movie 'Animal House'?

29. Which company last week rolled out an online-specific credit card SimplyCLICK in association with seven partners including Amazon India, BookMyShow and Cleartrip?

30. Super luxury car maker Rolls-Royce last week unveiled its new open-top model that is likely to be launched in India next year. What has it been branded as?

31. Which MNC has increased its stake in UEM India, an international water services company based in Noida, to 80%?

32. Which MNC is reacquiring Serco BPO, India's third-largest business process outsourcing company, for a consideration of £250 million (Rs`2,558 crore)?

33. Which business group has hired Cynthia Carroll, the former head of Anglo American, as chairwoman of its holding company?

34. Which pharmaceutical company will acquire US-based eyecare firm InSite Vision for around $48 million (around Rs 300 crore), plus related debt and other transaction costs?

35. Which Bengaluru-based venture, backed by Indian-American entrepreneur & investor Vinod Khosla, last week launched a consumer mobile wallet?

36. Apus Group, one of the world’s biggest Android application development companies, has formed a partnership with which Indian mobile advertising network?

37. Which company is planning the launch of a new colouring initiative named ‘Express Painting’?

38. Which MNC has signed an agreement with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd (LTMRHL) for ‘pouring rights’ at all Hyderabad metro rail stations?

39. Which beverage brand has launched a video, resurrecting an old footage of tennis ace Serena Williams, with the message 'win from within'?

40. In a move seen as one of the most far-reaching initiatives on financial inclusion since bank nationalisation in the late 1960s, RBI last week granted small bank licences to how many companies?

41. Which company and BBC Worldwide have entered into a joint venture to bring BBC Earth, a new premium factual channel, to the Indian audiences?

42. Which jewellery e-tailer has launched its first advertising campaign 'My First Time'?

43. Which cloud computing services provider has announced the takeover of US-based NexAge Technologies, which specializes in the life sciences sector, for $3 million?

44. Sunil Duggal will take over as the new CEO of which company with effect from October 1, 2015?

45. Which company has bought out Firefox Bikes for an undisclosed sum in an all-cash deal, to tap into the growing premium bicycle market in the country?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 599 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli