March 27, 2016

Biz Quizzard 626

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

1. Which company hit the capital markets last week to mop up Rs 450 crore through an initial public offer (IPO), becoming the first e-commerce firm in India to do so?

2. Which sports personality and Franchise India Holding have started a venture `Shooting Star' that will invest in startups?

3. According to a report last week, the per capita income in India will cross which milestone mark in FY17?

4. Which hair care brand has launched a new digital campaign #KhulKeKheloHoli?

5. Which brand has launched its new campaign #FeelLoveUseHate, featuring brand ambassador Virat Kohli?

6. Which company has launched a television commercial, featuring actor Radhika Apte, to promote its dairy whitener brand ‘Dailycous’?

7. Which ICT and telecommunication solutions company has roped in Lionel Messi as its latest global brand ambassador?

8. Which telecom company has signed a deal with American Tower Corporation (ATC) for selling some 1,350 of its towers in Tanzania for roughly $180 million (about Rs 1,194 crore)?

9. Which global media agency is launching a new tool called LIVE Panel in 30 markets, including the US, UK and India?

10. Apple last week unveiled a smaller, cheaper iPhone aimed at new buyers, especially in emerging markets and China. What has it been branded as?

11. Which small cap (SME) growth and buyout fund has sold its majority stake in Pune-based Spear Logistics to FM Logistic, a leading international logistics provider?

12. Foodpanda former managing director Rohit Chadda-led multi-channel offline payment platform Paylo(dot)in last week acquired which in-restaurant payment app for an undisclosed sum?

13. Which Indian online mutual funds investment platform has been ranked No. 2 among the 50 most effective financial services brands in terms of using the LinkedIn platform?

14. In what is reportedly the largest capital infusion by risk investors into a tech-backed education company, which Bengaluru-based company has raised around Rs 465 crore in equity funding?

15. India’s biggest multiplex chain PVR Ltd and which mobile payments and e-commerce platform last week announced a strategic partnership to sell PVR’s movie tickets on the latter’s platform?

16. Which US paint retailer has agreed to buy rival Valspar Corp. for about $ 9.3 billion in cash to become the world’s biggest coatings maker?

17. Which buyout firm has agreed to buy Airbus Group SE’s defence electronics business for € 1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) as the European plane maker reorganises it’s military and space operations?

18. What is Maruti Suzuki giving to the early buyer customers who bought the 1.6-litre variant of premium crossover, the S-Cross?

19. Which chocolate brand has launched a television commercial to promote its new range for the upcoming movie ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’?

20. Which brand has launched the campaign ‘India ki Pehli Sawaari'?

21. Which celebrity has become a shareholder and brand ambassador of domestic original equipment manufacturer Smartron?

22. Which BPO transport service provider has closed the acquisition of taxi aggregator Bookmycab for an undisclosed amount?

23. Which beverage brand has kick started its innovative appointment-drinking plans, with the launch of the Thandai (an almond-flavoured beverage) for North India timed around Holi?

24. Mahindra & Mahindra last week named its forthcoming SUV. What is it?

25. Mr Andy Grove died last week at the age of 79. He was former chairman and CEO of which MNC?

26. Which company last week forayed into the dairy business with the launch of its branded milk – Saboro – in Indore?

27. Which company has acquired Chennai-based Qarth Technologies, an IIT-Madras incubated start-up, for an undisclosed amount?

28. Digital agency Razorfish and the music streaming service Saavn, in partnership with which company, have released a brand-dedicated streaming radio station on Saavn called Road Tripping?

29. Which celebrity was last week roped in as the new face of contemporary ethnic wear brand Melange by Lifestyle?

30. Which two CEOs of Indian companies feature in Barrons top 30 list of global chief executive officers (CEOs)?

31. Which online furniture retailer recently unveiled four eclectic looks styled and curated by actor Kalki Koechlin during the course of its 10-days long mega furniture and home decor festival?

32. Which company last week announced picking up of 60% stake in Sri Lankan bicycle manufacturer BSH Ventures?

33. Which Indian company has teamed up with multinational drug giant AstraZeneca to promote and distribute the latest generation ant diabetes drug dapagliflozin under the brand name Oxra?

34. Which company has acquired seed potato grower Technico Agri Sciences, India (Technico India)?

35. Which company is the only Indian online finance site among the top 10 worldwide in terms of traffic, according to SimilarWeb, a market intelligence company?

36. Which business personality has decided to step down as the chairman of pharma major Sanofi India, nearly 33 years after he assumed the post?

37. Which domestic card payment service provider will be venturing into the credit card space this September?

38. Which Japanese tyre maker has agreed to buy out Alliance Tire Group (ATG), controlled by US private equity giant KKR, for about $1.2 billion?

39. Which American-Chinese food chain plans to make an India entry in partnership with JSM?

40. Which bank has become the first lender to start distribution of recently launched Indian Gold Coins (IGC)?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 626 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

March 20, 2016

Biz Quizzard 625

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

1. Which company plans to launch two international shoe brands, Cole Haan and Heatwave, in India as part of a plan to cash in on the country's growing premium footwear market?

2. Which PE firm has agreed to sell Strategic Hotels & Resorts to China's Anbang Insurance Group for about $ 6.5 billion, just three months after it purchased the US luxury-resort company?

3. Which retail chain recently launched the cheeky ads “Flip the Kart”, “Amaz-Off” and “Snap the Deal" as part of its "Stop Looking Online" campaign?

4. SR Yoon has been appointed the new CEO of which home shopping network in India?

5. Which celebrity has replaced Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the brand ambassador of Kerala based jewellery major Kalyan Jewellers?

6. Which Indian IT company has made a strategic investment and signed a partnership with Emailage Corporation?

7. Which bank in India has tied up with marquee sports car maker Ferrari to launch co-branded credit card?

8. Which business group has launched TRRINGO, a new start-up that will allow farmers to hire tractors and farm equipment on rental basis?

9. Which Pune-based software maker has acquired PRM Cloud Solutions, an Australia-based company engaged in salesforce implementation services?

10. PepsiCo India last week introduced the 150-ml Pepsi mini can. What has it been priced at?

11. Which company last week announced that its Global English News Channel, slated to be launched this summer, will be called ‘WION - World is One News’?

12. Which company will fully acquire aviation firm Fly By Wire for a total consideration of Rs 61.25 crore in an all-cash deal?

13. Michael Jackson’s estate has agreed to sell its remaining stake in a lucrative music catalogue to which MNC for $750 million?

14. Which lubricant brand has launched a film #ChalUdteHain, featuring singer Monali Thakur?

15. Which holiday lifestyle company has acquired Nature Trails Resorts, an adventure holiday company that operates resorts at five destinations within Maharashtra?

16. DEN Networks last week exited its 50:50 joint venture (JV) with which media company by selling its stake for a total consideration of Rs 40.35 crore?

17. Which tech startup is offering the platform VoteBank to help political leaders manage governance issues and development priorities that have taken centre stage post elections?

18. Which handset brand has appointed Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar as its brand ambassador for the Karnataka market?

19. Which Chandigarh-based real estate development group last week announced its entry into affordable housing with an all-new vertical ‘JOYNEST’?

20. Which two stock exchanges last week agreed to combine in a $ 30 billion deal to create a European trading powerhouse?

21. Which over 100-year old beverage brand has launched a campaign with its new positioning 'Go Greedy'?

22. Which Italian fashion brand has forayed into the Indian market with an exclusive partnership with Fervour, a multi-brand boutique that stocks international designer brands?

23. Real estate company Arihant Superstructures Ltd (ASL) has roped in which actor as its brand ambassador?

24. Which online furniture-renting platform has launched a new digital campaign #PappuNahiSmartBano?

25. Gustavo Martinez has resigned as the CEO of which advertising agency?

26. Which airline has named Amar Abrol as its new CEO?

27. Which company has agreed to sell its rice exports business to LT Foods for Rs 25 crore as part of its strategy to exit non-core businesses?

28. Which MNC has set up an ATM manufacturing firm in India with an investment of Rs 100 crore to cash in on the growing number of banking users in the country?

29. Which company last week said it will acquire Videocon's telecom spectrum in six circles in a Rs 4,428 crore deal?

30. Which MNC has unveiled its first shoe that ties itself and will go on sale at the end of 2016?

31. Colgate-Palmolive India has appointed which celebrity as the new brand ambassador for Colgate MaxFresh?

32. How many Indian airports figure among the world's 100 top airports in the latest edition of the World Airport Awards?

33. Which movie has set a new record in insurance cover for an Indian movie?

34. Which pharma MNC has announced the appointment of S Sridhar as India managing director with effect from March 18 for a term of five years?

35. Which MNC has unveiled world’s first autonomous pizza delivery vehicle ‘Dru’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 625 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

March 13, 2016

Biz Quizzard 624


Biz Quizzard completes 12 years with this edition. Would like to thank Murali Duggineni, all Quinkie members and everyone else for being part of this long journey.

Also pleased to inform that Biz Quizzard has been featured the in Limca Book of Records 2016 edition, beating its own previous record by 1 year. This year's edition celebrates the 'Specially-abled'.


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

1. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is looking to introduce motorcycles from which France-based company in India?

2. Which US-based financial technology company plans to enter India by the end of this month and has partnered with IndusInd Bank?

3. Which online shopping store for ethnic products has released a new campaign titled ‘Mere Hazaron Rang’?

4. Which two wheeler brand has launched a new campaign with the tagline “Apne se bhi zyada apnon ke liye”?

5. Which tyre company has entered the two-wheeler segment with the launch of the ‘Acti’ series?

6. Which company will acquire three brands of Swedish pharma company Moberg Pharma for Rs. 67 crore, as it looks to strengthen its over the counter (OTC) drug offerings globally?

7. Which mobile payment and commerce platform has tied up with US-based FIS Global for the launch of its payments bank?

8. On the occasion of Women’s Day, which brand launched a digital ad film titled #BreakTheBias?

9. This is a nice ad. Which health drink brand has launched a new commercial "Tayyari Har Exam Ki”?

10. Reebok has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador for its latest campaign, 'Fit To Fight'?

11. As part of International Women's Day celebrations, which airline is claiming to have created a world record by operating the longest all-women crew flight?

12. Which beverage company has entered into an exclusive tie up with ice cream major Baskin-Robbins to sell its products?

13. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has appointed which celebrity as the brand ambassador for its best-selling health supplement brand, Revital H?

14. In a first, 150 CISF commandos will be on guard to secure which five-star luxury hotel in Mumbai?

15. The headquarters of which business group has become the first and only heritage building in the country to receive `Platinum Rating' by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)?

16. Which food tech startup, founded by entrepreneur and investor Rajesh Sawhney, has acquired two startups - Bengaluru-based EatonGo and Gurgaon-based Flavour Labs?

17. Celebrating the occasion of International Women’s Day, YES BANK last week announced the launch of first three All-Women branches. What have these branches been branded as?

18. What first did 3G mobile broadband usage in the country achieve in 2015, according to a report from Nokia?

19. Which beverage brand from Amul has launched a new ad to position itself as the ultimate 'Desi Refresher'?

20. Mercedes-Benz last week unveiled the Mercedes Maybach S 600 Guard in India. What is the price tag?

21. Which Indian business personality was recently conferred with Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by the French authorities?

22. Which clothing brand launched the campaign ‘Be Bold. Be Anything’ for Women’s Day?

23. Which sports property last week unveiled the campaign `Ek India Happywala'?

24. Which company will sell its transmission and distribution (T&D) business outside India to First Reserve International, a US private equity (PE) fund, for an enterprise value of € 115 million?

25. In an industry first, Lenovo will pay for expenses of distribution partners and their sales representatives in the enterprise business via which medium?

26. Which ticketing portal has acquired Chennai-based fan relationship management and analytics startup Fantain Sports?

27. Which internet payments processor has decided to waive all fees on online payments made to government bodies for the next 18 months?

28. Which company has signed an agreement with Indo Rama Renewables Ltd to acquire its subsidiary, Indo Rama Renewables Jath Ltd, which owns a 30-MW wind farm in Maharashtra?

29. Quikr has launched a service to offer buyers of pre-owned goods an e-commerce like experience by facilitating payments, pickup and delivery. What has it been branded as?

30. Facebook Lite, a social networking app built to work on patchy mobile internet connections and outdated smartphones, has crossed which user milestone?

31. Which brand has emerged as India's Buzziest Brand in the 11th edition of ‘India's Buzziest Brands’, an annual survey conducted by afaqs!?

32. Which consumer research firm has bought Mumbai-based mobile usage measurer Informate Mobile Intelligence for an undisclosed amount?

33. Which MNC last week began the sale of its new Clarity Fuel Cell, the world’s first five-passenger sedan-type fuel cell vehicle (FCV) which has zero carbon emissions as it runs on hydrogen?

34. Ride-hailing app Uber last week opened Asia’s first engineering centre, in India. Which city?

35. Which country continues to hold its position as the world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment over the last five years, according to a report?

36. Which brand will be the sponsor for the New Zealand T20 team in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup and their India tour in October this year?

37. Which company will launch the country’s most expensive Indian wine in the next eight months?

38. Which online fashion discovery portal has launched its first-ever marketing campaign ‘The Chosen One’?

39. According to a report last week, which company has become first big browser maker with built-in ad-blocker?

40. Which celebrity has teamed up with fashion retailer Arvind Fashion Brands to launch `True Blue', a premium men's apparel brand?

41. Which French fashion brand has forayed into the Indian market with an exclusive partnership with Le Mill, a concept store that stocks the best of international designer brands?

42. Which business process management company has bought Noida-based commercial research and analytics services provider Value Edge Research for about $17.5 million?

43. PepsiCo India has announced the national launch of which hydrotonic drink?

44. Flipkart will launch its internal knowledge management engine Flipkart University under which brand in April this year?

45. Which company has introduced Belgium’s Ridley brand of premium bicycle in the Indian market?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 624 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
rajeev kondapalli

March 6, 2016

Biz Quizzard 623

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the February 29 - March 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company will acquire Jaiprakash Associates' cement factories in six states for an enterprise value of Rs 16,500 crore?

2. Reliance Industries is reportedly launching an ecommerce site in which segment, extending the Jio brand?

3. According to a report last week, Reliance Communications has agreed to merge with which other telecom company?

4. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in which home rental startup?

5. PR veteran and former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia has ventured into healthcare business through a new entity. What has it be branded as?

6. Who has been named the first chairman of Banks Board Bureau, which will help the government appoint heads of public sector banks and advice on banking reforms?

7. Companies whose managing director or whole-time director has crossed which age will need shareholders' approval for re-appointment, as per a recent Bombay High Court ruling?

8. Dettol has launched a new range of bar soap and liquid hand wash comprising two variants - Classic Clean and Daily Clean. What has it been sub-branded as?

9. Starbucks will enter which country in early 2017, in partnership with local developer Percassi?

10. Which MNC has announced the release of a new advertising tool called Canvas?

11. Which state recently conducted the nation’s first-ever auction of a gold mine? Also, which company won it?

12. Which online platform has launched its latest campaign ‘Dekhte Hain’?

13. Which biscuit brand has roped in actors Farhan Akhtar and Siddharth for its campaign 'Feel the Fibre'?

14. Which brand has launched two new bags, Nadira wheelie and Topaz trolley, to add to its range of handbags and accessories for Indian women with a local aesthetic?

15. Which online marketplace has launched a new brand campaign #MallNahiMarket, to woo shoppers online?

16. Which music streaming service has launched a new campaign with 3 television commercials, 'The Musical Proposal', 'Cool Daadi' and 'The Cricket Match'?

17. Which perfume body spray brand has roped in actor Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador?

18. Which company will acquire 80 per cent equity stake in two India Today group companies - Today Merchandise Pvt Ltd (TMPL) and Today Retail Network Pvt Ltd (TRNL)?

19. Which company has inked a long-term licensing and distribution deal to bring New York-based fashion label Kate Spade to India?

20. Which eyewear retail chain last week unveiled an all-new retail and brand identity?

21. Vineet Taneja has formally resigned as the CEO of which handset maker?

22. Which company has acquired US-based healthcare software firm Adaptive Software for $24.5 million?

23. Which MNC will sell its Africa business as part of a plan by new Chief Executive Jes Staley to simplify the bank’s structure and seek higher shareholder returns?

24. Sandeep Khosla has joined as chief executive officer of which publication?

25. Which brand, in association with author Amish Tripathi, has released a video titled ‘Udaan’?

26. Which automaker has brought together cricketer Zaheer Khan and motoring journalist Jonny Smith to race against Mumbai's iconic dabbawalas?

27. Which two wheeler brand has unveiled a new ad film, retaining its core proposition of 'Feel Like God'?

28. Uber last week launched its bike taxi service in India. Which city?

29. Which automobile MNC has elevated Akito Tachibana as managing director of its India operations?

30. Who is the richest person in the world, as per Forbes’ annual ranking of billionaires?

31. Which business group has acquired the Old War Office, a heritage building in Central London once occupied by war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill, from the British Ministry of Defence?

32. Which company is being acquired by Plutus Financials, set up by former GE veterans Pramod Bhasin and Anil Chawla and backed by Aion Capital Partners?

33. Frank Gibeau will be the new CEO of which publicly-traded social game developer?

34. Which company is launching `Pepmelt', an ayurvedic digestive remedy to take on popular antacids on retail shelves?

35. Maruti Alto has crossed which significant sales milestone recently?

36. Which outdoor gear and outerwear brand has returned with the second season of its campaign #NoTicketToExplore on the digital platform?

37. Which company will buy American cricket broadcaster Willow TV International in its first international acquisition?

38. Which hyperlocal discover and buying platform for electronics has acquired point of sale (PoS) software company EasyPoS in a mixed cash and equity deal?

39. Which auto component manufacturer has acquired the global lighting business of Spain-based Rinder Group?

40. Which MNC has launched once-a-week diabetes treatment drug under the brand name `Trulicity', at Rs 2,499 in the country?

41. Which e-commerce company last week launched its own advertisement platform, Brand Story Ads, with over 50 leading brands on board?

42. Actor Ranveer Singh has been roped in to endorse which deodorant brand?

43. This is interesting. Future Group has tied up with which rival chain to supply Future brands?

44. Which brand, created by US advertising agency Wieden + Kennedy, will now launch lifestyle consumer products in India?

45. Which luggage maker has agreed to buy luxury rival Tumi Holdings for $1.8 billion, or about Rs 12,100 crore?

46. Which business group has entered into the electric vehicle segment and will launch e-buses and e-taxis with its Hong Kong-based partner BYD Company Ltd?

47. Which lifestyle and fashion television channel is launching salons in India?

48. Flipkart has launched an online wallet. What has it been branded as?

49. Which digital payments platform has dared all fans and patrons to go Bin Batua (without a physical wallet) this March, with its 'Bin Batua Friday' challenge?

50. Which is India's most trusted online shopping brand, according to the survey The Brand Trust Report, India Study 2016?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 623 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli