October 30, 2016

Biz Quizzard 657

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period October 22 - 29. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which business group last week said it had ‘replaced’ its chairman with immediate effect?

2. According to a report last week, which Indian business scion has been roped in as a recording artist by Universal Music Group?

3. Which MNC has said that its former India managing director Mahesh Samat is coming back to take charge as India MD?

4. Chinese conglomerate China Oceanwide Holdings has agreed to buy which New York-listed US insurance firm for USD 2.7 billion?

5. Which company announced the launch of a platform, True Time Bids, that allows buyers to participate in traditional 'on the ground' used-car auctions via internet in real-time?

6. Realty portal Square Yards recently crossed which milestone mark in terms of total value of properties sold through its platform?

7. Which confectionery brand has launched the ad #StartSomethingFresh?

8. Hero MotoCorp crossed which milestone profit after tax (PAT) mark for the first time in a quarter?

9. Which company has acquired Chicago-based Britannica's Indian curriculum business for Rs 88 crore?

10. Which company has reached an agreement in principle to buy Time Warner Inc for about $85 billion, paving the way for what would be the biggest deal in the world this year?

11. Which company will acquire Ocular Technologies from Auven Therapeutics, a private equity firm focused on accelerated development of breakthrough drugs?

12. Which MNC has picked Swedish businessman and board member Borje Ekholm to take over as chief executive?

13. Which ghee brand has unveiled its new positioning ‘Pyaar ka rang sunehra’?

14. Which furniture and home décor brand has recreated its brand identity with a new logo and tagline ‘Let’s Create’?

15. Which social e-commerce platform has launched its festive campaign ‘Mission: One Crore: Pledge a saree. Pledge a smile.’?

16. Which retail chain has launched the ad ‘Yeh Diwali Sabki Wali’?

17. Which company has launched interactive 3D experience codenamed #LightUpLoC?

18. Which pharma major has launched the ‘The race of possible’ campaign?

19. Which online learning marketplace has launched a unique Diwali campaign #FestivalOfLearning across its digital platforms?

20. Which television channel has launched a new movement called #SundayIsHerHoliday?

21. Rajasthan is all set to launch its own brand olive oil next month, which it claims will be the country's first indigenously-produced brand. Name the brand?

22. Which company has signed a four-year bat endorsement deal with Ajinkya Rahane?

23. Which MNC has unveiled a new television and digital campaign #SapneHueBade?

24. Which MNC has acquired Bengaluru-based Sanovi Technologies for an undisclosed sum to bolster its cloud offerings?

25. Which company is investing up to Rs 205 crore in electric automotive startup Ather Energy for a 26-30% stake?

26. Who has been elected chairman of global telecom body GSMA for a 2-year term, starting January 2017?

27. Which MNC will acquire NXP Semiconductors NV in a transaction valued at $47 billion?

28. KVL Narayan Rao will be the new group CEO of which media group?

29. Which infrastructure financing major has launched a digital marketplace startup, christened as 'iQuippo', in order to tap growing infrastructure equipment markets in India and overseas?

30. Which company has acquired the UK based iconic two wheeler brand BSA, through its recently acquired company for Rs 28 crore?

31. Which Italian apparels and accessories brand marked its foray into the Indian market with its first store opening last week in Select Citywalk, Saket, Delhi?

32. Which MNC joined hands with Intel to launch a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru that will help demonstrate High Performance Computing (HPC) as a service for customers?

33. Which company will buy 73.5% stake in Le Meridien hotel in Bengaluru for more than Rs 644 crore?

34. Which company, with successful tea businesses in India and the UK, now plans to enter the coffee and drinking chocolate market in the country?

35. Not sure if I have covered this before. India has overtaken which country to become the second-biggest market globally in terms of smartphone connections?

36. C Vijayakumar will be the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of which IT company?

37. Which IT company will acquire Butler America Aerospace for $85 million in cash?

38. Which MNC has acquired Danish Naval company Nordic Defence Industries (NDI), which designs and manufactures mine disposal charge systems for the naval defence industry?

39. Microsoft India recently launched its first full-scale Cybersecurity Engagement Centre (CSEC) in the country. Which city?

40. Which company is the only company from Asia to be ranked among the world's top ten employers in biotechnology by Science magazine?

41. Which automobile company has launched its latest campaign ‘Dilon ki Diwali’?

42. Which online shop for pre-owned cars has launched its first-ever digital campaign, #ZindagiMeinAageBadho?

43. Which business news channel has unveiled its new positioning, #OpinionsThatCount?

44. From November 14, what will National Geographic Channel be known as?

45. Which company has teamed up with renowned poet, lyricist and legend Gulzar to launch the campaign #RoshniDilKi?

46. Which MNC has bought out Tata Group's publishing arm Westland - the publisher of best-selling authors Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi and Rashmi Bansal, among others - for Rs 39.8 crore?

47. Which company last week announced that it will be acquiring the dairy business of Reliance Retail Limited (RRL) through a slump sale?

48. Which Maharashtra-based biotech player has entered into definitive agreements with Hyderabad-based API maker JC Biotech to acquire a 70% stake for a consideration of Rs 50 crore?

49. Which company has become the first insurance company to open a unit at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) near Gandhinagar?

50. Which company has received the delivery of world’s first very large ethane carrying ships that will be used for ferrying the fuel from the US?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 657 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 23, 2016

Biz Quizzard 656

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period October 17 - 21. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which business group has announced the sale of its India refining business and a port in Gujarat's Vadinar to a Russian consortium led by energy major Rosneft?

2. Which quick service restaurant (QSR) chain has launched the digital campaign “You eat, they eat” for its ‘add HOPE’ initiative?

3. Which company has acquihired Pyoopil Education Technologies, a mobile-based SaaS (Software-as-a-service) product used by companies to deploy online training programmes?

4. Which actor has come on board as an angel investor for Rooter, a first of its kind social platform that connects sports fans and engages them during live sporting events?

5. Technology giant Cisco’s India revenue has crossed which milestone mark?

6. Which fashion brand has launched its maiden TV campaign, based on the theme ‘Endless ways out’, after completing 10 years in the industry?

7. Which popular brand mascot in India has turned 50?

8. Which matrimony portal has launched a video for its initiative #FastForHer, on the occasion of Karva Chauth?

9. Piveta Estates, a private venture of which business personality, has acquired a majority stake in celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia's Riga Foods?

10. Which online baby products seller is acquiring offline retailer Mahindra BabyOye for Rs 362.1 crore in a primarily stock deal?

11. Which retail lender has become the first foreign-owned lender to raise Rs 500 crore through an issue of Masala bonds?

12. Which MNC has decided to make India a global hub for its smallest bike - the G310R, a 313cc motorcycle?

13. Which company last week unveiled its ‘Circuit’ series, comprising the first 100 per cent electric bus made in India?

14. Which company has unveiled Aero series of premium ceiling fans and has filed for patent?

15. Which telecom company, on 17th October, made a world record by creating the ‘largest voucher’ the world has ever seen?

16. Which US-based motorcycling experience provider last week announced opening of its first franchise outlet in India, in New Delhi?

17. Which English general entertainment channel (GEC) has announced its new brand positioning with the slogan ‘All Eyes On New’?

18. KV Sridhar, aka Pops, has resigned as the chief creative officer of which advertising agency?

19. Which Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC), along with the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), has launched a brand initiative titled 'Nayi Soch'?

20. Tata Trusts and which MNC last week announced a partnership to train 10,000 youth in various technical areas of healthcare over a three-year period?

21. Which retail company has launched its oats brand 'Kosh'?

22. Which online furniture retailer plans to set up offline stores and list on e-commerce portals?

23. Which two wheeler brand has rolled out a new television commercial (TVC) ‘Ye to Special hai Yaar’?

24. Which public relations, public affairs and digital marketing consultancy has announced the acquisition of Giga Health, a healthcare focused digital marketing and social media agency?

25. Twitter has launched a special emoji for which popular reality TV show in India?

26. Which cloud-based customer service software provider has acquired Chatimity, a social chat platform based on artificial intelligence used for integrating chat within mobile apps?

27. Alfred Kelly will be the new CEO of which MNC effective December 1?

28. Which Jaipur-based start-up has introduced an email address service under ‘DATAMAIL’ that allows people to create email IDs in eight Indian languages?

29. Which Dubai-based group is set to enter metros in India as part of its expansion plan to sell high-end furniture, furnishing and home accessories?

30. Which two online-focused travel groups are merging in an all-stock deal?

31. Westside, the flagship store of Tata Group’s retail arm Trent, has opened its 100th store in which city?

32. Which company has launched 'Knight', a water purifier-cum-dispenser that boasts of an eight-stage advanced purification system built inside a hot and cold dispenser?

33. This should be easy. Which cooking oil brand has launched the digital ad ‘Tyohaaron ki dhara’ (stream of festivals)?

34. Which radio network has relaunched in the Delhi market with a new 'Retro-Romantic' positioning “Sunte Hi Pyaar Ho Jaye"?

35. Which well known FMCG brand has launched its new ad #AbLagRahiDiwali?

36. Which global mobile technology startup has launched its first ever Diwali campaign, a film titled "The Journey"?

37. Which premium innerwear brand has extended the brand portfolio with the launch of ‘Casualz’, foraying into a range of casual wear with track pants, shorts, t-shirts and three-quarter pants?

38. Coca-Cola India has not renewed its endorsement contract with which celebrity?

39. Which company last week said it would buy 60% stake in Classic Legends (CLPL), a company engaged in manufacturing and marketing two-wheelers, for Rs 6 crore?

40. Chinese firm Xiaomi has sold how many smartphones in India in the first 18 days of October?

41. Which MNC is acquiring 49% stake each in two projects of Suzlon Energy in Telangana for an aggregate amount of Rs 26.4 crore?

42. Which well known multinational consumer electronics firm has entered into education space in India?

43. Which online bus ticket booking platform has roped in Telugu film actor Mahesh Babu to promote its brand?

44. Which two-wheeler brand has launched its new television commercial ‘Everyday Pride', featuring Rear Admiral SK Gupta, a Mahavir Chakra Awardee who served in the 1971 Indo-Pak war?

45. Which spirits brand has launched a new advertising campaign ‘Salute to Banta Hai’?

46. Which cosmetics major has roped in Ciara, entertainer, model and fashion icon, as the newest global brand ambassador?

47. Which cooking oil brand has unveiled its new TV campaign ‘one specialist to another’, featuring actor Boman Irani?

48. Actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been roped in as the brand ambassador of which apparel brand?

49. Which company last week introduced a new range of puncture-safe tyres for motorcycles?

50. Which company has agreed to acquire U.S.-based cloud services company Appirio for a consideration of $500 million (about Rs.3,338 crore)?

51. Which Italy-based messaging platform provider has acquired a 51% stake in Bengaluru-based cloud telephony and enterprise communication startup Solutions Infini for an undisclosed sum?

52. Which MNC last week said it had completed a deal to take a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors?

53. Which business services provider will buy out Singapore-based HR firm Comtel, and Bengaluru-based Terrier Security and Simpliance?

54. Which technology major last week announced its plan to roll out 5G services by 2018, which will be the first modem for cellular networks?

55. Which MNC has announced that it will phase out the use of Snoopy and Peanuts characters in its marketing?

56. Which MNC has launched the television commercial ‘Ulte ko seedha’ for its refrigerator?

57. Which fashion portal, in association with actor Shahid Kapoor, has launched SKULT, an athleisure fashion brand?

58. Actress Tabu is featured in the television commercial (currently on air) for which skincare brand?

59. Which MNC last week unveiled the Bonneville T100 bike with a price tag of Rs 7.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)?

60. According to Forbes India, the fortune of Mukesh Ambani is equal to the GDP of which country?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 656 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 16, 2016

Biz Quizzard 655

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 10 - 15. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which advertising group is set to acquire Happy Creative Services, a Bengaluru-based creative agency best known for its work on brands like Flipkart, Ola and Diesel?

2. Which Malaysia-based chicken restaurant chain will open its first outlet in India later this month?

3. Which hospitality company plans to open its first hotel in India, in Goa, in early November, as it seeks to expand its global portfolio to 75 properties by 2020?

4. Which company has filed an application before the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for an in-principle approval to register a real estate investment trust (REIT)?

5. Which business scion has set up a hygiene startup called RogFree?

6. Which American content provider has signed a strategic alliance with China's Jack Ma-led Alibaba Group to co-produce and finance films for global and Chinese market?

7. Which bodybuilding supplement brand has roped in actor Sahil Khan as brand ambassador?

8. Reliance Jio has claimed that it has created “a world record” by crossing which milestone subscriber mark in its first month of operations?

9. Which Swiss medical products firm has announced the commencement of Indian operations with establishment of its 10th global affiliate?

10. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, the corporate entity of Vizag Steel, has roped in which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

11. Which company will sell its entire stake in its US-based wholly-owned subsidiary King Maker Marketing (KMM) for an estimated consideration of US$ 24 million?

12. Which menswear brand has partnered with Pochampally Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society from Telangana to introduce Ikat into men’s work wear segment?

13. Britannia Industries has launched an initiative that enables consumers to pay for special edition Good Day biscuit packs through what, instead of the usual currency?

14. Which brand has launched a campaign for its new gold jewellery collection, Shubham?

15. Which English daily has launched the campaign #SayNoToJunk to promote its new avatar?

16. Why was Balwinder Sahani, owner of RSG International, a property management company with interests in the UAE, Kuwait, India and the US, in the news recently?

17. Which Indian group has said its transmission division has received order from Italy-based Ducati to manufacture bike gears for the superbike maker's premium offerings?

18. Which global leader in office furniture and workspace design has unveiled Navi TeamIsland, a new desking system to address the unmet needs of the Indian workplace?

19. Which company last week announced the introduction of new range of tractors specifically designed for potato farming?

20. Why were British-born Oliver Hart and Finland's Bengt Holmstrom in the news last week?

21. Which company will acquire five injectable anesthesia and pain management products of Janssen Pharmaceutica for about $175 million or Rs 1,164 crore?

22. Which foreign lender has announced a tie-up with Uber under which its credit cardholders, across six countries, will get a cash-back of up to 25 per cent for hailing cabs from the app?

23. Which online fashion retailer has launched its festive brand campaign - "You Are The Festival"?

24. Which media company has extended its maternity leave benefits to an unprecedented nine months of paid leave from the current three months?

25. Which NBFC has acquired digital lending platform FlexiLoans Technologies?

26. Which Chennai-based company has formed a technology tie-up with New Zealand-based SPL Ltd, engaged in manufacture of hygiene products, to make and sell hand dryers in the Indian market?

27. Sunil Lalvani has quit as the India President of which MNC?

28. Which company has reached an agreement with Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Broadcast Networks (RBN) to acquire the latter for an enterprise value of Rs 1,872 crore?

29. Which company has signed a letter of intent to form a 50-50 joint venture with Shaanxi Automobile Group of China to set up a 1.5 lakh-unit plant in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province?

30. Which bank has executed India’s first transaction on blockchain?

31. Which company has picked up 75% stake in Mumbai-based healthcare startup Puro Wellness?

32. Which global chemicals manufacturer has appointed Harshad Naik as Managing Director, India Subcontinent?

33. John Stumpf has resigned as CEO of which American bank?

34. Which state-owned entity plans to lay the nation's longest LPG pipeline from Gujarat coast to Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh to cater to growing demand for cooking gas in the country?

35. Which MNC, in collaboration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has launched the campaign ‘Ek Heera Aapke Heere Ke Liye’?

36. Which online destination for jewellery has launched a new brand campaign ‘Choose Your Twinkle’?

37. Tata Sky has launched a curated music channel on its Pay TV platform in partnership with digital entertainment company Hungama. What has it been branded as?

38. Which MNC has said it set a new record for cable transmission capacity for communications traffic, doubling its previous levels?

39. Which Tata group firm last week said it will foray into women's ethnic wear segment on a pilot basis?

40. Which organization has launched its new campaign ‘A Cut Above’?

41. Which MNC has bought FameBit, an online technology platform that connects brands with YouTube stars to create promotional content?

42. Which Swiss luxury watch brand is coming to India through a partnership with Mumbai-based retailer Regalia Luxury?

43. UK's JLT (Jardine Lloyd Thomson) group has acquired the business of which broking company in India?

44. Which British luxury fabric maker has launched its operations in India through a joint venture with SK Birla Group?

45. Bank deposits in India crossed which milestone mark for the first time ever in September, according to data released by the RBI?

46. Which MNC has said it would buy a controlling stake in privately held Brazilian food group Parati for about 1.38 billion reais ($428 million) in cash to expand in emerging markets?

47. Which e-commerce giant has launched 'Global Store' in India that will allow its customers here to buy products sold on the US website and pay in local currency?

48. Which consumer durables company has launched a campaign with the theme of “Hawa Happy”?

49. Which media group has launched inUth(dot)com (in beta), a video-first, multi-platform digital destination for Indian millennial?

50. Which bank has signed a principal sponsorship contract with badminton Olympians P V Sindhu and K Srikanth?

51. Which celebrity’s year-old company ‘The Live Love Laugh Foundation' has launched the digital film #DobaraPoocho?

52. Which beverage brand has unveiled its ready-to-drink packs and has launched a campaign with the brand line - ‘Go Red’?

53. Which US-based home cleaning solutions and floor care major last week announced its foray into the Indian market?

54. Which nicotine replacement therapy brand has launched a new television commercial titled 'Friends'?

55. Baba Ramdev will be launching his autobiography “Being Baba Ramdev” next year. Which company is the publisher?

56. Sri Sri Ayurveda, promoted by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation, has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador for its Ojasvita range?

57. Valvoline Cummins India has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

58. Yuvraj Singh’s premium fashion label, YWC, has inked an exclusive deal with which online fashion store?

59. FMCG conglomerate CavinKare has launched Kali Mehandi, a powdered hair colour product, under which brand?

60. Which Indian company has signed a nonbinding pact with Canada's Brookfield Infrastructure Group to sell a majority stake in its tower unit for Rs 11,000 crore?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 655 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 9, 2016

Biz Quizzard 654

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 03 - 08. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence for this year were announced last week. Which company is the Company of the Year?

2. Ravindra Jadeja has signed a three-year contract with which sports marketing firm?

3. Which surface transport logistics provider has filed for three patents in the US for algorithms created by it, making it a rare instance of an Indian startup seeking to do so?

4. Which country has topped the list of best destinations for expats, according to HSBC's report from the 'Expat Explorer' series?

5. Vinod Sawhny has stepped down as the CEO of which telecom company?

6. Rajeev Sharma has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director of state-run entity?

7. Ronnie Dean Coleman, eight times Mr. Olympia and retired American professional body builder, is toying with the idea of setting up a manufacturing unit in India to make which gym wear brand?

8. Which startup is claiming to be India's first online marketplace to trade ewaste, and other wastes of paper, plastic, textiles etc?

9. Which company has acquired ecommerce services and technology company Sellerworx for an undisclosed amount?

10. Which business personality has invested $1.6 million, or roughly Rs 8 crore, in Philadelphia and Mumbai-based UE LifeSciences, the developer of an affordable breast cancer screening device?

11. Ratan Tata has invested in which virtual fitness coaching platform?

12. Which company has agreed to acquire Norwegian IT and BPO services provider Frontica Business Solutions for about 1.02 billion Norwegian krone, or about $128 million?

13. Which home finance company has appointed Ravindra Sudhalkar as its new CEO?

14. Which company has acquired RH Agro's rice mill in Sonipat, Haryana, for Rs 70 crore?

15. Which Indian company has received government go-ahead for fuel retailing, becoming the eighth player to enter the business?

16. Which French salon and spa chain is making two acquisitions in India - hair solutions specialist Trica Hair Clinic, and home service brand The Home Salon?

17. Facebook Inc. is releasing a feature that will let users post items for sale and shop for things to buy, like they can on Craigslist. What is it called?

18. Telugu actor Mahesh Babu has been appointed as brand ambassador for which online streaming platform for South-Asian content?

19. Which life insurance company has appointed Ashish Vohra as its new CEO?

20. Dassault Aviation of France has entered into a partnership with which Indian group to execute offsets for the recently concluded deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets?

21. Which company has acquired Notedome Ltd of the UK, a manufacturer of neuthane polyurethane cast elastomers, for Rs 120 crore?

22. Which regional airline last week received a national permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation?

23. Which brand recently launched a campaign to promote its new range that offers 100 different styles of shirts to consumers in one colour – white?

24. Which Chilean wine maker has forayed into the Indian market, in partnership with Mumbai-based Aspri Spirits, one of the leading distributors of imported premium wines?

25. V Kalyana Rama has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of which public sector entity?

26. State Bank of India (SBI) recently expanded its overseas footprint by entering which country?

27. Which MNC has launched a television commercial campaign for the ‘Shinobi Pro’ LED TV Range?

28. Which company is back with its ‘Kuch Naya Sochte Hain’ campaign, showcasing a first-of-its-kind casserole called MicroWow?

29. Dhiraj Rajaram has taken over as the new CEO of which data analytics company?

30. Google has introduced a new line of smartphones. What has it been branded as?

31. Which company has acquired 51% stake in JRG International Brokerage DMCC, an international commodity derivatives brokerage registered with the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange?

32. Which well known multinational consumer electronics company has picked India as the first market for the launch of its mobile phone accessories?

33. Which MNC toy maker has appointed ex-Vodafone India business head Ishmeet Singh as its country head for India?

34. Which MNC has agreed to buy an 80 percent stake in high-tech luggage maker Rimowa for 640 million euros ($716 million)?

35. Which MNC is discontinuing its wearable fitness tracker called “Band”?

36. Maruti Suzuki’s premium hatchback Baleno has crossed which cumulative sales milestone in the domestic market?

37. Which two wheeler brand has launched a new campaign aimed to position itself as ‘Guarantor of smiles’?

38. Which bags and shoes brand has launched its new campaign ‘fickle is fun’?

39. Which MNC has sold its FAO Schwarz brand to ThreeSixty Group, a company that designs and sells toys, home goods and other products?

40. Which company will acquire assets of Teva Pharmaceutical in the UK and Ireland for an enterprise value of around $764 million (approximately Rs 5,085 crore)?

41. Which hyperlocal marketplace has unveiled its new brand positioning ‘Local Shopping Ab Online’ and a new logo?

42. Jivi Mobiles, the mobile division of Magicon Impex, has roped in which actor as brand ambassador?

43. Future Group has launched a digital loyalty wallet that helps consumers shop without card or cash across formats such as Big Bazaar, Ezone and Home Town. What has it been branded as?

44. Which travel portal has forayed into alternative accommodation space through a new entity, Rightstay?

45. Which US-based mid-market buyout fund has agreed to buy 100% stake in Sigma Electric for $250 million from its existing owners Goldman Sachs Private Equity?

46. Which US-based luxury watch maker launched its wearable devices in India last week?

47. Which beauty retail venture has announced the launch of make-up and beauty brand Jaquline USA in India?

48. Which mineral water brand recently hit the shelves of retail outlets in Mumbai with its new 'Rockstar' bottles?

49. Which English daily will be launched in Delhi on October 11?

50. Which brand is the most valuable global brand, as per Brand consultancy Interbrand’s 2016 Best Global Brands report?

51. Which fashion brand has unveiled its new campaign christened #forsuccessfulliving?

52. Hindustan Unilever last week entered the baby care category with which brand?

53. Which company has joined hands with Happy Creative Services to make a film - an ode to chai (tea) and how it fuels India?

54. Which company is launching a special, limited edition bike in association with the movie Mirzya?

55. Which quick service restaurant chain has opened an outlet at Rashtrapati Bhavan?

56. Which company will acquire Hiranandani Group's offices and retail space in Mumbai's Powai suburb for around $1 billion (Rs`6,700 crore)?

57. Which handset maker last week launched its own ecommerce marketplace called Wishnbuy(dot)com?

58. Which MNC is buying a prominent US artificial intelligence (AI) startup, Viv Labs?

59. Which homegrown private equity fund has partnered with Sunrise BPO to purchase US-based CRM solutions provider C3 for around $150 million?

60. Which MNC has received a licence from the government to set up 3,500 petrol pumps in India, becoming the 2nd foreign player to enter fuel retailing market in India?

61. Which Argentina-headquartered IT services firm has set up its first development center in India in Pune?

62. Which Australian company has acquired Bengaluru-based Travel Tours to become the second largest player in India's tourism sector, behind Thomas Cook?

63. Which international menswear fashion brand has launched a new campaign titled Don't Hold Back, featuring Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador?

64. Which MNC said it would sell its global infusion therapy business, a part of its $15 billion Hospira acquisition last year, to ICU Medical Inc for $1 billion in cash and stock?

65. Which personal care brand has unveiled its new campaign ‘Dil ko de lift’?

66. Which company last week launched its ‘Captain Series’ feature phones?

67. Which travel portal has launched a campaign to promote two new features -‘Price Lock’ and ‘Pay@Hotel’?

68. Which infant care products brand has launched a campaign titled ‘Smart Mom’?

69. A Balasubramanian was last week elected the chairman of the fund industry trade body AMFI. He is the CEO of which mutual fund?

70. Pan masala brand Pan Bahar has roped in which Hollywood actor as brand ambassador?

71. Which general insurance company has appointed Rajiv Kumar as its managing director & CEO?

72. What has Mahindra & Mahindra named its all new electric car as, which it plans to launch soon in the domestic market?

73. Ford last week produced its last vehicle in which country?

74. Which Indian business group has joined a global list of companies to have declared an internal carbon pricing to reduce their carbon emissions?

75. From October 16, which airline in India will give its passengers the option of flying around the world non-stop in about 32 hours?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 654 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 2, 2016

Biz Quizzard 653

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 26 - October 01. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC has tweaked the brand taglines of three of its top products and changed packaging of 100 million packs in support of girl child education in India?

2. Social media app Snapchat is introducing video-recording glasses and is changing its company name to incorporate the new product. What is the company’s new name?

3. Which business group has forayed into footwear retail and has opened its first store under the brand name of `Stride' in Bengaluru?

4. In a bid to woo millennials, which company is launching a new restaurant format called Punjab Grill Tappa?

5. Iran introduced which financial product for the first time in the country on September 25?

6. Singapore-based BandLab Technologies has bought a 49% stake in which well known magazine?

7. Maruti Suzuki India has launched 'MS Dhoni inspired' special edition of which brand?

8. Which MNC has rolled out a 'Retailer Capability Development Initiative' titled 'Parivartan' for kirana retail owners?

9. The Platinum Guild International (PGI) has lined up a new range under its bridal jewellery brand, Evara, at a price point of little less than Rs 2 lakh. What is the reason behind the price point?

10. Which laptop and PC player has roped in Anushka Sharma as its brand ambassador?

11. Which footwear brand has roped in Malaika Arora as its brand ambassador?

12. United Spirits is launching the country's first homegrown flavoured whiskey to target beer drinkers who find the regular drink too strong or overwhelming. What has it been branded as?

13. GO-JEK, one of Indonesia's hottest startups, has acquired which Bengaluru-based marketplace for home healthcare services?

14. Which German speciality chemicals maker has said it plans to buy US rival Chemtura for $2.7 billion in its push to become a global leader in the growing additives business?

15. Which company has acquired logistics technology startup Sparse Labs to help strengthen its delivery systems?

16. Which company has acqui-hired an education tech startup Earth Education Valley, which runs EduKart, a marketplace offering courses to students?

17. For the first time in India, which private insurer has introduced telematics - the technology of long-distance transmission of information - to price motor insurance?

18. Ravindra Marathe has been appointed chairman and managing director of which bank?

19. Which MNC last week launched a new machine room-less elevator for Asia and the Middle East?

20. Which brand is launching 'What’s Brewing', its global music property, for the first time in India?

21. Which fashion brand has roped in Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif as brand ambassadors?

22. Intex Technologies has roped in which cricketer as its brand ambassador for a new range of speakers' segment?

23. Which innerwear brand has rolled out its new advertising campaign, featuring brand ambassador Salman Khan?

24. Sachin Tendulkar-backed fashion line company Universal Sportsbiz is foraying into women's western wear market with which brand?

25. Which company has acquired Bengaluru-based start-up Perceptron Learning Solutions to accelerate its digital initiatives and bring in deep analytics capabilities to its learning platforms?

26. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has shut its coffee chain after five years of operation. What was the chain called?

27. Which MNC last week announced its partnership with Adobe Systems Inc in an attempt to provide cloud-based products to their hugely common user base?

28. Which Indian company has forayed into the Bolivian commercial vehicles market through a distribution agreement with Bolivian Auto Motors, a part of the business group Salvatierra?

29. Which company has bagged the first-ever non-coal mining lease allocated through the auction route in Rajasthan?

30. Mondelez India last week launched which brand to compete head on with Snickers from Mars Inc and the more recently launched Munch Nuts peanut and chocolate bar from Nestle?

31. Which brand has launched a new campaign "Chhote Kadam – dil ke bade kaam ke" to educate viewers on the importance of a healthy heart?

32. Badminton star PV Sindhu has signed a three-year deal worth Rs 50 crore with which sports management company?

33. Google has launched a new version of YouTube, inspired by India, which will be faster and more data efficient. What is it called?

34. Mohit Kampani, the former managing director of Spencer's Retail, is joining which retail company as CEO?

35. Which German bicycle rental startup has sealed an exclusive joint venture with Ahmedabad-based transport startup Chartered Speed to launch digital cycle sharing services in about 100 Indian cities?

36. The stock of which company hit the psychological Rs. 50,000-mark on BSE and NSE on September 28?

37. Which airport has become the first carbon neutral airport in Asia-Pacific?

38. Which Hindi movie channel has formulated a new programming strategy to draw a newer, younger audience and has launched a campaign with Arjun Kapoor as brand ambassador?

39. Which online marketplace has rolled out 'Itne Kum Mein', its new TV ad campaign to usher in the joyous festive season with the right mood?

40. Which beverage brand has released its ‘Social Occasions’ campaign for the festival season featuring Deepika Padukone?

41. Which company has acquired UAE's Hum 106.2 FM radio station?

42. Which pharmaceutical company has appointed Ambati Venu its new managing director?

43. Which automobile MNC has appointed India-born Rajendra "Raj" Rao as chief executive officer of its subsidiary?

44. Which online marketplace has launched its new campaign titled #ThingsDon'tJudge?

45. Which global QSR chain has recently launched its own original content-led webseries called 'What's Cooking?'?

46. Which sports personality was last week unveiled as the face of Datsun redi-GO SPORT, a limited edition car?

47. Which Indian company has announced its joint venture with PT. Kreatif Media Karya (KMK), the digital business arm of one of Indonesia’s most prominent media and content firms?

48. Which company will acquire Bengaluru-based BSS Microfinance for Rs 139 crore in an all-cash deal?

49. Which renewable energy firm has said that it has signed agreements to acquire the Indian assets of Sun Edison, at an enterprise value of $392 million?

50. Which company has hived off its leading brand Lee Cooper into a new step-down subsidiary?

51. Which IT services provider has appointed its IT Services Chief Executive Rajeev Mehta as its President?

52. Salman Khan last week announced the foray of his Being Human brand into which new segment?

53. Which fast food chain will partner with Coca-Cola Co to launch a line of cold coffee beverages in the United States, its first foray into the ready-to-drink coffee market?

54. Which furniture and interior solutions brand has rolled out a new campaign with 'Every day made beautiful' proposition?

55. Myntra has joined which celebrity’s fashion brand, All about you, to launch the campaign #TereSaathTu?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 653 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli