Biz Quizzard 196

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week December 24 - 29. Hope you enjoy it.

1. After Yuvaraj Singh, which Indian cricketer has been signed up as brand ambassador by consumer products company Marico?

2. Which Indian Micro Finance institution (MFI) has been ranked second on Forbes magazine’s first ever listing of the world’s top 50 Microfinance Institutions?

3. According to a news report last week, Chennai-based TVS Motors is all set launch a global first initiative. What is it?

4. Which business personality, according a report last week, has purchased Rugby Hotel, one of the landmark hotels in Matheran, a tourist destination near Mumbai?

5. Dr Armin Bruck will take over as the managing director of which MNC in India?

6. According to a survey by Elkins/McSherry, which Indian company has become the world’s most cost-effective broking company?

7. Which celebrity has been roped in by Vijay Mallya as the face of Team Force India for the 2008 Formula 1 season? (the campaign is currently on air)

8. Which MNC last week agreed to buy VLM Airlines, the Belgian regional carrier and the biggest operator at London City airport in a surprise takeover coup defeating rival interest from British Airways?

9. Mr Vivek Mohan was last week appointed president of Indian operations of which telecom MNC?

10. Which bank in India has changed its logo and has launched a new campaign in the print medium with the baseline ‘Together We Can’?

11. Who/what has been chosen Medium of the Year by Campaign, the advertising magazine from UK?

12. Gauri Khan, wife of Shah Rukh Khan, is slowly but surely stepping out into the limelight. Se has been chosen as the cover girl of which magazine for its January 2008 edition?

Please mail your answers on or before Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 196 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 195

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week December 17 - 22. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Starting this edition with what may not be a pure business question. According to a news snippet last week, Italian film and opera legend Franco Zeffirelli has agreed to become the image consultant for which very important and well known personality?

2. Tata Group’s $11.3 billion acquisition of Corus Group Plc has been ranked among the ten best business deals of 2007 by Time magazine. Which deal has been ranked the best?

3. Which MNC last week announced that it has received the first-ever Frost & Sullivan 2007 market leadership award in storage solutions in India?

4. One more question which I was not sure on including in this quiz. Which word, an interjection often used in online gaming, has been selected as “word of the year” by Merriam-Webster, a publisher of dictionaries and reference books?

5. Which Japanese automaker last week introduced a new boxy compact wagon ‘Tanto’, equipped with a 660cc normal and turbo-charged engine?

6. In a $10.1 billion deal that would create one of the world’s largest makers of air conditioners, which MNC will acquire Trane Inc?

7. Which campaign is presently being run in the print mediium with the baseline ‘Building blocks of a new freedom’?

8. According to a report last week, Sonal Dabral will replace Mohammed Khan as the chairman of which advertising agency?

9. Seagram India has been rechristened. What is it now known as?

10. Which company has become the only one from India to enter the list of world’s most admired firms compiled by the Fortune magazine and global consulting firm Hay Group?

11. According to a news report last week, Dubai-based Afras Projects India has signed up with Technopark, Kerala, to venture into a finishing school for techies. Which well known Indian personality is the chairman of Afras Projects? (hint: non-business, international personality)

12. Hero-Honda has forayed into the used two-wheeler trading business. What has the venture been branded as?

13. Which Indian company has acquired a 76% stake in Portugal-based bath rugs maker Sorema at an enterprise value of Rs 60 crore?

14. Not sure whether I have already covered this. Tennis player Leander Paes and athlete Anju Bobby George last week unveiled “Cloud of Promise”, the torch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, in India. Which MNC has designed the torch?

15. Mahindra Gesco, the real estate and infrastructure arm of the Mahindra Group has been renamed. What is it now known as?

16. Which MNC bank, in association with designer Rohit Bal, last week launched India’s first designer credit cards?

17. According to a news report last week, Reliance Entertainment, the entertainment arm of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, is looking at picking up a minority stake in Chennai-based animation firm Ocher Studios owned by Ms Soundarya. Ms Soundarya is related to which celebrity?

18. Reliance Retail has launched a new format that will provide virtually all kinds of services, including consumer goods, healthcare products, groceries, footwear and readymade clothes under one roof. What has it been branded as?

19. A new series of which automobile brand has been launched with a new engine named mHawk? (print ads were released last week)

20. Which business personality last week bought a 20% stake, worth 1.6 million pounds, in Britain’s Championship football club Queens Park Rangers?

21. The Xiang Feng meaning “Flying Phoenix” rolled out in China last week. What is it?

22. Which MNC is buying US medical products company Respironics for 3.6 billion euro ($5.2 billion)?

23. The Malayalam Manorama Group has launched Kerala’s first private FM station. What has it been branded as?

24. Which celebrity has been appointed brand ambassador by Anne French, the well known depilatory cream?

25. Which celebrity has been roped in by Nokia India to promote its products?

Please mail your answers on or before Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 195 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 194

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

1. GSM mobile operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular recently entered into a joint venture to set up a passive infrastructure (tower) company. What is it called?

2. According to a news snippet last week, the Movida nightclub in London has launched a new cocktail named the Flawless. What is its claim to fame?

3. Which MNC last week announced a joint-venture with Delhi-based Eicher Motors in India, the fifth biggest commercial vehicles market in the world?

4. Reliance retail last week unveiled its eighth format in Bangalore – a specialty store which stocks books, toys, music, stationery and gifts. What has it been branded as?

5. Which Indian business group has acquired British BPO and call center company Dalgen for 40 million ponds (Rs 320 crore)?

6. Which US-based coffee retail giant has joined hospitality major Citymax India to launch a chain of coffee houses across India?

7. Not many would have missed the full page color ads released last week by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the Air Safety Week. Name the advertising agency?

8. Actor Deepika Padukone has been appointed brand ambassador for which watch brand?

9. My question of the week. Name the new CEO of Citigroup?

10. Which business group has changed its holding company name to Consim Info Pvt Ltd?

11. Auto major Daimler Trucks last week announced a joint venture with which Indian business group for manufacturing light, medium and heavy duty commercial vehicles?

12. According to a news report last week, former England captain David Beckham has stripped to his underwear for the latest international billboard campaign of which fashion brand?

Please mail your answers on or before Saturday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 194 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 193

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

1. Which financial brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Three letters and a beautiful world’?

2. Indivision recently bought a 70% stake in Faces Cosmetics, a Canadian high-end cosmetics company listed in the UK, for an undisclosed amount. Indivision is the Mauritius-based private equity fund of which Indian business group?

3. We have heard of designations like Chief Mentor and even Chief Happiness Officer in the IT space. What unique new designation was Subroto Bagchi, COO, MindTree, given last week?

4. According to a report last week, which non-banking finance company (NBFC) has opened 500 branches, making it the NBFC with the largest branch network in the country?

5. Which automobile company last week launched two of its premium bikes MTR01 and YZF-R1, both priced ex-showroom at Rs 10.5 lakh, in India?

6. Which MNC last week acquired the UK-based leading steel distribution company, NSD Limited?

7. FMCG major Dabur India last week unveiled the brand name of its proposed lifestyle offering in its beauty & lifestyle retail subsidiary, H&B Stores. Name the brand?

8. Mr F D Engineer, aged 100, was last week featured in print advertisements. What is his achievement?

9. Which MNC has recently launched Swing GTX, a golf shoe line with Smart Quill Technology, in India?

10. Ms Padmasree Warrior last week quit as the chief technology officer (CTO) at Motorola. She would be joining which MNC at the same position?

11. Hyundai Motor last week unveiled its first foray into the market for high-end cars dominated by the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. What is the sedan been branded as?

12. Mr Muhtar Kent, according to a report last week, will take over as the chief executive of which MNC on July 1, 2008?

Please mail your answers before Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 193 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 192

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 26 - December 01. Hope you enjoy it.


1. Khetse Agriproduce India, according to a report last week, is planning a major foray into the wholesale business of fruits and vegetables in India and will be setting up 50 cash-and-carry distribution centres. The company is a 50:50 joint venture between Ireland’s Total Produce and which Indian company?

2. Which Indian company last week claimed to be the global leader in terms of range of contraceptives?

3. Which MNC airline is advertising its services in the print medium with the baseline ‘We fly for your smile’?

4. Which MNC last week announced the appointment of Mr RK Amar Babu as the managing director of Its India operations?

5. According to a report last week, which hospitality major is planning a chain of pilgrim motels, planned to be branded as Garden Hotels, near destinations of religious importance?

6. Which Indian company, according to a report last week, is all set to acquire US-based natural soda ash producer Searles Valley Minerals (SVM)?

7. Which 3 Indian business personalities (resident/non-resident) have been named by global business magazine Fortune as one of the top-25 most powerful business heads?

8. Which MNC last week announced that it will buy Gentyle Group, which makes fixtures for lights used mostly by companies, for $2.7 billion?

9. The positioning is ‘pamper yourself’ and the portal is ‘pamperurself.in’. Name the brand?

10. Which airline has bought the exclusive rights for the in-flight screening of actor Rajnikanth’s latest release ‘Sivaji – The Boss’?

11. Which south Indian actor has become the brand promoter for Breathe Eazy, an ayurvedic product of Pankajakasthuri Herbals?

12. Which company has recently picked up a 50% stake in ND (Nitin Desai) Studios, one of the leading Bollywood production designers?

13. Mr Greg Brown will be the new CEO of which well known MNC from January 1?

14. Which mobile phone is being advertised across media with the positioning ‘The next episode in entertainment’?

15. Trivia. According to a news snippet, Actress Trisha Krishnan has named her pet dog after a very well known brand in India. Name the brand?

16. Which celebrity was last week appointed as the official brand ambassador for Bru Cappuccino?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 192 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 191 - answers

1. Gitanjali Gems

2. Amrutanjan Health Care

3. Plethico Pharmaceuticals

4. Reebok

5. Live Documents

6. B Ramalinga Raju Chairman and founder, Satyam Computer Services

7. George Soros

8. Mariah Carey

9. Kindle

10. One millionth car

Biz Quizzard 191

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

1. Which Indian company last week announced it has bought out US-based jewellery chain Rogers for Rs 80 crore?

2. The century-old FMCG major Amrutanjan, as part of its attempt to become a family-oriented healthcare products company, has changed its name. What will it be known as?

3. Which Indian company has agreed to acquire Natrol, a branded nutritional products company in the US for $81 million (Rs 318 crore)?

4. Which MNC has announced that it will launch its international collection for kids including Tech Sports, Classics, Edge, Metromobility, Core, Sprint fit (boys’ range), Sweets, Dance Academy, Rhythm, Tech Sport and Workout (girls’ range) in India?

5. Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia last week launched a software which has all the features of Microsoft Office 2007 and it works on the web. What has it been branded as?

6. Which business personality has been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2007?

7. Quantum Fund, according to a report last week, has picked up a stake in Future capital Holdings (FCH) from Och Ziff Capital. Which legendary investor is the promoter of Quantum Fund?

8. Which celebrity last week launched her new perfume ‘M’ in Los Angeles?

9. Amazon.com last week launched an e-book reader. What has it been branded as?

10. Which milestone did Tata Motors cross last week?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 191 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 190 - answers

1. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)

2. IBM Corp

3. Shantanu Narayen

4. Mudra Communications

5. Dabur

6. Eastman Kodak Co.

7. BASF

8. DLF

9. Tata Group

10. Which company last week claimed to be the world’s only tractor company to win the Japan Quality Award?

11. Suzuki Access125

12. Avantha Group

13. MAIL TODAY

14. Reliance Retail last week launched its jewellery format in Bangalore. What has it been branded as?

15. Hyundai i10

Biz Quizzard 190

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

1. Which organization, according to a report last week, has decided to enter the branded snacks market with Munch Time, a salty snack much like Frito Lay’s Kurkure?

2. In hopes of keeping pace with rivals in the field of business intelligence software, which MNC, according to a news snippet last week, said it planned to buy Cognos Inc. for $5 billion in cash?

3. My question of the week. Who has been named the new CEO of software maker Adobe Systems?

4. The latest Brand Equity Ad Agency Reckoner – the annual ranking on the most admired ad agencies, media agencies, influential people and creative directors – was released last week. Which agency has been ranked second on the Top 10 Creative Agencies list?

5. Which FMCG major last week launched in south India, the company’s latest floor cleaner Dazzl, and signed popular south Indian actor Khusboo as its brand ambassador?

6. Which MNC has decided to sell its 20% stake in Lucky Film Co Ltd., ending a four-year partnership with China’s biggest photo film manufacturer?

7. Which company has been releasing ads in various newspapers for the past few weeks with the baseline ‘The Chemical Company’?

8. Which Indian company is acquiring the privately-held super luxury resorts and spa chain Singapore-based Amanresorts for around $250 million?

9. A supercomputer from India has been recognized as the world’s fourth fastest and the most powerful one in Asia and Asia-Pacific region. Which business group is associated with it?

10. Which company last week claimed to be the world’s only tractor company to win the Japan Quality Award?

11. Which two-wheeler brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘SABKi WiSH KARE POORi’?

12. The Gautham Thapar-led group of companies last week unveiled a its new group corporate identity. What will it be now known as?

13. The India today Group last week released an ad announcing the launch of its newspaper in Delhi and NCR. What has it been branded as?

14. Reliance Retail last week launched its jewellery format in Bangalore. What has it been branded as?

15. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘CATCH THE i’?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 190 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 189 - answers

1. PetroChina

2. Bajaj Auto

3. Unitec

4. Citigroup

5. KILLER

6. Videocon Industries

7. Wieden+Kennedy (W+K)

8. Reliance Footprint

9. Rock 100

10. Murugappa Group

Biz Quizzard 189

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

1. Which company last week became the first in the world to be valued at $1000 billion?

2. Which Indian company last week picked up a 14.5% stake in KTM Power Sports, Europe’s second largest sport motorcycle maker, from the open market for around Rs 300-350 crore?

3. Prakausli Investment, a closely-held investment company owned by the Chandra family, has, according to a report last week, picked up a 15% stake in Orissa Sponge Iron and Steel (OSISL). The Chandra family are the promoters of which real estate company?

4. Former US Treasury Secretary Robert E Robin was last week named the new chairman of which MNC?

5. Which denim brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘worship the night’?

6. Which company last week acquired Planet M, the music and entertainment retail arm of media house Bennett, Coleman & Co, for Rs 200 crore?

7. Which iconic US ad agency has taken into its fold the three-year-old Delhi-based agency ‘A’, thus signaling its entry into the Indian advertising market?

8. Reliance Retail last week launched its first footwear specialty stores in Bangalore and Hyderabad. What has the format been branded as?

9. The Xenitis group last week announced the launch of a 100-cc ‘peoples bike’ priced at Rs 19,990. What has it been branded as?

10. Which Indian business group has launched a corporate campaign across media with the baseline ‘SOLID > DRIVEN >’?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 189 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 188

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 29 - September 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Mr Shinzo Nakanishi will be taking over the managing director of which company in India?

2. NDTV last week launched a 24-hour free-to-air channel that will mainly cater to the growing expatriate market in West Asia and South Africa. What has it been branded as?

3. Which brand is being advertised through a print campaign with the baseline ‘You’re welcome!’?

4. Hyundai Motor India last week world premiered its new small car in India. What has it been branded as?

5. The board of telecom major Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) last week approved a change in the name of the company. What will it be now known as?

6. Which premium fashion brand has expanded its offering with a new young formal range under the brand Lp?

7. Which MNC, according to a report last week, acquired a 51% stake in Indian public relation consultancy company Hanmer and Partners (H&P) for an undisclosed sum?

8. Which Indian business group last week entered the South African market with the acquisition of the consumer division of Enaleni Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a Durban-based hair care company, for around Rs 52 crore?

9. Which fashion brand has appointed actress Jiah Khan (of Nishabd fame) as the brand ambassador for its women’s range?

10. Which celebrity has been appointed by Kingfisher Airlines as its second brand ambassador?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 188 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 187

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 22 - 27. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The Aditya Birla Group has changed the name of ‘Birla Plus’ cement brand to which name?

2. According to a report last week, Japanese auto major Toyota is launching its used car programme in India. What is it called?

3. Which MNC, according to a report last week, has decided to form a global joint venture with illycafe SpA for premium ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee?

4. Which special economic zone (SEZ) is being advertised through a print campaign with the baseline ‘IMPACT >> STRUCTURE FOR INDIA’?

5. Which MNC last week agreed to pay 285 million pounds ($582 million) cash for Umbro, supplier of kit to the English football team?

6. Skoda India last week announced the launch of a new variant of its best selling model Laura. What has it been sub-branded as?

7. Which Indian business group has ventured into the home décor market and is launching stores under the brand name OMA?

8. Which Indian company, according to a report last week, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with US-based Cherokee for bringing its value family lifestyle brand, Cherokee, to India?

9. Which company last week claimed to be the first Indian company to establish brand presence in Second Life, a popular virtual world internet site?

10. Reliance Retail last week launched its first specialty health and beauty care store in Hyderabad. What has the format been branded as?

11. Which MNC last week sealed a deal to buy a 1.6% stake in Palo Alto-based Facebook for $240 million?

12. Which media brand has launched an ad campaign in the print medium with the baseline ‘Imagine the India that can be’?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 187 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 186

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 15 - 20. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Why were Leonid Hurwicz, Eric Maskin and Roger Myerson of USA and their work Mechanism Design theory in news last week?

2. Which financial entity last week advertised the high profile M&A deals facilitated by it, in the print medium with the baseline ‘Acumen at work’?

3. Which automobile company last week launched a 125cc gearless scooter ‘Flyte’?

4. The new look of Deccan (formerly Air Deccan) was unveiled last week after a teaser campaign. Name the advertising agency?

5. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is sponsoring a project called Gen next, which will select 12 designers from the best fashion schools across India?

6. Which MNC is celebrating its 75 years of existence in India?

7. Which retail major, according to a report last week, has kicked off its regional food initiative in Maharashtra under the brand name ‘Thank You Aunty’, under which it has roped in local experts to prepare delicacies at the counters?

8. Why was 18, Poes Garden in Chennai, in news last week?

9. Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) last week rolled out is fourth offering in the 150cc motorcycle segment. What has it been branded as?

10. Which MNC has acquired Yasu Technologies, a Hyderabad-based business rules management (BRM) systems provider, for an undisclosed sum?

11. According to a report last week, which fashion brand’s recently-launched premium sub-brand Elite will soon be expanding its range with accessories such as footwear and eye wear?

12. Which Bangalore-based company last week announced the acquisition of US-based DWI Holdings, its third buyout this calendar year?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 186 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 185

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 08 - 13. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a news snippet last week, a group of infrastructure funds led by JP Morgan Chase & Co agreed to buy which UK water company from Royal Bank of Scotland for 1.3 billion pounds ($2.7 billion)?

2. Which brand has launched its campaign ‘Make the most of now’ across media?

3. Which advertising agency has been appointed by PepsiCo as the new creative agency for 7UP – its clear lemon brand – ending the 17-year-old exclusive relationship with ad agency JWT?

4. Which company last week launched two new electric scooters – Velociti & Optima?

5. Which consumer durables company has launched its ‘Magic Chalao, Dream Home Sajao’ offer for the festive season?

6. Which company last week agreed to buy the switchgear business of Tamco Corporate Holdings in Malaysia for $108 million?

7. Which company/brand last week released an advertisement announcing the launch of ‘Offix’, its new retail office stationery mart in November?

8. Which MNC last week unveiled its new global campaign ‘Simplify IT’ in India?

9. Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Retail last week opened its first exclusive apparel store, spaced across 30,000 sq. ft., in Gurgaon. What has it been branded as?

10. The first exclusive Hush Puppies store in India opened last week. Which city?

11. Actress Kareena Kapoor can be seen in the print advertisement for which fashion/retail brand?

12. Which Indian MNC last week agreed to take over the business and assets of Nokia Siemens Networks’ radio access-related R&D activities in Berlin?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 185 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 184

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 01 - 06. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company last week bought Lonely Planet, the travel publisher?

2. Which financial index is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Think mid, think big’?

3. Which legendary brand mascot in India turned forty this year?

4. Which Indian company last week crossed the 50 million customers mark?

5. According to a news snippet last week, which MNC has agreed to buy digital mapmaker Navteq Corp. for $8.1 billion in a deal that shakes up the GPS market?

6. Eastman Group, which manufactures automotive parts and accessories, last week signed on which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

7. Which celebrity has been roped in to endorse the Essel Group-promoted DishTV?

8. Which MNC last week bought Jellyfish, a US firm specializing in comparison shopping online?

9. Mr Som Mittal has been appointed the new president of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). He heads the services business for Asia-Pacific for which MNC?

10. The winners of The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence 2006-07 were announced last week. Who is the Business Leader of the Year?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 184 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 183

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 24 - 30. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Textile major Donear has roped in which celebrity as a brand ambassador?

2. Radico Khaitan, according to a report last week, has roped in which celebrity in a mega endorsement deal for its Magic Moments vodka brand?

3. Which MNC last week announced that it would acquire the shared service centres of the 27-billion euro Royal Philips Electronics for an all cash deal of $28 million?

4. NDTV last week launched the country’s first city channel in English for Delhi and NCR. What has it been branded as?

5. Titan last week launched a new collection with nine themes inspired by Konark, Ajanta, Taj Mahal, Jantar Mantar and other Indian masterpieces. What has the collection been branded as?

6. Which shampoo brand is being advertised on television with the baseline ‘Beautiful You. Today, Tomorrow.’?

7. Mahindra & Mahindra last week launched its lifestyle Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). What has it been branded as?

8. Which personality, according to a report last week, has become the highest tax-paying politician in the country?

9. Which MNC last week entered into an agreement to acquire Singapore-based design services semiconductor firm Oki Techno Centre Singapore (OTCS) in an all-cash deal?

10. Which MNC has signed on actress Sagarika Ghatge of Chak De India fame as brand ambassador for its women’s collection?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 183 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 182

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 17 - 22. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company, according to a report last week, will launch its chain of retail outlets ‘Elmart’ to sell all kinds of electrical products in the country?

2. Which company last week snapped up 10% of Orient-Express Hotels Trains and Cruises for $211 million?

3. Which celebrity has been roped in as a brand ambassador by Rupa & Co, a leading hosiery manufacturer, for its new range of premium innerwear ‘Macro Man’?

4. Which hotel has been rated as the favorite business hotel in the world in a Reader’s Choice Awards by leading travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler?

5. The book ‘Jalebi Management’ was last week released at ISB, Hyderabad. Name the author?

6. Suzuki Motorcycle India last week launched a 125cc gearless scooter. What has it been branded as?

7. The Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG)-promoted Big 92.7 FM has started its outdoor advertisement division. What is it called?

8. Which MNC last week announced it has agreed to acquire American Express bank, the banking subsidiary of American Express Company, with a presence in 47 countries?

9. Which brand is re-entering the bottled water market with the ‘Narmada Neer’ brand?

10. Which well-known international corporate logo celebrates 100 years this year?

11. Which consumer durable MNC has launched its water purifier ‘Purafresh’ in India?

12. The Bhasker Group is launching a monthly career magazine in Hindi. What has it been branded as?

13. Mr Paul Bulcke was last week appointed CEO of which MNC?

14. Which celebrity has been appointed brand ambassador for Flying Machine denim range?

15. Which company has signed actors Lara Dutta and Bobby Deol to endorse its brand?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 182 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 181

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

1. Which company last week agreed to buy the assets of Hualon Corporation, a sick Malaysian polyester company?

2. Which Indian business group last week acquired Scotland’s largest call centre company, Telecom Services Centres (TSC) in a deal worth 40 million pounds?

3. According to a report last week, for the first time, an ayurvedic drug has become the top selling drug in the country in value terms, for the month of July 2007. Name the brand?

4. Europe’s largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen, last week unveiled its latest people’s car at the Frankfurt Auto Show. What has it been branded as?

5. Which company last week announced the acquisition of France-based telecom software firm Voxmobili?

6. Which IT major last week brought in Naresh Wadhwa as president of its India operations?

7. According to news report last week, which business group has bagged a prestigious order from Tata Motors to supply gearboxes for the latter’s proposed Rs 1-lakh car?

8. Ms Anita Roddick last week died of a brain haemorrhage in Britain at the age of 64. Which well known company was founded by her?

9. According to a recently completed research survey by Asia’s leading research organization, Synovate, Hong Kong, which brand has been ranked by Indian consumers as the number 1 brand in the country?

10. Which MNC last week announced the launch of its lifestyle brand Originals in the country?

11. Which company last week, in partnership with California-based Z Research Inc, launched Supernova – a range of supercomputers and super storage in India?

12. Actor Jackie Chan can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which international brand? (theme: Beijing Olympics)

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 181 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 180

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

1. Vijay Mallya has become the first Indian to acquire a Formula One team. Which F1 team did Mr Mallya, along with the Dutch-based Mol family, acquire recently?

2. Which company, according to a report last week, has signed a deal to be the master franchisee for California-based coffee retail chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, in India?

3. Which hospitality brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Stay Inspired’?

4. Which company last week bought out Bangalore-based food & grocery chain S-Mart, which has 13 stores in prime residential areas of the city?

5. Which business group last week stepped up its presence in the fast-growing sector of wind energy by acquiring Germany’s design and consulting firm RSBconsult GmbH?

6. NDTV and Kingfisher recently announced the launch of their lifestyle English channel. What has it been branded as?

7. Which MNC last week said it had agreed to take over Swiss water bottler Henniez, first by buying 62% stake and then by launching a public tender?

8. Which company last week acquired a majority stake and management control of Gulf Africa Petroleum Corporation (GAPCO)?

9. Which business group has launched a campaign in the print medium with the baseline ‘BUSINESS of SUCCESS’?

10. Which MNC, according to a report last week, has decided to come up with a new campaign ‘I am more’, targeted at women?

11. A total of 12 Indian companies made it to the third annual Forbes Asia ‘Fabulous 50’ list. Name any six?

12. Which company has unleashed a campaign across media to promote its emergency contraceptive pill ‘i-pill’?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Qiuizzard 180 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 179

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week August 27 - September 01. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which brand has recently introduced chocolate milk ‘Kool Koko’?

2. Which MNC, according to a report last week, will buy Gateway for $710 million, creating the world’s No. 3 PC maker?

3. Which private equity fund last week invested $150 million to pick up to a 12.5% stake in Hyderabad-based Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC)?

4. Which company last week bagged the $100-million franchisee deal to remake the 1970’s masterpiece Sholay?

5. According to a news snippet last week, which British trade magazine for the advertising industry will be launched in India next month?

6. Which company has retained its top position as the best IT employer in India in an annual survey conducted by Cybermedia’s flagship publication Dataquest?

7. Which celebrity was last week roped in as the brand ambassador by Globus?

8. In the second largest acquisition of an overseas business process firm by an Indian company, which company last week announced the acquisition of US-based MedAssist for $330 million?

9. Which company, according to a report last week, has decided to unveil a new brand ‘Ovi’ in the internet services space?

10. Which apparel brand, according to a report last week, plans to introduce its two premium fashion lines named after French celebrities – Lou Doillon, Jean Charles De Castelbajac (JCDC) – in Indian stores next year?

11. Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Group (ADAG)’s entertainment division last week launched a video-on-demand portal. What has it been branded as?

12. Which Indian BPO last week acquired Zavata, an Atlanta, US-based BPO for $170 million?

13. TVS Motor last week rolled out a new 125 cc bike. What has it been branded as?

14. Mr Deven Sharma was last week appointed the president of which well-known international finance agency?

15. Which MNC last week opened, what it termed, world’s biggest retail outlet, in Hyderabad?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 179 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 178

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week August 20-25. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a report last week, which celebrity is partnering real estate major MGF in its retail arm, Aryan Lifestyle, which has just picked up the exclusive franchisee rights for Nike and Tag Heuer?

2. According to Drinks International (DI) data on regional whiskies, which brand is the fastest growing whisky brand in the world, outside the scotch segment?

3. Which private equity firm last week bought a controlling stake in Gokaldas Exports, the country’s biggest garments exporter?

4. Which MNC has unleashed a major campaign in the print medium with the positioning ‘Empowering a billion Indian dreams’?

5. Which company last week became the first from Tamil Nadu and the first automobile company in India to receive the premier trading certification for exports?

6. Which business group has emerged as the largest tax payer in the country for last year?

7. Which watch brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘What next?’?

8. One more Indian ad agency bites the bait. Which advertising MNC, according to a report last week, is buying out Capital Advertising?

9. Sahara One Media has announced the name of its new Hindi entertainment channel in the world television category. What has the channel been branded as?

10. Which telecom company has rejuvenated its brand and it’s positioning and has launched a new campaign with the catch line ‘Get in the loop’?

11. Actor Zayed Khan has been roped in to endorse which vodka brand?

12. Bangalore-based retail chain Primus Retail has acquired which clothing brand for youth and children for about Rs 95 crore?

13. Which consumer electronics company last week unveiled the ‘The Creative Life’, its new brand strategy for the global market?

14. Which Indian company celebrated 100 years of existence on August 26?

15. Shah Rukh Khan and Dia Mirza can be sent together in the television commercial (currently on air) for which brand?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 178 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 177

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week August 13 - 18. Hope you enjoy it.


1. Reliance Retail’s first hypermarket opened in Ahmedabad last week. What has it been branded as?

2. With which well known brand would you associate the series ‘BL-5C’?

3. Which automobile company in India last week said that it has tied up with Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks to promote its line of vehicles through Paramount’s latest release ‘Transformers’?

4. Tanishq, Tata’s jewellery brand, has signed on which south Indian movie star as its brand ambassador?

5. TNS India, a global market insight and information group, last week released its Corporate Reputation Strength (CRS) rankings, a check on the social standing of India’s top companies. Which company has topped the list?

6. Racing champion Narain Karthikeyan and cricketer MS Dhoni can be seen together in the television commercial (currently on air) for which brand?

7. Which now-commonly-used product turned 25 this month?

8. Which MNC, through its investment arm Russell Credit Ltd, last week acquired Techino Pty Ltd of Australia from KK Birla Group’s Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd?

9. Which footwear brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Discover’?

10. Which consumer durable brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Thinking of you’?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 177 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 176

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week August 06 - 11. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which celebrity has been recently roped in as the new face of Grasim Suitings?

2. Which brand is being advertised in the print and television media with the baseline ‘Live the skin you’re in’?

3. According to a news snippet last week, Google is hoping launch a mobile phone by early next year. What will it be branded as?

4. It is India’s biggest tech takeover. Which MNC last week signed a definitive agreement to acquire Nasdaq-listed Infocrossing for $600 million?

5. Mr George Zacharias last week resigned as the MD of the Indian operations of which MNC?

6. Which actress has been chosen as brand ambassador for Garnier Light Matte, a fairness cream launched by Garnier?

7. Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham will for the first time feature together in a TVC to launch a new form of packaging for Pepsi – a can. What is it called?

8. Which Indian has been chosen by Gillette as an ambassador for the worldwide Gillette Winner Program?

9. Laserwords, which provides IT solutions for the printing and publishing industry, has acquired US-based Four Lakes Colorgraphics for $11 million. Laserwords is part of which Indian business group?

10. According to Fortune magazine, who has overtaken Bill Gates as the world’s wealthiest person?

11. According to a news snippet last week, David Beckham and his Spice-Girl wife, Victoria, now have their own brand of his-and-hers fragrances. Name the brand?

12. Which Indian company last week acquired US-based software engineering services firm ArrAy for an undisclosed sum?

13. Which Indian business group last week announced the launch of its health insurance company, setup in a joint venture with Germany-based DKV AG Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG?

14. PepsiCo, according to a report last week, is finalizing plans to launch its third juice-based beverage in India. Which brand?

15. Bajaj Auto will be launching a new bike, powered by a new engine, in September. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 176 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 175

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week July 30 - August 04. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which brand has retained its top position in the latest world’s top 100 brands list (by brand value) by Interbrand, a leading international brand consultancy, and Businessweek magazine?

2. The Swiss government, according to a report last week, has named which car as the world’s greenest car?

3. Mr Madhukar Kamat has been elected president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the year 2007-08. He is the MD and CEO of which advertising agency?

4. Dell’s first ‘made in India’ computer rolled out of its newly established line at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai last week. To which customer was this computer handed over to?

5. Which Indian company has bagged an IT deal from FIFA (Federation of Internationale de Football) for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa?

6. Rupert Mudroch’s News Corp last week sealed a deal to buy Dow Jones & Co for $5 billion. Dow Jones is the publisher of which famous media brand?

7. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is pumping in big money in a massive corporate campaign – Drops of Joy – that will project a more human and community-engaged face of the organization?

8. Automart India, the leading player in the used car market, has been renamed. What is it now known as?

9. Which political personality can be seen in an ad campaign for French luxury label Louis Vuitton?

10. Which television channel, according to a report last week, has changed its tagline to ‘It’s My TV’?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 175 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 174

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

1. Which Indian IT company last week made its 5th acquisition by buying out US-based IT consulting company Taratec for $27.2 million in an all-cash deal?

2. Who was last week appointed the new chairman of home-grown FMCG major Dabur India?

3. Which infrastructure development company has unleashed a campaign across media with the baseline ‘Built on values. Since 1975’?

4. Which company last week announced that it would acquire the shared service centers of the $27-billion euro Royal Philips Electronics for an all-cash deal of $28 million?

5. Which automobile brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Play it your way’?

6. According to a report last week, which celebrity will buy a 10% stake in BAG Glamour, the new entity promoted by Anuradha Prasad?

7. Actor Naseeruddin Shah can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which cooking oil brand?

8. The legendary rogue trader was back in news last week when he was appointed chief executive officer of a small Irish football club, Galway United. Name him?

9. The Nokia Nseries is being advertised across media with the baseline ‘Is this what computers have become?’. Name the advertising agency?

10. Titan has introduced a new collection, a range of feminine ultra stylish designs embellished with enamel mesh or leather bracelets. What has the collection been branded as?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 174 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 173

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

1. Mr Thomas Enders was last week appointed the CEO of which well known MNC in the aviation industry?

2. Mr Ranjan Das was last week appointed the head of Indian operations of which German MNC?

3. Which company last week acquired US data communications company Yipes Holdings in an all-cash deal for $300 million (Rs 1,200 crore)?

4. UTV Software Communication, in association with Malaysia-based media company Astro Measat, last week announced the launch of a dedicated youth channel. What has it been branded as?

5. Rakhi Sawant has been recently signed on as the brand ambassador for which confectionery brand?

6. According to a report last week, the worlds leading retailer of athletic footwear and apparel is firming up its India entry plans. Name the company?

7. Which tobacco MNC last week agreed to buy Franco-Spanish rival Altadis in a 16.2 billion euro ($22.4 billion) deal, strengthening its position as the world’s fourth largest cigarette group?

8. Which business personality has been chosen as the Telecom Person of the Year 2007 by telecom journal Voice & Data?

9. According to a report last week, which business group’s private roof top helipad, the only second such facility in the country, was last week granted operational clearance by the Union Government?

10. Bipasha Basu has been signed on as a brand ambassador by which two wheeler manufacturer?

11. Which celebrity has been signed on as a brand ambassador for Addo Batteries?

12. Which company last week entered into a 50:50 joint venture agreement with Axiom Telecom of United Arab Emirates to source and distribute mobile handsets and accessories in India?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 173 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 172

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

1. Which Indian group last week won the bid to develop and operate a new international terminal at Sabiha Gokcen airport in Istanbul?

2. Which advertising agency, according to a report last week, has launched ‘Multiplier’, a new arm to tap the rising tide of outsourced sales & marketing?

3. Which conglomerate last week announced the appointment of former Prudential Corp head Ajay Srinivas as chief executive for its financial services?

4. Which airline last week appointed Nick White as its deputy chief operating officer – technical?

5. Which popular portal last week launched its social content sharing platform ‘iShare’ on its website that allows users to share videos, music and images?

6. According to a report last week, which company has become the No. 1 pharma company in the domestic retail market by market share for the year ended May 2007?

7. Actress Kajol has been roped in as the product ambassador for which confectionery brand?

8. Police Time & Jewellery has signed on which actress as its brand ambassador?

9. Which company has retained its top slot in Nasscom’s annual rankings of top 15 ITES-BPO exporters in the country based on export revenues for the fiscal 2006-07?

10. Which Indian business personality was last week made an honorary fellow of the London School of Economics and Political Science?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 172 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 171

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

1. Retail chain 'Straps', according to a report last week, is planning to establish India's largest lingerie retail store in Delhi. Which business group owns the chain?

2. Which Indian business personality figures among the all-time top 30 entrepreneurs identified by leading business magazine 'Business Week'?

3. Which MNC last week announced that it has offered to buy the biscuit & cereals business Groupe Danone globally, excluding India and Latin America?

4. Which life insurance company has signed on Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador?

5. Which company last week released full page print ads to commemorate the birth centenary of its co-founder Henning Holck?

6. Which MNC last week acquired GrandCentral Communications, a start-up that lets users manage their existing phones and voice mailboxes over the web as if they were a single account?

7. 3-month old Ayush Ranjan Rout of Rourkela was on the front page of a newspaper last week. What is his claim to fame?

8. US private equity firm Blackstone Group last week agreed to buy which famous hospitality group?

9. Which company, according to a report last week, is finalizing plans to roll out a nationwide multi-brand home & kitchen appliances chain christened 'L Mart'?

10. Cadbury India last week launched the world's leading bubble gum brand in India. Name the brand?

11. Which new milestone did Sensex cross last week?

12. Which Indian company last week bought Singapore-based FMCG company Unza for $246 million in an all-cash deal?

13. Which hair care brand has launched a campaign across media with the baseline 'Gorgeous Hamesha'?

14. Which celebrity last week launched her new fragrance 'S2' in London?

15. Which automobile brand's diesel variant 'Magnum' is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'Enjoy the Drive'?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 171 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 170

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 25-30. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Software major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) last week entered into an agreement with which automobile brand to provide entire software requirement for its Formula One (F1) cars?

2. Which company recently bought a 25% stake in Malaysian telecom company Maxis?

3. Mr Ganesh Lakshminarayanan will be taking over as the MD of Indian operations of which MNC?

4. In a revision of his succession policy, Mr Basant Kumar Birla lasted week handed over the reins of which group company to his grandson Kumar Mangalam Birla?

5. SkodaIndia last week revealed its plans to launch its first small car in India. Name the brand?

6. Nokia last week launched its most advanced smart phone in the latest communicator series. What has it been sub branded as?

7. Which country will become the 151st member of World Trade Organization (WTO) next month?

8. Which business group, according to a report last week, intends to kick start its apparel retail foray by converting two little-known group-owned stores in Kolkata - '85 Lansdowne ' on Sarat Bose Road and 'Rose Bird' in Park Street - into a fashion garments outlet and mid-range apparel store respectively?

9. Which new television channel is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'live the game'?

10. Which Indian film celebrity has been appointed worldwide brand ambassador for luxury watch brand 'Timond'?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 170 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 169

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 18-23. Hope you enjoy it.

1. In what is the first time ever a male superstar will endorse a fairness cream, which celebrity has been signed on by Emami group to endorse its Fair & Handsome brand?

2. What new initiative did Pepsi undertake in India last week, a first for the soft drink giant anywhere in the world?

3. Tata Motors last week launched a passenger version of its goods carrier Ace. What has it been branded as?

4. HDFC and Barclays Bank last week agreed to sell their entire shareholding in which BPO company to SKR BPO Services?

5. According to a report last week, which advertising agency has bagged Bharti Retail's ad account estimated at Rs 50 crore?

6. Which famous personality last week took over as the CEO of the MNC he co-founded?

7. Which MNC last week bought a 49% stake in ASTAR Air Cargo, Florida-based airline?

8. Wadhawan Retail Holding last week took over Delhi's convenience supermarket Sabka Bazaar and lifestyle outlet The Home Store from entrepreneur Mohammad Abdullah along with taking control of Mumbai's Maratha Stores, a chain of co-operative outlets. Which retail brand does the company own in Mumbai?

9. According to a report last week, with 700 people on its rolls, which Indian company is laying claim to the tag of Finland's largest non-Finnish employer?

10. Popular south Indian actress Trisha Krishnan has been signed up as the brand ambassador for which two wheeler brand (the TVC is already on air for about 2 weeks now)?

11. Hoping to deepen its appeal to hard-core sports fans, which MNC is buying Rivals.com, a website that provides extensive coverage of college athletics?

12. Hutch last week launched a new light variant of Blackberr6y. What has it been sub-branded as?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 169 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 168

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 11-16. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC has acquired Cricinfo, the world's largest cricket website, from the Wisden Group for an undisclosed sum?

2. Which MNC last week announced that it will sponsor Indian Golf Union's National Amateur Tour for the next three years?

3. Mr Firdose Vandrevala last week resigned as the corporate vice president and chairman of Indian operations of which MNC?

4. According to a report last week, which beer giant has chosen its East European beer brand Okocim Palone for its India debut?

5. The Apollo Hospitals Group last week announced the launch of Asia's first health city. In which city is the Apollo Health City located?

6. Which MNC is planning to launch its inner wear and lingerie brand - Undercolors - in India by September this year?

7. Which company has announced that it has entered into a tie-up with Apple Computer to sell the entire range of Apple Products in India?

8. Which MNC has launched "Ice Cucumber", a new soda based on the crisp green gourd, in Japan?

9. Which automobile brand is being advertised across media with the baseline' full of life!'?

10. A proud moment. Which co-operative last week became the first ever in India to enter the billion-dollar club?

11. Actress Priyanka Chopra can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which two wheeler brand?

12. Which actress recently unveiled her own clothing collection, "Bitten", in New York?

13. Which detergent brand last week entered the Limca Book of Records by creating the country's largest clothesline in Hyderabad?

14. Which PC manufacturer last week launched its 'Green Ware' eco friendly range of products?

15. According to a news report last week, US-based Advertising Age has ranked Ms Rohini Miglani at the 5th position among the world's 25 top women executives in its Women to Watch survey. Ms Miglani is the associate director (Asia) of which MNC?

16. Which celebrity last week launched her 'dVb' collection of denim pants, skirts and shorts in New York? (hint: the name is in the brand)

17. According to a print ad released last week, the world's largest Pepe Jeans Store has opened in India. Which city?

18. According to a news snippet last week, which stock exchange has acquired a 5% stake in the Singapore Exchange Limited as part of its efforts to forge links with overseas bourses?

19. Fashion TV opened its first fitness and beauty outlet in Bangalore recently. What has it been branded as?

20. The new look of which portal is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'LIFE'S BETTER IN HERE'?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 168 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 167

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 04-09. Hope you enjoy it.

1. New Delhi-based film exhibition & distribution company, PVR has changed its tagline 'Movies First'. What is the new tagline?

2. In what looks like a succession plan, according to news reports last week, Mr Rishad would be joining the financial services vertical of which company as a business manager?

3. Which MNC last week unveiled a new brand identity with the theme 'Transforming Tomorrow'? The first print ad was also released in India last week.

4. Which MNC last week agreed to be acquired by Silver Lake Partners and TPG for $8.2 billion in the largest leveraged buyout of a computer-networking company?

5. Which MNC last week agreed to sell its Australian jams and jellies division to HJ Heinz, as part of a plan to raise $498 million from disposals of smaller assets?

6. Network 18, the holding company of TV18 and Global Broadcast News, last week announced the launch of a new events division. What has it been named?

7. ITC's Lifestyle Retailing division has launched its range of apparel for women. What has it been branded as?

8. Which premium international brand has tied up with Mumbai-based home textiles company, Creative Portico India, to market its home textiles and furnishings range in India?

9. Which MNC last week agreed to acquire 80% stake in Ukrainian juice company Sandora LLC?

10. Which infrastructure group has launched a corporate campaign in the television and print media with the baseline 'NO DREAM TOO BIG'?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 167 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 166

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week May 28 - June 02. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The 2007 edition of the Brand Equity Survey of India's Most Trusted Brands was released last week. Which brand has retained the top slot for the fourth time in a row?

2. Hero Honda Motors last week launched a new model of its largest selling brand Splendor. What has it been sub-branded as?

3. Associated British Foods, the 6-bn pounds international food, ingredients and retail group, last week announced the acquisition of which iconic UK curry brand for an undisclosed sum?

4. Which company last week picked up a 26% stake in Air Deccan (Deccan Aviations) for Rs 550 crore?

5. According to a news snippet last week, which business personality's under-construction residence in Mumbai is named after the mythical island Antilia?

6. Evolve Ventures, an international retail arm of the Chennai-based Rs 200 crore GKK-Taurus Group, is foraying into the Indian market with the launch of its premium accessories label. What is it branded as?

7. Which company last week announced plans to acquire 45% stake in Mount Everest Mineral Water (MEMW), which owns the Himalayan mineral water brand?

8. Which retail brand has revealed its promotional tie-up, titled 'Rock with Rolls', with Rolls Royce, a car renowned the world over?

9. Radio Today last week launched a talk-based, women-focused radio stationin Delhi. What has it been brand as?

10. Trinity Health Tech, a health and fitness equipment supplier, has appointed which celebrity as brand ambassador for VibroGym, a premier fitness product in India?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 166 as the subject.

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Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 165

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

1. The AV Birla group has appointed its first woman business head. Ms Martha Finn Brooks has been appointed president and chief operating officer of which group company?

2. According to a report last week, which corporate group has joined hands with art outfit Chisel to set up Kolkata's and eastern region's first art auction house?

3. Which Indian company last week agreed to buy Israeli generic maker Taro Pharmaceutical Industries?

4. Which well known MNC last week announced the appointment of Tejpreet Singh Chopra as the president & CEO of its Indian operations?

5. Fishing in troubled waters. Which television channel/network last week announced its plans to launch a new channel 'Kalaignar TV', reportedly with the patronage of DMK leadership?

6. The new logo - a red coloured flying swan - of which company was unveiled last week?

7. The Global Broadcast News (GBN), which operates the CNN IBN news channel and is part of the TV18 group, last week inked a 50:50 joint venture with which media MNC for an entertainment channel?

8. Which company has launched a new corporate campaign on television (single TVC, currently on air) with the baseline 'The world is not enough'?

9. Which two wheeler brand is being advertised (TVC currently on air) with the baseline 'Got it?'?

10. Which cement brand is Amitabh Bachchan endorsing on television (currently on air)?

11. Not exactly a business question, but I thought it could be counted as one. Which country last week became the first to open a 'virtual embassy' in Second Life, the online virtual world?

12. Which MNC last week acquired Glaceau, also known as Energy Brands, for $4.1 billion in cash?

Please mail your answers to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 165 as the subject before Friday.

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Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 164

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

1. Mr Vijay Mansukhani has recently taken over as the managing director of which consumer durable company in India?

2. Mumbai-based Anchor group last week acquired which toothpaste brand from John Oak Remedies?

3. Private equity firm Cerberus last week bought which well known automobile group for $7.4 billion?

4. Media giant Reuters last week agreed to be taken over by which MNC to create one of the world's largest financial news providers?

5. Another great Indian victory. Vijay Mallya last week became the first Indian to enter the exclusive Scotch club by acquiring 100% of which Scotch giant?

6. Which software MNC has recently acquired Agile Software Corp in a $495-million deal?

7. Which MNC last week announced that it would release its 'Halo 3' video game on September 25?

8. Another acquisition by a private equity firm. Which firm last week agreed to buy eye-care company Bausch & Lomb Inc for about $3.67 billion?

9. The Aditya Birla group last week unveiled its retail store brand. Name the brand?

10. Which MNC last week announced that it was taking over aQuantive, a global digital marketing company for $6 billion?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 164 as the subject.

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Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 163

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

1. Which MNC last week announced the launch of its new global corporate identity advertising campaign with the theme 'Let's Get it Done' in print and online media around the world?

2. Mr Partho Ray Burman has, according to a report last week, forayed into the food & hospitality space by setting up a chain of restaurants under the brand name 'Nola' in Kolkata. Mr Burman is also associated with another well known retail chain for a different product category. Name the brand?

3. According to a news snippet last week, which country has become the world's largest manufacturing base of building ceramics and sanitary ware after 20 years of fast growth?

4. Microsoft's email service Hotmail has been revamped and renamed. What will it be now known as?

5. Amara Raja Batteries Ltd last week launched a new retail format. What has it been branded as?

6. Maruti Udyog last week launched its premium sedan in the A3 segment. What has it been branded as?

7. Air India, which already has an in-flight magazine 'Namaskaar', last week released its second in-flight magazine primarily for the business and executive class passengers. What has it been branded as?

8. Outlook Group last week launched a new lifestyle magazine. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers before Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 163 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 162

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week April 30 - May 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which automobile company last week signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the paid-up capital of Detroit-based Defiance Testing and Engineering Services (DTE) for $17 million?

2. It started as K Hattari in Tokyo in 1881 and it is a Japanese word meaning "exquisite", "minute", or "success". According to a news report last week, which MNC is all set to enter India and is scouting for a minority partner for retail venture?

3. In what is billed as the largest overseas takeover deals in the auto component sector by a southern corporate group, which company has acquired Intermet Europe, from US-based Intermet International for Rs 532 crore?

4. Which Indian steel company last week announced the acquisition of UK-based Argent Independent Steel Limited?

5. Music trio Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which tea brand?

6. The board of UTI Bank last week recommended a name change. What is the proposed name?

7. Which MNC, according to a news report last week, will roll out Chaudfontaine, a local water brand it owns in Belgium, in the UK and the rest of the Europe by the end of this year?

8. Which company has roped in actor Kangana Renaut (of Gangster fame) to endorse women's chappals?

9. Which Indian business personality will join the board of Standard Chartered Plc as an independent director effective August 1?

10. Which Indian company last week acquired the $150-million Negma Laboratories, the fourth largest pharmaceutical company in France, in an all-cash deal worth $265 million?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 162 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 161

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

1. Which company recently became the first Indian firm to reach the $50 bn M-cap?

2. In the history's biggest-ever financial deal, which MNC bank last week announced a $91-bn takeover of ABN Amro?

3. Another takeover. Which MNC last week bought an 80% stake in Mumbai-based electrical accessories major Anchor Electricals for Rs 2,000 crore?

4. With an eye on catching the young traveler segment with an appealing animal mascot, which airline has launched a soft toy, Querk, an animal that is positioned as one that loves travel and can change guise?

5. Which pharma MNC, according to a news snippet last week, bought US biotech firm Medimmune for $15.6 bn?

6. Coimbatore-based SP Apparels, has according to a report last week, acquired which women's western wear brand?

7. Reliance Retail last week announced its entry into consumer durable retailing. What will the stores be branded as?

8. Sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports last week announced the launch of its all cricket channel. What has it been branded as?

9. Which MNC last week acquired a controlling 51% stake in Sesa Goa, India's largest private ore exporter?

10. Which Indian company last week acquired two Polish tea brands Vitax and Flosana from Premium Foods SA, a local company headquartered in Krakow, for an undisclosed amount?

11. According to an annual ranking by a market research firm, Millword Brown Optimer, which is the world's most powerful brand?

12. Mr Edward Whitacre Jr last week announced that he will retire in June. He is the chairman and chief executive of which well known telecom giant?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 161 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 160

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

1. According to news reports last week, Jet Airways will operate Air Sahara as a separate airline. What will it be branded as?

2. Which business group last week signed a definitive agreement to acquire Canadian Algoma Steel for $1.58 bn?

3. Which company's ice cream brand Chillz, according to a report last week, would get its first TV commercial with a new tagline of 'goodness inside'?

4. General Motors last week launched the new avatar of the erstwhile Daewoo Matiz. What has it been branded as?

5. Which MNC financial giant is advertising its range of products in the print and television media with the baseline 'We appreciate the value of your money'?

6. According a news report last week, Netilo Systems, a company which develops software products and solutions for the banking industry, is being put on the block. Which business group owns a majority stake in the company?

7. Which Bangalore-based hardware company last week rolled out its one millionth product?

8. Gitanjali Gems has lined up a new collection, L'Oreal has introduced a limited edition lipstick shade Tender Beige and Big 92.7 FM is believed to be spending close to Rs 7 lakh for on-ground promotions. What is the occasion?

9. Which MNC auto major last week launched its luxury sedan Teana in India?

10. Very workable. Which airline last week appointed Bollywood actress Preity Zinta as its brand ambassador?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 160 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 159

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


1. According to a news report last week, Spitz, the Euro 2.2-billion Austrian food major is planning to launch its energy drink in India. What has it been branded as?

2. Health and fitness retail chain VLCC is planning to set up 4000 beauty outlets. What will they be branded as?

3. Which advertising agency last week announced the launch of its design arm - Red Lion?

4. Which advertising agency/group last week launched a creative design boutique 'Iki'?

5. Mr Lakshmi Narayan was last week appointed the chairman for Nasscom, the premier IT body of the country, for 2007-08. He is the vice chairman of which IT company?

6. Which MNC last week announced it would buy Gerber Products Co. from pharmaceutical maker Novartis SA for $5.5 billion giving it the largest share of the global baby food market?

7. Which hospitality group in India last week signed an exclusive agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to bring the latter's premium brand, the 'Luxury Collection', to India?

8. India's first branded train, a holiday special to Nagarcoil, rolled out from Bangalore last week. Name the brand? (in case you are confused, this is a commercial brand, in an advertising deal with the Railways)

9. Which business group is the Hewitt Best Employer in 2007?

10. South African operator Neotel has acquired Transtel Telecom, the commercial telecommunication arm of Transnet, South Africa's largest transport and logistics company, for $33 million. Which Indian business group has a 51% stake in Neotel?

11. Sticking to tradition, Mr Nandan Nilekani last week gave up the CEO position to take on the role of executive co-chairman. Who is the new CEO of Infosys?

12. Geneva watchmaker Romain Jerome last week showcased its exclusive "Titanic - DNA" collection at Baselworld, the watch and jewellery industry's largest annual trade fair. Why has it been branded so?

13. Which clothing brand is being advertised with the baseline 'Catch up with life'?

14. According to a news report last week, Apple Inc has delayed the release of its new computer operating system till October. What has it been code-named?

15. NDTV recently made an official announcement about its new entertainment channel, in association with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. What has it been branded as?


Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 159 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 158

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


1. Hyundai Motor India last week launched a new variant of its premium hatchback Getz. What has it been sub-branded as?

2. Which Indian company last week announced the acquisition of Hotel Campton Palace in San Francisco?

3. Which well known brand in India last week launched deodorants under the brand names 'Spark', 'Dare' and 'Urge' for men and 'Provoke' and 'Intention' for women?

4. Vienna-based Wienerberger plans to open its first factory in India soon. It is the world's biggest manufacturer of which product?

5. According to a report last week, US-based Sherwin-Williams has acquired which Indian paint company for an undisclosed sum?

6. The print ad for which digital camera brand features actress and model Katrina Kaif with the baseline 'Personalize it'?

7. Which new/relaunched car brand is being advertised in the print medium with the headline 'The spirit of the original. The spunk of today'?

8. Drishti Adventures that runs H2O and its adjoining restaurant Salt Water Grill at Girgaum Chowpatty in Mumbai was last week summoned by the High Court to produce its liquor permit and other documents. Which celebrity is a business partner in the company?

9. Kwality Walls last week launched a calcium-enriched ice cream. What has it been branded as?

10. Which new consumer durables brand is being advertised across media with the baseline 'LIVE THE FUTURE'?

11. Which clothing brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'Enjoy the change'?

12. Which cosmetics brand has launched Freespirit Lipcolor created by Narendra Kumar?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 158 as the subject.

Happy learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 157

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

1. Which Indian engineering company last week announced the 100% equity acquisition of Quickmill Inc., Canada, for a consideration of about Rs 22 crore?

2. Which media group in India last week signed a joint venture agreement with Associated Newspapers, which publishes the Daily Mail in UK, to launch a morning tabloid?

3. Which government organization has launched a major advertising campaign in the print medium with the baseline 'Reaching Every Indian'?

4. Which IT MNC last week signed a 5-year contract valued at $200 million with Applied Materials, a leader in nanomanufacturing technology solutions?

5. According to reports last week, what would be the merged entity of state-owned carriers Air India and Indian be branded as?

6. Which Indian business group along with a group company last week sold a cumulative 50% holding in their joint venture with business process outsourcing player, Sitel India, to Sitel Corporation for $22.2 million (around Rs 100 crore)?

7. Which clothing brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'Wear fresh air!'?

8. Titan Industries last week announced the launch of its prescription eye store in Bangalore. What has it been branded as?

9. General Motors last week launched a special edition of its premium mid-size sedan Chevrolet Optra. What has it been sub-branded as?

10. Which business group last week announced its foray into the luxury retail market through its new venture "Luxury Connexions (Lx) and Luxury Malls"?

11. This is globalization at its best. A German banking major along with an US investment banking giant, will lead the charge to list an Indian telecom company's London-headquartered subsidiary on Europe's biggest bourse. Name the subsidiary?

12. Which celebrity has been signed on as the brand ambassador for Sony Ericsson for India and SAARC region?

13. After banning English channel AXN in January for about 2 months, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has now banned which satellite channel till end of May?

14. According to a news report last week, which well known Indian company is foraying into the retail segment through a new subsidiary, H&B Stores Ltd?

15. Which brand is being advertised on television with the baseline 'Soorat bhi hai, Khoobsoorat bhi hai' (in Hindi)?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 157 as the subject.

Happy learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 157

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


1. Which well known personality was last week appointed brand ambassador by Haier Telecom?

2. Which business group last week announced its tie-up with UK's Virgin Group for The Mobile Store, its network of telecom retail stores?

3. According to a report last week, which MNC might launch its Ethos Water in the country when it opens its first Indian store this year?

4. Which insurance company is advertising its Children's Dream Plan across media (TVC currently on air) with the headline/theme 'Aaj khelne do'?

5. Which automobile brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'No parking'?

6. Which celebrity news magazine last week made its debut in India with the exclusive picture of Liz Hurley - Arun Nayar wedding on its cover?

7. Skoda India last week launched a new variant of its luxury brand Laura. What has it been sub-branded as?

8. Which company last week signed a 10-year outsourcing deal with International Business Machines, the world's largest computer services provider, worth $600-800 million (Rs 2640-3520 crore)?

9. Which business personality has been voted India's most powerful CEO by the Economic Times Corporate Dossier's Most Powerful CEO survey?

10. Which diamond jewellery manufacturer last week launched a sports range, Sporteratti, to coincide with the World Cup?

11. Which celebrity has been roped in by Spice Telecom as its new brand ambassador?

12. Karnataka Soaps and Detergents (KS&DL), the owner of Mysore Sandal soap brand, is reportedly planning to launch a super premium soap priced at Rs 200. What will it be branded/sub-branded as?

13. After launching the magazine 'Men's Health' in the country, the India Today Group is bring in another health magazine, this time targeted at women. What is it branded as?

14. Colour cosmetics player Modi Revlon plans to take on Garnier, the mass hair colour market leader, with the launch of which mass brand in India?

15. The union ministry of HRD last week appointed which renowned industrialist as the chairman of IIM-A society?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 157 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 156

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week March 12 - 17. Hope you enjoy it. Biz Quizzard completes 3 years with this edition. Thanks to each one of you for your support.


1. Actress Priety Zinta can be seen in the print and television (currently on air) advertisements for which telecom brand?

2. Which MNC banking major last week became the largest shareholder of South-based Geojit Financial Services Ltd?

3. In the largest acquisition in the electrical product space in India, which Indian company has acquired Dutch-based SLI Sylvania's lighting business for $300 million (about Rs 1350 crore)?

4. Which company last week forayed into the snacks business with the launch of a new brand, Bingo?

5. Which celebrity has been roped in as a brand ambassador for the appliances division of Godrej & Boyce?

6. According to a report last week, which MNC plans to launch its $1 billion-plus flagship skin care brand Olay in India this year?

7. Tata Tea last week announced the launch of regular black tea with the addition of natural flavours of herbs and spices. What has it been branded as?

8. After having used Hema Malini and her younger daughter Ahana Deol in its marketing campaign, which company last week roped in Esha Deol as a brand ambassador?

9. The recently floated Diageo-Radico joint venture has roped in Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador for its first offering. What has it been branded as?

10. According a news snippet in a weekly magazine, which Indian actress has replaced Sushmita Sen as the international brand ambassador for Tag Heuer?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 156 as subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 155

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

1. Which MNC last week picked up a minority stake in Bangalore-based Comat Technologies, marking its first investment in the e-governance space?

2. Public sector banks - Canara Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) - last week joined hands with the insurance arm of which MNC to set up a life insurance joint venture?

3. Which real estate portal is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'GHAR BAITHE GHAR DHOONDO'?

4. Which MNC bank last week agreed to buy a 93.4% stake in Pakistan's Prime Bank for 13.8 billion rupees ($227 million)?

5. Which real estate major last week announced a tie-up with Prudential Financial Inc (PFI) of the US to foray into life insurance business?

6. Tata Motors last week unveiled its new concept car at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. What has it been branded as?

7. ProbR, the busy bee, is the new mascot for which print media brand/sub-brand?

8. I am sure most of you have seen the new Nike 'Just Do It' commercial, the second Indian ad for the MNC. The ad features young cricketers playing cricket atop stranded buses and trucks in a Mumbai traffic jam. Name the advertising agency?



9. NDTV Profit's new show NextGen started last week. Which unusual celebrity is the interviewer and host?

10. Model Vipasha Agarwal is the new face of which cosmetics brand?



11. Which MNC has come up with the concept of 'Fashiontronics', a fusion of fashion and electronics, under which it has launched a range of accessories including laptop and PC skins, wireless headsets and stylish laptop/notebook bags?

12. Which automobile company last week agreed to pay Rs 360 per share for a 43.5% stake in rival company Punjab Tractors (PTL)?

13. According to a news report last week, which well known business personality is floating a new outfit, Milagrow Business and Knowledge Solutions, which would essentially hand-hold small businesses by offering them professional management status, and if needed take up sweat equity or strategic stakes in some of the ventures?

14. Titan Watches last week launched a new collection of watches inspired from World War II fighter aircraft and targeted at the up-market, global Indian. What has the collection been branded as?

15. Tennis ace Sania Mirza can be seen in the print advertisement for which airline company with the theme 'Your home away from home'?

16. Which celebrity has been signed on by Acer Computers as its new brand ambassador?

17. The $1.2 billion Italian coffee major Lavazza last week reportedly picked up 100% stake in which well known coffee chain in India?

18. Which food brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline 'RESTAURANT JAISA CHINESE KHANA. GHAR PE.'?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 155 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 154

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week February 26 - March 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is acquiring 51% stake in the food and beverage business of Godrej group for Rs 238 crore or about $54 million?

2. Soft drink giant PepsiCo India last week launched a premium variant to commemorate ICC World Cup cricket tournament starting March 13. What has it been branded as?

3. Which FMCG major has signed on actor-director Revathy to endorse its pickle brand 'Chinni's'?

4. In what could be the country's largest farming initiative, Amalgamated Plantations is looking at an "organized corporate farming" proposal that will leverage the country's burgeoning organized retail grocery business. The newly created company is part of which Indian group?

5. Which MNC is reportedly planning to roll out its Radica range of toys in India soon?

6. Which portal has signed on Chess player Koneru Humpy as its brand ambassador?

7. Which company is reportedly rolling out 11 cosmetic products under its 'Attitude' range and will also launch a bathing soap under its 'Personal' range?

8. There was an article last week on 'Chini Kam' a new film (in production) starring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu. The film is the directorial debut of which well known advertising personality?

9. Which business daily is being advertised on television (TVC currently on air) with the baseline 'Refreshing clarity in business'?

10. According to a news snippet last week, which international celebrity has been signed on as the new spokesperson by K-Swiss, a company which currently produces tennis and lifestyle footwear and apparel?

Please mail your answers before Friday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 154 as the subject.

Happy Learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 153

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

1. Which celebrity has been roped in by Tata Sky for its new marketing campaign for the World Cup?

2. Which MNC last week launched Minute Maid Pulpy Orange in Hyderabad?

3. Which Chennai-based company last week acquired a majority stake in eSys Technologies, the Singapore-based distributor of hard drives and PC manufacturer for $105 million?

4. The board of Hindustan Lever (HLL) last week proposed a name change for the company. What will the company be now called?

5. Which business group, according to a report last week, has signed an agreement with the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bangalore to be its main sponsor?

6. Which MNC has picked up a 51% stake for $5 million in FrameFlow, a three-year-old animation and visual effects company with production operations based in Chennai?

7. The Economic Times last week launched its first vernacular edition. In which language was the edition launched?

8. UTV Motion Pictures has roped in which MNC as a sponsor for its movie Hattrick, based on cricket and slated for release on March 9?

9. American giant Morgan Stanley last week ended its decade old partnership with which company to strike out on its own in the rapidly growing Indian financial services industry?

10. Which beverage brand last week launched a premium variant sub-branded Sorbet?

11. The IPO for Page Industries Ltd opened last week. The company is the exclusive Indian licensee for which international clothing brand?

12. Actress Preity Zinta will be the face for which deodorant brand?

13. Which consumer durable MNC recently launched its fully loaded semi-automatic washing machine 'Sparkle' in India?

14. I am sure all of you have seen the promos of Reema Kagti's directorial debut Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. The movie is about 6 couples on a honeymoon trip in a pink bus. Name the brand of the bus?

15. Which company is the title sponsor for the Brand Equity Quiz 2007?

Please mail your answers to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz quizzard 153 as the subject.

Happy Learning!

Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 152

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

1. After weeks of speculation, which MNC last week emerged the victor in the bidding for 67% stake of India's fourth largest telecom company Hutch-Essar?

2. Which Indian company last week acquired Atlanta-based Novelis, a world-class technology company and supplier of key products such as aluminum sheets for Jaguar and beverage cans for Coke?

3. Another acquisition. Norwegian food company Orkla is, according to a report last week, acquiring which Indian company for Rs 450 crore (around $100 million)?

4. Which German MNC, according to a report last week, is set to buy British package holiday rival MyTravel, creating a travel company worth about 2.8 billion pounds ($5.5 billion)?

5. Maharashtra Governor Mr SM Krishna last week released the biography - One Day At A Time. It is the based on the lives of the grandparents of which famous business personality?

6. Research in Motion (RIM), according to a report last week, is set to unveil the all-new Blackberry. What was it dubbed during its development? (Hint: an Indian automobile brand)

7. Which MNC has acquired a controlling stake in Bangalore-based Paprikaas Animation Studios?

8. Which celebrity has been roped in as the new brand ambassador for Mayur Suitings, the suitings brand from LNJ Bhilwara Group?

9. Which company last week rolled out a national training initiative, branded 'Pathshala', for its employees?

10. Deutsche Boerse, Europe's top stock exchange last week bought 5% equity in which Indian financial entity?

11. Which company has recently launched its four collections of shirts, branded under Men At Work, Brass Tacks, Business Casuals and Dynasty?

12. Which Indian business personality was last week appointed a director on the board of US-based Alcoa, the world's largest aluminum producer?

Please mail your answers to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 152 as the subject.

Happy learning!
Rajeev Kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 151

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

1. Which celebrity last week entered into a joint venture with Future Group and Manipal Health Services?

2. Staying on with Future Group and brand ambassadors. Which celebrity was recently signed on with her kitchen accessories and home furnishings line for Pantaloon called Dreamline?

3. According to a report last week, Verizon, the $88-bn US telecom giant, has tied up with Leo Communications to offer international long distance (ILD) services in India. Leo Communications is part of which Indian group?

4. Which company last week announced the launch of a new men's wear apparel brand Notting Hill?

5. Which company has won the 'Arch of Europe' award of innovation and technology in the airline category, making it the only second Indian company to be recognized with this award?

6. Which Indian company last week acquired 81% stake in the optical R&D arm of Dutch electronics major Philips for an undisclosed sum?

7. Which MNC last week announced its decision to acquire Mumbai-based i2i Enterprise Ltd, a company specializing in internet protocol services?

8. What has emerged as the first hand-made toy from Andhra Pradesh to be graded a GI (Geographical Indication)?

9. Which Indian company last week acquired Gene Medix Plc, a UK-based biotechnology company with London and Singapore stock exchange listings for a total of $35 million?

10. Which company last week said that it would set "one of the world's biggest" bus and coach building facilities in India in a joint venture with Brazil's Marco Polo?

11. Which MNC last week unveiled its newest brand ambassadors - three of the best known, most widely respected and successful athletes competing today: Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Thierry Henry?

12. Which Indian business personality was last week appointed to the board of Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant Unilever?

13. Which company last week launched its indigenous slim cigarette brand, Stellar?

14. Which well-known business personality last week broke the sound barrier while flying a F-
16 fighter aircraft at the Aero India show in Bangalore?

15. Which international business group last week announced it had agreed to acquire 100% of CBHC Inc, which trades as Commonwealth Brands, from Houchen Industries Inc for total cash consideration of $1.9 billion?

16. Film star Mammooty last week unveiled the new corporate logo of which bank?

17. Which automobile company/group in India, according to a report last week, is planning to sell fruit and vegetables under its brand name?

18. The Rajeev Chandrasekhar-promoted aviation services firm, Jupiter Aviation, is launching a fractional jet airline. What has it been branded as?

19. Which life insurance brand is being advertised on television (currently on air) with the baseline 'Mera farz'?

20. Which brand is being positioned (TVC currently on air) as 'Har Program Ka Main Food'?

Happy learning.
Rajeev Kondapalli