Biz Quizzard 248

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

1. Why were Ramazan Baydan and Model 271 in news recently?

2. India’s largest café chain Coffee Day has started retailing coffee, coffee making equipment and accessories at its new format. What has it been branded as?

3. Nilgiris orthodox tea has received GI (Geographical Indication) registration, giving a distinct identity to the tea which is often described as the Darjeeling tea of the south. What is special about this particular GI registration in the Indian context?

4. Why was a yacht named Tian in news recently?

5. What was special about the earnings forecast given out by Toyota Motor Corp last week?

6. Which company last week announced that it is buying the IT arm of Citigroup India for around $127 million?

7. Levi Strauss India is rolling out a new concept – standalone stores in malls and high street locations, which will offer a very high concentration of jeans wear, with a certain segment devoted to relevant tops. What has it been branded as?

8. Who is the richest person in the world of fiction, according to The Forbes Fictional 15 – an annual compilation of the world’s richest fictional characters by the US business magazine?

9. Which MNC last week said that it had acquired whole of the Swiss-based Cotravel for an undisclosed sum?

10. According to a news snippet last week, which celebrity has bought a $2,00,000 customized pink Bentley Continental GT for Christmas?

11. Ravi Jain, the former co-promoter of Millenium Alcobev, is, according to a report last week, gearing up to launch his own brand of wine in India. Name it?

12. Which actor has been appointed brand ambassador for travel gear brand VIP for a two year period (TVC currently on air)?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 248 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 247

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

1. Which well known brand in India turned 25 on December 14?

2. Not exactly a business question. Which country has become the first in the world to allow voting by mobile phone?

3. The latest Brand Equity Ad Agency Reckoner was released last week. Which agency has once again retained the top slot in the creative agencies list?

4. Satyam Computer Services last week generated a huge controversy by announcing its decision to acquire 2 companies. Name the two?

5. For the first time, an Indian brand will be displayed on Ferrari in Formula 1. Which one?

6. Which insurance MNC has won a trademark case against Mankind Pharma preventing the company from selling one of its diabetic drugs?

7. Which MNC has tied up with composer AR Rahman to launch a first of its kind music album, which includes the tracks ‘Kural’, ‘Mylapore Blues’ & ‘Mosquito’?

8. Which MNC has won the national award for empowering persons with disability as Employer of the year, 2008?

9. Who is the Business Standard Banker of the Year?

10. Who is the new CEO of ICICI Bank?

11. Which city has become India’s first to have 100% telecom penetration?

12. Yukimine Tsuji has been appointed the new CEO and managing director for the Indian operations of which automobile MNC?

13. According to a report last week, Big Street, a subsidiary of Reliance Big Entertainment, has unveiled what it calls “India's first AC bus shelter” in which city?

14. Which advertising agency in India has been chosen as the Global Agency of the Year – top among its network’s 94 offices in 86 countries?

15. General Motors India will roll out its used-car retail initiative on January 15 next year. What will it be branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 247 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 246

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

1. Which jewellery brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘diamonds unlimited’?

2. WPP, the world’s largest advertising conglomerate, has decided to launch its own production house in India. What will it be branded as?

3. Which hospital chain has launched a print campaign with the baseline ‘Towards saving lives’?

4. Which MNC last week announced that it has developed the world’s first handset modem chip for 4G phones?

5. Which bank has launched a new campaign with the positioning ‘THE BANKER TO EVERY INDIAN’?

6. Which SUV brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘CHOOSE YOUR TURF’?

7. Bharti Retail last week announced its entry into the mid-format compact hypermarket segment with the launch of the first ‘Easyday market TM’ store in which city?

8. UK-based services firm Serco Group has acquired a 60% stake in which Indian BPO firm for about 97.7 crores?

9. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) last week unveiled its next generation 3G technology-based telecom services in New Delhi. What has it been branded as?

10. The union government last week incorporated a joint venture company, National Power Exchange Ltd, with which Indian private sector company to set up an energy exchange?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 246 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 245

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

1. Which celebrity has been appointed brand ambassador by Linc Pen?

2. Which MNC last week said it would buy cosmetic-product and breast-implant maker Mentor for $1.07 million?

3. Which bank in India has been adjudged the best bank of the year 2008 by London-based ‘The Banker’ magazine of the Financial times group?

4. CK Birla-controlled Hindustan Motors last week launched a mini truck, its first new launch in 28 years, in partnership with Shandong Shifeng, a China-based automotive and agri-equipment company. What has it been branded as?

5. Which US-based company, also present in India, has launched an online campaign for its Nutrilite brand featuring soccer star Ronaldinho?

6. Which two centres/cities in India have been identified by consumer goods major Unilever among its strategic global centres as part of restructuring plan to consolidate its research and development (R&D) activities?

7. According to a report last week, Sapparo Breweries recently launched a new kind of beer called space beer. Why is it so called?

8. In one of the biggest cross-border deals in the education space, which company in India has acquired the entire shareholding of American University of Antigua (AUA) from New York-based Greater Caribbean Learning Resources?

9. Mr Anil Shrikhande has been appointed as the president of the Indian operations of which MNC?

10. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the positioning ‘Enjoy your challenges’?

11. Which celebrity has been named as the Richest Star Under 30 in a list compiled by Forbes magazine?

12. Which bank has applied to RBI to buy a 10% stake in MMTC-Indiabulls promoted commodity exchange, which is expected to be operational by March 2009?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 245 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 244

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

1. Sony India, according to a report last week, has renamed Sony World retail stores. What is the new name?

2. Which company has become the first Indian oil company to enter Australia by winning fasttwo offshore petroleum exploration blocks in the northern basins of the country?

3. Which public sector bank last week announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Insurance Australia Group (IAG) of Australia for its proposed foray into the general insurance?

4. Which fast food retail chain last week announced the launch of its new Indian menu ‘Flavours of India’?

5. According to an eBay India census, which is the most wired state in the country with maximum number of online cities?

6. Which well known MNC last week agreed to discontinue a marketing accord with Tiger Woods, the world’s top ranked golfer?

7. Which MNC last week launched its two super premium bikes, Hayabusa and Intruder M1800R, both priced around Rs 12.5 lakhs, in India?

8. Which Indian company last week acquired US-based drug ingredients manufacturer Chattem Chemicals for an undisclosed amount?

9. Which business personality is the Ernst & Young (E&Y) Entrepreneur of the Year?

10. Mumbai-based Fancy Fittings, according to a report last week, has been engaged to make the entire range of clothes for the 2009 collection for which iconic toy brand?

11. Pepsi has launched a new snack with a new campaign to take on ITC’s Mad Angles. What has it been branded as?

12. Lowe India has been renamed again. What will it now be known as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 244 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 243

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

1. Which MNC has topped the list of the world’s 100 most accountable firms in terms of their commitment to the society and environment, compiled by US business magazine Fortune?

2. According to a report last week, Mr Anshu Jain has bought a minority stake in Mumbai Indians, the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team owned by Mukesh Ambani. Mr Jain is the head of global markets at which MNC bank?

3. Which milestone did Maruti Suzuki cross for one of its brands last week?

4. Intel last week launched its new family of processors in India. What has it been branded as?

5. Jerry Yang last week decided to step aside as the chief executive of which well known MNC?

6. One of the longest relationships in advertising is coming to an end as PepsiCo is shifting the creative duties of its flagship soft drink, Pepsi-Cola from BBDO Worldwide to another Omnicom agency. Which one?

7. Bharat Hotels last week rebranded itself in the memory of its late founder. Name the brand?

8. Which fast food retail chain has launched a new campaign featuring ace Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan?

9. Which MNC last week named Mark Robinson as its CEO for South Asia?

10. Which jewellery retail chain has, in association with natural diamond manufacturer Mahendra Brothers, launched “Mine”, a brand of diamond studded jewellery in gold and platinum?

11. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘STOP @ NOTHING’?

12. Which MNC last week acquired Mumbai-based medical equipment maker, Meditronics, for an undisclosed amount?

13. Which company last week acquired a 72.15% stake in women’s skin-care company Fem Care Pharma for Rs 203.7 crore?

14. Marcel Hungrebehler is replacing Albert Brunner as the CEO of which aviation entity in India?

15. Mike Duke has been announced as the new chief executive of which well known MNC?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 243 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 242

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

1. According to reports last week, Maruti Suzuki is all set to make its entire fleet of cars adhere to ELV specifications by 2010 by doing away with usage of hazardous substances during production of cars and their components. What does ELV stand for?

2. Why was Reckitt Benckiser’s cleaning product ‘Vanish’ in news recently according to reports originating from Madrid? (hint: science and crime)

3. According to a report last week, Punjab Meats Ltd has defaulted to banks and financial institutions. Who owns the company?

4. Which Indian company has decided to acquire Motorola’s software development centre (SDC) in Malaysia?

5. Which microfinance company has raised $75 million (Rs 366 crore) from private equity investors led by Sandstone Capital, in a deal touted to as the largest private equity transaction in the microfinance sector globally?

6. Which Indian pharma company has acquired Etna Biotech, a subsidiary of Dutch biopharma company, Crucell?

7. Japan’s largest mobile operator NTT DoCoMo last week announced the acquisition of a 26% stake in which Indian company?

8. In what is being touted as the sharpest cut ever in the Indian automobile industry, the price of which automobile brand was slashed by Rs 8 lakh?

9. Which city will host the second campus of Hyderabad-based Indian School of Business (ISB)?

10. Who has overtaken NRI steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal as the richest Indian in the world, according to Forbes annual rich list for the country?

11. Which MNC bank last week agreed to acquire leading financial firm Cazenove Asia from JP Morgan Cazenove for an undisclosed sum?

12. What milestone did Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) cross recently?

13. Rupert Murdoch’s STAR has announced a joint venture with Jupiter Entertainment. Who owns the company?

14. The new version of which automobile brand is being advertised with the positioning ‘SENSIBLE BHI. CRAZY BHI’.?

15. Who has been named the richest woman in India in the latest Forbes list of richest Indians?

Plesae mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 242 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 241

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

1. Which IT MNC has launched a ‘Take Your Own Path’ campaign, which celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s business achievers?

2. Which company has launched a new campaign with the baseline ‘Ab Bada Mazza Ayega’? (hint: part of the answer is in the baseline)

3. “Our blue reflects the depth of our integrity and the expanse of our values. Our orange stands for the passion that fuels every venture we undertake. The two arrowheads signify focused diversity and our quest to grow.” Which group advertised this last week?

4. Which airline last week tied up with Disney Publishing, a global publisher of children magazines and books, to provide specially designed in-flight entertainment to children?

5. According to a news snippet last week, which MNC has agreed to take control of South Africa’s telecom firm Vodacom for $2.3 bn?

6. Which company, according to a report last week, will export its first batch of spring mattress to Philippines under the Restoplus brand?

7. Mr JM Garg last week took over as the chairman and managing director of which bank in India?

8. Most of you must have seen the teaser ad and commercial featuring Aamir Khan and Gul Panag for Tata Sky’s new service which allows users to pause, record and rewind live television. What has it been branded as?

9. Which MNC last week said it would acquire smaller rival Sanyo Electric Co?

10. Which MNC last week rolled out its sports car R8 in India, that costs upwards of Rs one crore?

11. Which MNC last week launched its global retail and commercial bank India website in Hindi, becoming the first foreign bank in the country to do so?

12. According to snippet in a weekly news magazine last week, which personality (not a full-fledged celebrity but part of a celebrity family) is designing her own line of bags, shoes and clothes, titled Happy Hippie, which will hit the racks soon?

13. The people of Orissa got a third general entertainment channel (GEC) in Oriya last week. What has it been branded as?

14. Which celebrity was last week roped in by Dabur to endorse two of its products, Dabur Honey and Dabur Chyawanprash?

15. Which advertising group has announced the entry of its second agency, T.A.G., into India?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 241 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 240

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week October 27 - November 01. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Global buyout firm TPG is taking control of the consumer retail finance business of which business group in India?

2. What India-specific milestone did Nokia India cross recently?

3. US-based Trans-India Acquisition Corporation, promoted by N Vaghul and Venkatadri Bobba, will be acquiring an 80% stake in Solar Semiconductor Ltd, a Hyderabad-based solar photovoltaic modules maker. Mr Vaghul is the former chairman of which well known company in India?

4. Which company in India last week sold 60% stake in its telecom venture to Norwegian telecom firm Telenor?

5. Microsoft last week released details of the next generation software that will replace Windows Vista. What has it been branded as?

6. Which MNC last week became the world’s biggest company by market value, surpassing Exxon Mobil?

7. Which new drink was launched in Andhra Pradesh last week by Coca-Cola under the Fanta brand umbrella?

8. Victoria Beckham, according to reports last week, will strip for an ad campaign for which international brand for a 12 million pound deal?

9. Which international celebrity has teamed up with her mother Tina for the launch of their latest collection in their fashion range of House of Dereon?

10. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is launching another multi-utility vehicle within the next two months. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your ansers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 240 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 239

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

1. Which MNC last week announced it is buying 89% of Indonesia’s Ekonomi Bank for $607.5 million?

2. According to reports last week, which Indian Premier League (IPL) team has been put on the block?

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

4. Which company has entered into separate franchise agreements with Italian apparel brand Alcott and Paris-based home décor retailer SIA group to launch them in India?

5. Which news channel is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘CLARITY IN A COMPLEX WORLD’?

6. According to a news report last week, Andreas von Bechtolscheim has resigned from his present position to focus on his new company Arista Networks. He is the co-founder of which well known MNC?

7. Which well known sanitary brand/company has, according to a news snippet last week, won the Family Business Award given by the Swiss business school IMD and Lombard Odier Darier Hentesch?

8. Which pharma company in India last week said it would rechristen itself as Fresenius Kabi Oncology?

9. Which MNC last week announced the appointment of Gopalratnam Kannan as the president?

10. Which group has recently launched an event solutions outfit, Celsius?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 239 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 238

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

1. Which mobile phone maker has signed actress Priyanka Chopra as a brand ambassador?

2. Which company last week said it has acquired majority stake in Norwegian company Miljo Grenland Innovasjon that specializes in the development of innovative solutions for electric vehicles?

3. Which brand has launched a multimedia campaign with the baseline ‘Good people to grow with’?

4. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group of Japan has bought a 21% stake in which well known financial major for $9 billion?

5. Why was Paul Krugman, a Princeton University professor and New York Times columnist, in news last week?

6. Three months after calling off its joint venture with Arvind Brands, Italian fashion brand Diesel last week announced a joint venture with which company to set up stores in the country?

7. Which insurance major in India has appointed Rajesh Sud as chief executive officer and managing director?

8. Spize TV, a DTH company registered in Singapore, last week acquired France Telecom’s European DTH operations. Which Indian company owns a majority stake in Spize TV?

9. Harvard Business School has conferred the Alumni Achievement Award on which Indian business personality?

10. Kishore Biyani-promoted Future Group recently launched a new retail brand. Name it?

11. Bangalore-based Phoenix Group last week launched its own brand of luxury hotels. Name the brand?

12. The commercial for this automobile brand, currently on air with the baseline ‘GEARLESS. EFFORTLESS.’ is unique because it does not show the automobile even once. Name the brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 238 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 237

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

1. Which MNC bank has launched a print campaign with the baseline ‘Make it happen’?

2. According to a new snippet last week, which watch brand has sued actor Charlize Theron for sporting a Christian Dior timepiece?

3. Why was Sanand in Gujarat in news last week?

4. Which company is acquiring Citi’s BPO business in India for $505 million?

5. Which MNC is launching the Bournville Fine Dark Chocolate brand in the country?

6. What unique milestone did Panasonic Corp (earlier Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co) cross recently?

7. Which brand last week launched a commercial (currently on air), which perhaps for the very first time in the history of Indian advertising, featured 10 celebrities in one commercial?

8. What milestone did Infosys cross recently? (hint: manpower)

9. Which Indian company last week said it has finalized a deal for buying Italian high-value shirting fabric enterprise Leggiuno for an undisclosed amount?

10. Which brand is being advertised across media with the baseline ‘What turns you on?’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 237 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 236

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 29 - October 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which new financial brand has launched a print campaign with the baseline ‘MAKE FRIENDS WITH MONEY’?

2. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence for 2007-08 were announced last week. Who is the business leader of the year?

3. Which Indian company last week said it had won the US publication Wall Street Journal’s global innovation technology award in wireless technology category for 2008?

4. Which well-known business personality is behind the new company – Carnation Auto India – backed by Rs 80 crore investment from Wipro chairman Azim Premji’s PremjiInvest and Rs 28 crore from IFCI Venture Capital Funds?

5. Which MNC insurance major has appointed TR Ramchandran as the chief executive officer of its Indian operations?

6. Samsung Mobile last week launched its first 8 mega pixel camera phone in the country. What has it been branded as?

7. Which brand has launched a high-pitched multi-media campaign with the theme ‘Your dreams are not yours alone’?

8. Which MNC has launched its television and radio commercial advertisement campaign with the theme ‘Logon to new’?

9. Which company last week announced the appointment of Olympic gold medal winner Abhinav Bindra as the brand ambassador for its commercial electronics business?

10. Sikkim last week got its first private FM station. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 236 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 235

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

1. Which media brand has launched a major marketing campaign with the theme ‘Ask More’?

2. UAE’s Etisalat last week picked up a 45% stake in which Indian telecom company?

3. Which Indian chief executive was elected President of the World LPG Gas Association (WLPGA) at Seoul in South Korea last week?

4. Which MNC last week said it has sought approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce for its $2.3 billion acquisition of China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd?

5. Which MNC last week said it would invest $5 billion in Goldman Sachs, in a major boost for the erstwhile investment bank?

6. Google’s phone will debut on October 22 in USA on T-Mobile’s network. What has it been branded as?

7. Samsung Mobile last week launched its new touch-screen smartphone in India. What has it been branded as?

8. Which Indian company has signed an agreement with Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of the US-based United Technologies, to manufacture precision components for commercial aircraft?

9. Nokia will unveil its first touch-screen phone in London next week. What has it been code-named as?

10. Which MNC has acquired Washington Mutual’s branch network for $1.9 billion?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 235 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 234

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

1. Actor Rahul Bose is featured in the print ad of which hospitality brand?

2. Which well known MNC celebrated its 100th birthday on September 16?

3. Mr Hemant Sachdev, group director at Bharti Group, was last week appointed joint managing director at which MNC?

4. Which MNC is purchasing Napster, the online music community that rose from to a dorm room project to become the scourge of the global recording industry, for nearly $127 million in an all-cash deal?

5. According to a report last week, which brand will be rebranded as Zero Zero 7 to support the release of upcoming James Bond movie, “Quantum of Solace”?

6. Staying with “Quantum of Solace”, which automobile brand will feature in the new Bond movie, which premieres on October 29?

7. Which bank has won the Asian Banker’s best retail bank in India award for the second year in a row?

8. Airtel and Vodafone last week launched a new BlackBerry model in India. Name it?

9. Which company has been roped in as the title sponsor for the Indian Cricket League (ICL)?

10. Which Indian celebrity has been roped in as a global brand ambassador by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizard 234 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 233

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

1. Which Indian engineering services provider (software company) last week announced it would acquire California-based semiconductor design company Time to Market (TTM) for an undisclosed amount?

2. Which MNC last week announced the acquisition of Mumbai-based Alpha X-Ray Technologies?

3. Infosys last week said that it had signed a deal to improve North America’s Service Corporation International’s (SCI) human resources operations. What services does SCI offer?

4. According to a report last week, which hospitality major in India will soon serve its own brand of spring water in its hotel and resorts, specialty restaurants, waiting lounge and in-flight services?

5. What significant departure has been made by Research in Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry phones, for its new phone?

6. Which MNC last week unveiled its new flagship single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera “alpha 900”?

7. Which 3 Indian business personalities have been honoured by the UK Trade and Investment India for their contributions in the field of business?

8. Impact Retail – promoted by Tony Jashanmal, a prominent retailer in India and Middle East – last week launched its chain of retail consumer electronics outlets in the country, with the first outlet in Hyderabad. What has it been branded as?

9. Mr R Subramanian has been selected as the new chairman of the Indian retail Forum (IRF) for the year 2008-09. He is the managing director of which well-known retail chain?

10. According to a report last week, which MNC has been hired by the department of consumer affairs to gather data on international freight charges, commodity prices and demand-supply situation?

11. TV Sundaram Iyengar and Sons (TVS) last week launched a unique chain of franchisee outlets to sell multi-brand spare parts for commercial vehicles. What has it been branded as?

12. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, owned by Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), last week launched a new brand. Name it?

13. Which hotel in India has emerged as the top ‘overseas business hotel’ in the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler UK Readers’ Travel awards?

14. Which brand last week released the World Wild Fund (WWF) collection with the designs of six endangered fauna of India?

15. Actors Abhay Deol and Raima Sen feature in the television commercial (on air for quite some time now) for which brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 233 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev

Biz Quizzard 232

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

1. Which business group, according to a report last week, is all set to become a fully integrated player in the wind energy sector with its newly-formed arm Global Wind Energy?

2. Four Indian corporate leaders figure in the list of world’s top 50 septuagenarian (aged 70 and above) business heads, compiled by US magazine BusinessWeek. Name at least 2?

3. Who is the new governor of RBI?

4. Meals coupon company Sodexho India has been rechristened. What will it be known as?

5. 3 Indian women, Vanisha, Isha and Pia, have grabbed the top 3 slots in the Forbes’ list of 10 women likely to inherit the billions from their super wealthy fathers. Name the respective 3 fathers?

6. Which public sector bank last week launched its new corporate logo?

7. Times Group, which bought out Virgin Radio in the UK about 2 months back, last week replaced the Virgin brand. Name the new brand?

8. Titan Industries last week, under its Sonata brand, launched a new low priced range of plastic watches. What has the range been branded as?

9. Mr Thomas died at the age of 93 in Toronto last week. He was the owner of which very famous company/brand?

10. Which MNC last week named former British Telecom chief executive and industry veteran Ben Verwaayen as its new chief executive?

11. Which MNC has appointed Paul Polman, currently executive vice president and Americas head at Nestle, as its new group chief executive?

12. Which business personality last week picked up a 10% equity stake in retail chain Subhiksha Trading for Rs 230 crore?

13. Which MNC bank last week launched ‘1Money”, which will give the customer the chance of using the same plastic as a credit or debit card?

14. 10 Indian firms have made it to the Forbes’ list of 50 best listed companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Which MNC tops the list?

15. Toyota last week launched the 10th-generation Corolla in India. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 232 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 231

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

1. Which company, according to a report last week, will be launching a formalwear apparel brand called Balmoral?

2. Which MNC is all set to acquire UK-based Axon Group, a SAP consulting services company listed on the London Stock Exchange, for about $753 million in an all-cash deal?

3. Which company is launching a men’s personal care brand Roamno in India this month?

4. Which company has become the first Indian life insurance firm to feature among the world’s top 3 in the million dollar round table (MDRT), a grouping of world’s top insurance advisors?

5. Which Indian company has announced the signing of an agreement to fully acquire Control Point Solutions (CPS) of the US?

6. Which company last week unveiled its new brand positioning a fresh logo with the tagline ‘Karo Zyaada Ka Iraadaa’?

7. Gitanjali Gems last week launched a new brand studded with gold jewellery cubic zirconia (CZ) stones. Name it?

8. Which automobile brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘changes everything’?

9. Which company, according to a report last week, has set up India’s first ever rural BPO at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh?

10. The visual shown was splashed across the world last week. Name the brand with which it was associated?



11. Ms Kalpana Morparia, one of the public faces of ICICI Bank, quit last week after a stint of over 30 years. She will now head the Indian operations of which financial major?

12. Which apparel brand, according to a report last week is getting ready to introduce its branded mobile handsets in the Indian market?

13. Which company last week entered into an agreement with Apollo Sindhoori Capital Investment (ASCIL) to acquire 56% stake in the retail broking company for Rs 198.8 crore?

14. MRF last week launched a new tyre, Aero Muscle, which will be supplied to Indian defence. For which segment has it been launched?

15. Indra Nooyi, Sonia Gandhi, Mayawati and which other Indian business personality have made it to the list of 100 most powerful women in the world compiled by Forbes?

16. Which MNC has agreed to buy Greenfield Online, owner of European comparison website ciao.com for about $486 million to boost its internet search and e-commerce business in Europe?

17. Which advertising agency has opened a new chapter in its creative shop, Water Consulting, which is a brand strategy and design consultancy?

18. Low-cost carrier Simplify Deccan will be rebranded. What is the new name?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 231 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 230

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

1. Bharti Airtel last week announced that it has crossed the 75 million mark to become the fourth largest in-country mobile operator in the world. Which is the largest?

2. Nokia last week announced, 3 days before the launch of 3G-enabled iPhone in India, the impending launch of its new ‘killer product’ to take on iPhone. What has it been branded as?

3. Which Indian company last week acquired Bolix S.A. (Bolix) of Poland, a leading provider of external insulation finishing systems (EIFS) from Advent International, a global private equity group?

4. Which Indian company last week signed an agreement to form a 51:49 joint venture in China with Jiangsu Yueda Yancheng Tractor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Yancheng Tractor)?

5. The Aditya Birla Group is launching a new retail chain for luxury brands. What will it be branded as?

6. Which company has acquired US-based firm Pyxis Solutions for an enterprise value of $25 million in an all-cash deal?

7. Anil Ambani-led ADAG last week launched its fully digital home entertainment service on the latest MPEG4 Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform. What has it branded as?

8. Which mobile service provider last week launched its operations in Mumbai?

9. Which well known personality is all set to float his own media venture – Walkwater Media?

10. India’s longest runway was opened last week. Which city?

11. Actor Jerry Seinfield, known for his eponymous television sitcom, will be one of the key celebrity pitchmen in the $300-million advertising campaign for which MNC?

12. According to a report last week, which MNC bank earned a record 64.5 million yuan ($9.42 billion) in the first half to become the world’s most profitable bank?

13. STAR India is finally set to roll out its second regional general entertainment channel, a Bangla GEC. What has it been branded as?

14. Which celebrity has been roped in by premium American jeanswear brand Levi’s as its brand ambassador in India?

15. Tata Motors last week launched the new generation of country’s first and filly indigenous car – the Indica. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 230 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 229

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week August 11 - 18. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is giving final touches to the roll out of one of its global brands, SoBe, in India?

2. Titan plans to launch a kids range in October. What will it be branded as?

3. Why was Chandigarh-based Rs 300-crore Hitech Group, which has interests in agro- and meat-processing, computer gaming, live-stock genetics and pharmaceuticals, in news last week?

4. Which celebrity has been roped in by Gili, a part of the Gitanjali Group, as its new brand ambassador?

5. Mr AS Bindra, father of Olympics gold medal winner Abhinav Bindra last week announced plans to set up a 5 star hotel with an investment of Rs 200 crore. What is the proposed name?

6. Which retailing giant has signed an exclusive franchisee agreement with Trent, the retail arm of Tata Group?

7. According to a print ad last week, which hotel in India has been rated 2nd best hotel in the world and the number 1 in Asia by Travel + Leisure in the 2008 Reader’s Poll?

8. Which celebrity, according to a report last week, has launched a production house – S2?

9. Two Indian origin executives Shantanu Narayen and Francisco D’Souza have made it to the league of young CEOs with the fattest pay package in the US, as per a list compiled by Forbes. Name the companies that the 2 respectively head?

10. Which brand has recently undergone a major repositioning exercise, centered on a new punchline, ‘Suno Apne Dil Ki Awaaz (‘Listen to Your Heart’)?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 229 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 228

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

1. Which MNC in India, according to a report last week, is selling its seaweed cultivation business to Aquagri Processing?

2. Ahmedabad-based Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) has launched a high-end, eco-friendly collection of fashion garments. What has it been branded as?

3. Which Indian firm has taken over the Australian guarding and mobile patrol business units of American conglomerate United Technologies Corp (UTC) in a deal worth $235 million (around Rs 1,000 crore)?

4. Which Indian company last week bought Nasdaq-listed Philippines-based BPO PeopleSupport for $250 million?

5. Altamount Road in Mumbai, where Mukesh Ambani is building his house, has been ranked among the 10 costliest streets in the world. Which street tops the list?

6. Which celebrity has been signed on by Sujatha Biotech to promote their brands Nivaran 90 and Memory Vita?

7. According to a report last week, Tata Motors has asked its existing dealers to compact showrooms to stock Nano. What will the showrooms be called?

8. After signing on Kareena Kapoor as its brand ambassador in 2007, which celebrity has been signed on as a brand ambassador for Head & Shoulders by P&G?

9. Diamond jewellery brand Nakshatra has appointed which celebrity as its new brand ambassador?

10. Sify Technologies’ network of internet cafés, branded ‘iWay’, will soon be rechristened. What is the new name?

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 227

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week July 28 - August 02. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a report last week, Reliance Retail has clinched a deal with the world’s largest toy shop. Name the brand?

2. Anna Patterson and two other former Google engineers are launching a search to upstage their former employer. What has it been branded as?

3. Which MNC last week launched its “Conversation Starters” collection?

4. Which MNC last week said it had agreed to sell its laundry detergents business, including All, Snuggle and Wisk brands, to private equity investor Vestar Capital Partners for $1.45 billion?

5. Which well known company has appointed Justice MS Rane (retd) as the ombudsman for speedy redressal of consumer disputes?

6. Which company last week launched its high-end range electric scooter ‘Marathon’ in Kochi?

7. Which drug has toppled Swiss drug major Novartis’ pain killer Voveran to emerge as the country’s largest selling drug in June?

8. British mogul Sir Richard Branson and American aerospace designer Burt Rutan last week unveiled their exotic jet that will carry a passenger spaceship to launch altitude. What has it been branded as?

9. Which MNC last week ousted its chairman Serge Tchuruk and CEO Patricia Russo?

10. An easy one. Which campaign has been launched with the baseline ‘Let’s learn to teach’?

11. The Central Board of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) last week allowed 3 private players to manage its funds along with SBI. Name the three?

12. Which MNC last week signaled its entry into the two-wheeler segment by agreeing to buy the assets of Kinetic Motor Company for Rs 110 crore?

13. Which retail chain has tied up with IPL teams to launch a new format – the sports café?

14. The world’s largest work-uniform and custom corporate-wear company is foraying into India. Name it?

15. Which company, according to a report last week, is the largest grower of pepper in the country?

16. Which Indian plastic products maker last week acquired 90% stake in Germany-based Geiger Technik for Euro 35.6 million?

17. Which MNC has launched its mineral water brand BonAqua in select markets in north India in April?

18. Which company has signed on Bipasha Basu to endorse Sugar Free Gold, a sugar substitute?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 227 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 226

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

1. Which well known MNC recently bought a minority stake in Forrest Essentials, an Indian luxury ayurvedic skin, body and hair care brand?

2. French luxury goods manufacturer Hermes has launched a fragrance – Un Jardin Apress la Mousson (a garden after the monsoon). It is inspired by which Indian state?

3. Which milestone did New Holland Tractors India cross last week?

4. Which MNC last week signed a deal to sell its Bertolli olive oil and vinegar business to Spain’s Grupo SOS for 630 million euro ($999 million)?

5. Car maker Mahindra Renault last week launched a limited edition of its passenger car Logan in the country. What has it been sub-branded as?

6. Staying with limited editions, Maruti Suzuki also launched a limited edition of its oldest brand M800. What has it been sub-branded as?

7. Which celebrity has been signed on as the brand ambassador for M2 – Magic Moments vodka, the new avatar of Radico Khaitan Ltd’s Magic Moments vodka?

8. Which retail food chain has undergone a brand transformation and adopted a new baseline ‘Stories Happen’?

9. Mr Umesh Shrikhande has been appointed CEO of which advertising agency in India?

10. American celebrity magazine, People, hit the Indian newsstands early this month. Which business group has launched the Indian edition of the magazine under licence from Time Inc.?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 226 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 225

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

1. According to a report last week, hedge fund Quantum has been on a buying spree in the Indian stock market at a time when most funds are dumping stocks in the sliding market. Which legendary investor owns Quantum?

2. Mr Siddhanta Sharma last week quit as the CEO of which airline in India?

3. Which brewing giant last week clinched a $52-billion buyout of the 156-year-old iconic American giant Anheuser-Busch (A-B), the owner of the Budweiser brand?

4. Which bank has been ranked first in the list of world’s top 1,000 banks in terms of tier-1 capital and profit before tax in the latest annual banker magazine survey?

5. After weeks of speculation, which American PE firm will buy the foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) of SpiceJet held by Istithmar and Goldman Sachs for $80 million (Rs 345 crore)?

6. Which Indian company has tied up with Au Bon Pain, US-based fast dining and bakery café chain to launch outlets across India starting with a flagship store in Bangalore by December this year?

7. Which sedan was launched by Volkswagen in India last week?

8. Which Indian company last week announced the acquisition of UK-based BPO firm Liberata Financial Services (LFS) for $2 million?

9. The government has appointed ad agency Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) for a branding exercise, termed “project arrow”, for which department/utility service?

10. Godrej-Hershey Foods and Beverages has signed on a multi-crore endorsement deal with MS Dhoni for the relaunch of which confectionery brand?

11. Ice cream makers Ben & Jerry have created a new flavor named the ‘Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road’ after which famous pop/rock singer?

12. Mr Hector Ruiz has stepped down as the CEO of which well known MNC under pressure of financial turnaround?

Please mail your anwers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 225 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 224

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

1. Which consumer durable company is advertising its ‘moon’ washing machine in the print medium with the baseline ‘We work, you play’?

2. Mr Thomas Verghese has been appointed the new CEO of which Indian retail company?

3. Mr Pradeep Guha last week quit as the CEO of which media company?

4. Which company has clinched $230 million buyout of Aviva Global Services, UK-based insurance giant’s captive BPO operations in India and Sri Lanka?

5. Which Mumbai-based company has acquired 80.5% stake in EnPointe Global Services, a subsidiary of the Nasdaq-listed EnPointe Technologies, for $24 million in a cash-and-stock deal?

6. The private equity arm of which business group has acquired a 25% stake in V Mart Retail, a value-retailer owned by the New Delhi-based Lalit Agarwal?

7. Which MNC last week said it would buy rival Rohm and Haas for $18.8 billion, in a move to broaden its product offerings in the paints, coatings and electronic materials?

8. Which MNC has named Anil Valluri as the MD of its Indian operations?

9. Which MNC last week said it had been named the “global best private bank” by EuroMoney?

10. Which company is acquiring a 26% stake in Ahmedabad-headquartered National Multi-Commodities Exchange (NMCE)?

11. Creative agency JWT has put in place an independent design unit. What has it been branded as?

12. Which celebrity has been signed as the new brand ambassador for Tata Sky, the joint venture between the Tata Group and STAR India?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizard 224 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 223

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 30 - July 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a report last week, PepsiCo is in the process of rolling out a new countrywide retail sales channel. What has it been branded as?

2. Goldman Sachs is believed to be investing around $80 million in a joint venture with Dubai developer ETA to launch luxury Four Seasons hotel in Bangalore. Four Seasons is owned by Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal and which famous business personality?

3. The Dubai government will be launching a low-cost carrier in mid-2009. What has it been branded as?

4. Which business personality of Indian origin has joined the board of directors of Goldman Sachs Group, one of the oldest and largest investment banking firms headquartered in New York?

5. A Paris court last week ordered which MNC to pay $63 million in damages to Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) for selling fake luxury goods online?

6. Which Indian company last week announced a joint venture with US-based Tyson Foods, the world’s largest meat processor and marketer, for poultry processing and marketing in India?

7. Which Indian BPO along with hedge fund DE Shaw group last week acquired UK-based Babel Media, a provider of specialized outsourced services to gaming and interactive entertainment industry?

8. Which Hyderabad-based software company last week acquired Prolifics, a US-based systems integrator specializing in IBM technologies for $40 million in an all-cash deal?

9. According to a news snippet last week, which international auto major recently presented His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI two Ape three wheelers made in its India plant?

10. Six Indian firms figure in the list of 100 best performing infotech companies in the world by a US magazine BusinessWeek. Which MNC tops the list?

11. The first academic session of the country’s seventh IIM started last week. Which location?

12. Which MNC has acquired a 70% stake in the state-owned Ghana Telecom, Ghana’s third largest mobile operator and largest fixed line and broadband operator, for $900 million?

13. Ms Meena Ganesh last week quit as the CEO of the captive IT arm of which retail MNC?

14. According to a report last week, which Italian food chain has entered India?

15. Titan Industries has decided to give a new brand dimension to its flagship watch range, Titan. What is the new tagline?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 223 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 222

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 23 - 28. Hope you enjoy it. This week's quiz was planned to be dedicated to a legend but ended up being a tribute to two. First, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and with him thousands and lakhs of unsung heores of the armed forces. Second, Bill Gates who hung up his boots at Microsoft last week. This edition of Biz Quizzard is dedicated to both of them.

1. Which automobile company will launch a 125cc executive segment bike, christened CBF Stunner, next month?

2. In a deal in which two of USA’s oldest agricultural businesses would become one, which MNC will be buying Corn Products International in a stock deal worth $4.4 billion?

3. Which MNC last week said it had agreed to buy social networking start-up Plazes as part of its major push into offering internet services?

4. Which MNC last week announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire Mid Vol Coal Group of the US?

5. Which Indian company has acquired Mexican tyre company Tornel along with its subsidiaries for Rs 270 crore, making it the largest four-wheeler tyre company in the country?

6. According to a report last week, sports television broadcaster Ten Sports has roped in which company as the title sponsor for the India-Sri Lanka cricket series to be played over a period of five weeks in Sri Lanka?

7. Which MNC has topped the list of most reputed companies in India in the ‘Corporate Reputed Manager’ study conducted by global market information and insight group TNS?

8. Which company last week announced that it is acquiring BK Modi’s 40.8% stake in Spice Communications?

9. In the largest ever acquisition of a global energy utility by an Indian company, which company last week announced the signing of a definitive documentation for the acquisition of 50% stake in US-based InterGen N.V., a global power company?

10. Which MNC last week named Patrick Pichette as its new chief financial officer?

11. Which auto MNC was last week forced to apologize to China after employing Richard Gere, a Buddhist and campaigner for Tibetan independence, to feature in its latest TV ad?

12. Which cement manufacturing company has signed cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 222 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 221

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

1. According to a report last week, jeans giant Levi Strauss (India) will soon launch deodorants for men and women under which existing brand?

2. Which global HR services major has appointed Ms Padma Ravichander as the new head of its India operations?

3. Which finance major last week replaced its CEO Martin Sullivan?

4. Ms Renu Challu last week assumed charge as the managing director of which public sector bank?

5. Which fashion house has entered into a 3 million pound contract with actress Emma Watson (Harry Potter)?

6. According to a news snippet last week, which country will ban traditional light bulb sales from October 2009 in favour of CFL lamps to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save on costs?

7. Which Indian company is acquiring a 50% stake in China Enterprise Communications (CEC) for an undisclosed amount?

8. According to a report last week, which MNC has dropped Rani Mukerji as its brand ambassador after 4 years of association?

9. Which well known brand has been sold off by Bata India to Brazilian company Alpragatas for about Rs 3.9 crore?

10. Which newspaper has signed on cricketer MS Dhoni as its brand ambassador?

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

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 220

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

1. The Economic Times Brand Equity’s annual Most Trusted Brands survey results are out. Which brand has topped the list this year?

2. The managing director of which automobile company in India has been conferred the Ordine di Stella della Silodarieta (The Star of Italian Solidarity) by the Italian government for his contribution to the enhancement of commercial and industrial ties between Italy & India?

3. Which pharma company last week announced that it would acquire 70% stake in South Africa-based generic firm Simalya Pharmaceuticals for an undisclosed amount?

4. Which IT company last week announced its acquisition of Strategic Vision Consulting (SVL), a Los Angeles-based management and technology consulting firm with over 60 employees serving the media and entertainment industry?

5. It is a television commercial (currently on air) to commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary and ends with "India comes home in a ____ ____”. Fill in the blanks.

6. Which company last week sold its sponge iron business, Vikram Ispat, to Welspun Power and Steel for Rs 1,030 crore?

7. Mr J Harinarayan has been appointed chairman of which regulatory body in India?

8. In a move which shocked corporate India, which Japanese company last week snapped up India’s largest drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories?

9. After launching BSA Go and BSA Workout for its urban customers, TI Cycles has come up with another format to market cycles to its customers in towns. What has it been branded as?

10. Which Indian business personality has been conferred the ‘Global vision’ award by the US-India Business Council, a business advocacy organization jointly formed by the US and India?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 220 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 219

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

1. Which Indian group recently acquired Virgin Radio in the UK in a 53.2 million pounds (Rs 445 crores) deal with SMG Plc?

2. According to a report last week, the country’s largest retailer Future Group has yanked off which well-known brand off the shelves across its various formats?

3. Which life insurance brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Aatm-vishwas ki nayee taqat’?

4. Intel will be soon launching a new family of low-power processors deigned specifically for mobile internet devices (MID) and a new class of simple and affordable internet-centric computers. What has it been branded as?

5. Which FMCG major last week announced it would enter the non-life insurance sector in alliance with US-based general insurer Liberty Mutual Group?

6. Which fashion legend died in Paris, at the age of 71, on June 1 after being in poor health for some time?

7. Which company is planning to launch its solar-powered hoardings, called I-Sign, by September this year?

8. Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) is rolling out a much-awaited line-up of chips for laptops. What has it been branded as? (hint: a well known brand in the sports wear segment)

9. Systech has acquired a controlling stake in Italian design firm Engines Engineering (EE). Systech is the component arm of which Indian auto major?

10. Former cricketer and businessman JK Mahendra has tied up with which two cricketers for the hospitality venture, Bat & Ball Inn?

11. Which MNC has agreed to buy US-based cellular carrier Alltel for $5.9 billion?

12. Which Hyderabad-based telecom infrastructure (software) company has acquired 85% of Openbit OY of Finland in an all-cash deal?

13. Which Indian conglomerate has emerged as the world’s sixth most reputed company in the annual ‘Global 200: The world’s best corporate reputations’ list, compiled by US-based Reputation Institute?

14. Maruti Suzuki India has launched a new LPG variant of Maruti 800. What has it been branded as?

15. Mr Pranesh Misra last week quit which advertising agency after a 25-year stint?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 219 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 218

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

1. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is poised to come up with an apparel and accessories collection named after glamorous tennis ace Sania Mirza?

2. Which Indian company last week acquired the UK-based global managed network services provider Vanco for $77 million?

3. Which Indian IT company has won a $100-million five year contract with NXP Semiconductors?

4. Italian-born Vittorio Colao is the new CEO of which MNC?

5. Mr KK Swamy, who recently resigned as the deputy MD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Corporation, will be joining which MNC as the managing director and vice president?

6. Mr TS Narayanasami has been elected president of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) effective May 26. He is the chairman and managing director of which bank?

7. June 1 marked a new chapter for airlines across the world. What was the significance?

8. Which MNC last week launched its mobile handset model ‘Soul’ in India?

9. Which Indian company last week acquired Canada-based Draxis Specialty Pharmaceuticals for $253 million?

10. Which fashion house last week dropped actress Sharon Stone from its Chinese ads after her controversial remarks regarding the recent earthquake?

11. Which Indian security services company last week bought a controlling stake in UK-based Shield Guarding Company for Rs 125 crore?

12. Which MNC last week announced the launch of its ‘Fit for Life’ programme to evaluate and improve the physical and mental well-being of its employees, integrating all current well-being initiatives under one umbrella?

13. According to a print ad last week, which company commissioned India’s largest blast furnace on May 31?

14. According to a report last week, Bull Dog Entertainment will be getting into the gaming business with the DTH premiere of the game Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain. Mr Ramit B M, director of the company, is the son of which well-known business personality?

15. Interpublic Group (IPG) has decided to float a new agency in India, which will essentially be Lowe’s second agency in India. What is it named?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 218 as the subject.

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Biz Quizzard 217

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

1. Which business group is advertising its ‘kara’ range of skincare wipes in the print medium?

2. According to a report last week, US-based maker of organic juices, Apple Rush Company is planning to drag which MNC to court for using its brand in India?

3. Which watch brand has launched the Yuva collection? The campaign features brand ambassador MS Dhoni.

4. According to a report last week, for which special client has RPG Group’s Saregama India Ltd (formerly The Gramophone Company of India Ltd) brought out a four-CD audio set titled ‘Bollywood: 60 years of Romance’?

5. Aditya Birla Nuvo has recently launched its family retail brand in the apparel category. Name it?

6. Easily workable. Google’s online filing cabinet for medical records was opened to public last week giving users instant access to their health histories. What has it been branded as?

7. Which MNC has announced its partnership with conservation organization WWF-India, that it will be involved in WWF-India’s Tiger Conservation Programme?

8. Providence Equity Partners, according to reports last week, has invested $640 million for a 20% stake in the subsidiary of which Indian telecom company?

9. Snapfish, according to reports last week, has acquired the customers of MeraSnap.com, an online digital photo printing and delivery portal, for an undisclosed sum. Snapfish is the online photo services business of which MNC?

10. According to a report last week, Jaypee group company Jaiprakash Power Venture (JPVL) has acquired Bina Power Supply Company (BPSCL) for Rs 150-175 crore. Which group owns BPSCL?

11. Which MNC last week agreed to sell its 69.5% stake in MedQuist Inc. to CBaySystems Holdings Ltd. of the Virgin Islands for around $285 million?

12. Which celebrity has been signed on as a brand ambassador in India by semiconductor company AMD?

13. Which company has launched India’s first 6D cinema experience at Agra, just minutes away from the Taj Mahal?

14. Which MNC has won the contract for processing Indian passport applications?

15. Arvind Mills has rebranded itself. What is its new name?

16. Aamir Khan is endorsing a biscuit brand. Which one?

17. According to a report last week, which MNC is planning a major global retail foray under 'VC' brand?

18. Which company is entering the Rs 400 crore mint and lozenges market, with a new mint candy called Fundamint?

19. Which business/social personality was last week conferred the much coveted Rotary International's Polio Eradication Champion Award by President Mrs. Pratibha Patil?

20. Which celebrity has been announced as the new brand ambassador of Pond’s?

Please mail your answers on or befor next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 217 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 216

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

1. Which brand has unveiled its latest model – Jharokha – for women?

2. Actors Vidya Balan (looking as beautiful as ever) and Madhavan can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) of which brand?

3. According to a report last week, which company has entered into a joint venture pact with global infrastructure provider Alcatel-Lucent to provide managed network services (MNS) to telecom service providers in the country?

4. A new political magazine from the noted journalist MJ Akbar is going to hit the already crowded news magazine space next week. What has it been branded as?

5. Which international celebrity is all set to launch her third fragrance ‘Inspire’ this fall?

6. Which MNC has agreed to buy Electronic Data Systems (EDS) for about $12.6 billion in cash to build a technology-services company that could challenge IBM?

7. Mr KK Swamy last week resigned as the deputy managing director of which automobile major?

8. The new edition of which automobile brand is being advertised in the print medium with the headline ‘LEAD’?

9. According to a news snippet last week, which famous business personality has committed to buy a 3.9% stake in Indiabulls Properties Investment Trust, which is in the process of listing in Singapore?

10. Which MNC has acquired Larsen & Toubro’s Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) business for $349 million (Rs 1480 crore)?

11. Which Delhi-based IT services firm last week acquired New York-based company ‘Ebusinessware’, which offers IT solutions and consulting to financial services firms, for about $35 million?

12. What was unique about the Detroit Symphony conducted on Tuesday evening?

13. Which company is test marketing India’s first clove cigarette, Cluv Spice, across geographies?

14. Which media and entertainment company is buying CNet Networks, an online news and information provider, for $1.8 billion in cash?

15. According to a report last week, which telecom MNC will acquire Denmark-based ZYB, which operates a social networking site focused on mobile phone users, for about 31.5 million euro?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 216 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 215

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week May 05 - 10. Hope you enjoy it. Quinkie celebrates its 5th anniversary on May 12. Hearty congratulations to all the members and Murali Duggineni. Biz Quizzard is proud and privileged to be a part of Quinkie.

1. According to a news snippet recently, residents of Canada’s Prince Edward Island rushed into stores to buy which product in a particular packaging format, after a decades-long ban on the particular packaging was lifted?

2. The personal investment vehicle of which business personality last week bought an undisclosed stake in oncology care provider Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) for $20 million, the first time it is investing in an unlisted firm?

3. Which IT company has acquired Jaipur-based niche banking software product firm Natural Technologies (NTPL) for Rs 8.39 crore?

4. Which auto MNC will soon launch its premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) Murano in India?

5. Which Indian company has entered into an agreement for acquiring the majority and controlling stake in Malaysia-based Lotus Five Star Cinemas?

6. The move has triggered a deluge of protests. According to reports last week, which two brands from the PepsiCo stable will be endorsed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA)?

7. Which telecom services company has announced a deal with Apple to offer iPhone on its networks in India?

8. Jump Games and Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd, the gaming divisions of Reliance Entertainment, last week roped in which cricketer for promotions?

9. Which celebrity has been signed on as a brand ambassador for Meridian Mobiles’ flagship brand Fly mobiles?

10. Which automobile company has launched a new marketing initiative titled ‘Ghar Ghar Ki Pehchaan’ for tapping rural markets for its popular model?

11. Which Italian premium motorcycle company last week launched five of its models in India in the price range of Rs 1.3-5 million?

12. Which Indian company has acquired a controlling stake in one of Italy’s leading fabric manufacturers, Klopman, for an enterprise value of $107 million?

13. Which MNC, according to a report last week, has built up a lifestyle product portfolio including jeans styled by MS Dhoni and a Bipasha Basu Collection?

14. According to a news snippet last week, which airline has taken beef off its menu for economy class passengers on most international flights in a bid to avoid offending Hindus?

15. Which news channel last week unveiled its new revamped look with the baseline ‘Zara Sochiye’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 215 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 214

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week April 28 - May 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a report last week, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will exchange vows this summer abroad one of the world’s most luxurious yachts – the $200 m ‘Octopus’. Which business personality owns Octopus?

2. M&M’s candy maker Mars last week teamed up with billionaire Warren Buffett to buy which famous confectionery company?

3. Customers/users of which well known MNC last week called for a global boycott of the company on May 1?

4. After gaining notoriety for its two provocative ads, one featuring model Sana Khan and other featuring Orangutans, JG Hosiery is reportedly planning an ad featuring both. The company is the manufacturer of which well known brand?

5. Which Indian company, according to a report last week, is acquiring Bolix, a leading provider of external insulation finishing systems (EIFS) in Europe for $38.6 million?

6. Which Indian company last week said it will acquire the world’s leading chemical company BASF’s contract manufacturing business and related facilities in Shreveport in the US for $40 million, including working capital of $6 million?

7. Actress Rani Mukherjee has been signed on as the brand ambassador for which soap brand?

8. According to a report last week, Bobby Khan Holdings has acquired the exclusive rights in the sub continent for which well known international brand from Merlin Entertainment? (Hint: Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan)

9. Ms Hemu Ramaiah last week sold her 24% stake in which retail company to Tata’s retail arm Trent for an undisclosed sum?

10. Which Indian group last week reached an agreement to acquire the US steel maker and distributor Esmark Inc for an enterprise value of $1.1 billion?

11. Which well known Japanese MNC will invest 7 billion yen ($67.2 million) in a project to build the country’s first passenger jet in more than 3 decades?

12. Who has been elected President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2008-09?

13. Which bank last week launched a distinctive co-branded credit card ‘Go Card’ in association with travel portal MakeMyTrip.com?

14. Which two resident/non-resident Indians feature along with Sonia Gandhi in the Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people in the world?

15. Mr Michael Boneham has been appointed the new president of the Indian operations of which MNC?

16. Which company last week said it was buying a majority stake in software services firm Aztecsoft for Rs 190 crore in one of the largest transactions involving listed IT companies in India?

17. In line with the rebranding of Reliance Entertainment to Reliance Big Entertainment, the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) is now in the process of rebranding its Adlabs multiplex business. Which brand will replace the Adlabs brand?

18. According to a report last week, Infosys Technologies might be forced to change its name in which country as it constitutes certain infringement on a trademark name in that country?

19. Which banking and insurance group last week said it would buy pension planner CitiStreet from US banking giant Citigroup and State Street Group for $900 million?

20. Which brand has specially created an exclusive premium line of formal wear for IPL’s Chennai Super Kings?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 214 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 213

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

1. Mr Lee Kun Hee last week announced his resignation as the chairperson of which conglomerate, less than a week after he was indicted for tax evasion and breach of trust?

2. After triggering intense speculation of a possible takeover attempt, pharma major Ranbaxy last week entered into a business alliance agreement with which pharma company?

3. After entering into a tie-up with Marks & Spencer recently, Reliance Retail last week announced a joint venture with which MNC?

4. Which Indian company, according to a report last week, is set to acquire a 70% controlling stake in German pharma company AxiCorp?

5. Actress Amrita Rao can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) of which ice cream brand?

6. Why were the companies, King Chemicals and Kings High Power, in news last week?

7. Which new milestone did Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) touch recently?

8. Which Indian company last week acquired UK-based eWave World, which offers wireless telephony services using WIMAX technology, for an undisclosed sum?

9. Which clothes brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘YOUNG LIKE THAT’?

10. Child actor Darsheel Safary (of Taare Zameen Par fame) has been roped in to endorse which health drink brand?

11. Which business personality has been ranked as Britain’s richest resident for the fourth year in a row by The Sunday Times?

12. Which retail brand in India has changed its logo and is sporting a new tagline ‘Start something new’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 213 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 212

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

1. The Rs 3,000-crore Yash Birla group has decided to enter the domestic health and wellness market through a new company. What has it been branded as?

2. Southern film star Genelia D’Souza has been roped in as the ambassador for which shampoo brand?

3. Delhi-based Yamu Panchayat Pvt. Ltd, according to report last week, is the probably the only ISO 9001-2000 certified outlet in the country for which product?

4. Which Indian business personality figures in the list of world’s most admired board directors compiled by American magazine Directorship?

5. According to a report last week, which company intends to roll out a chain of food and confectionery retail outlets christened as Devil’s Workshop?

6. Which MNC bank is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its operations in India?

7. Which two wheeler brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘RIDE THE CHANGE’?

8. Which UK retailer last week announced a 51:49 joint venture with Reliance Retail?

9. Which two cricketers have been signed on as brand ambassadors for Ahmedabad-based cricket equipment manufacturer Sanspareils Greenlands, popularly known as SG?

10. Which MNC last week appointed Suresh Vaswani and Girish Paranjpe as joint CEOs?

11. Which international mobile operator last week said that it was revamping its brand and changing its logo in a bid to stop subscribers from defecting to rival carriers?

12. Which MNC last week acquired travel search startup Farecast for an undisclosed sum?

13. Which two Indian conglomerates figure in the list of world’s 25 most innovative companies, released by BusinessWeek last week?

14. It is a new Forbes list and covers rich people and their fights. Which two Indian business personalities figure in the magazine’s battling billionaires list?

15. Which celebrity has been roped in as the face of Big Bazaar?

16. Alcome Perfumes and Cosmetics, a new entrant in the Rs 500 crore perfume market, has roped in which celebrity as its brand ambassador in India?

17. Times Internet, which owns Indiatimes.com, has recently forayed into the social networking space by launching a site. What has it been branded as?

18. Which company in India has unveiled a new logo, first time that the logo is being changed since the company’s inception in 1958?

19. Actor Vidya Balan will be seen endorsing which consumer durable and electronics MNC, in India?

20. According to a report last week, Chennai-based Premier Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. is launching a new airliner. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 212 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 211

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

1. Which MNC has launched the toll free number 1800-41-999-999?

2. Easily workable. Which two wheeler brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘IT’S HOT’?

3. Which automobile company in India, according to a print ad last week, is celebrating its 25th year?

4. The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) last week appointed which business personality as its chairman for 2008-09?

5. With which brand would you associate Hiren Patel (Mumbai), Paras Kakkar and Umesh Rana (Bhiwani)? (hint: contest winners)

6. Which MNC last week announced the appointment of Poonam Chandel as its managing director?

7. According to a print ad released by Mercedes Benz last week, which 2 milestones has it recently crossed in India?

8. Fashion designer Stella McCartney is launching her label in India. She is the daughter of which international celebrity?

9. Which advertising agency has partnered with ADK, the third largest advertising agency in Japan to form a 50:50 JV in India?

10. Birla VXL Limited and Videocon Appliances last week separately announced that they had changed their names. What are the respective new names?

11. Which Indian company last week bought the privately-held Mexican tyre company Tornel for Rs 270 crore?

12. IBN recently launched a Marathi news channel. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 211 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 210

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week March 31 - April 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which celebrity has been recently signed on by Glaxo SmithKline Consumer Healthcare to endorse ‘Boost’?

2. Which personal computer and laptop brand is being endorsed by Saurav Ganguly?

3. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘THE HEART CAR’?

4. Actress Kareena Kapoor can be seen in the advertising campaign for which soap brand?

5. France’s Pernod Ricard last week won a hard-fought auction to buy which legendary liquor brand for $8.9 billion?

6. According to a news snippet last week, Yahoo is launching a site for women between age 25 and 54. What has it been branded as?

7. The subprime crisis claimed another high profile victim last week. Marcel Ospel quit as the chairman of which banking giant?

8. TVS Motor Company has launched its first electric scooter. What has it been branded as?

9. Hyderabad-based end-to-end game company FXLabs last week launched Agni. What is its claim to fame?

10. Which Indian company has acquired Jet Generici Srl, a company engaged in the sale of generic finished dosages in Italy?

11. Which media company last week launched a Kannada news channel, Suvarna News?

12. Which company last week claimed to be the first Indian IT services firm to have a brand ambassador?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 210 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 209

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week March 24 - 29. Biz Quizzard starts its fifth year with this edition. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a report last week, Italian fashion brand Armani has included which Indian clothing item in its latest collection?

2. Which company has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with US-based Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (PVH) for designing, distributing and retailing PVH’s apparel brand IZOD in India?

3. Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s son YS Jagan last week launched a Telugu daily. What has it been branded as?

4. Caparo India last week signed a technical agreement with which automobile MNC to mark its foray into the luxury bus segment?

5. Which food processing and packaging solutions provider, which launched its new graphic identity with tag line ‘Protects what’s good’ in January, is undertaking a brand makeover?

6. It’s a proud moment. Tata Motors last week bought which two iconic automobile brands from Ford for $2.3 billion?

7. Maruti Suzuki India last week launched its new entry-level sedan. What has it been branded as?

8. Mr Raghu Menon was last week appointed the chairman and managing director of which aviation company?

9. Which advertising MNC, according to a report last week, is set to acquire Delhi-based marketing company Chateux Hospitality, promoted by Sameer, Sachin and Sushil Mutreja.?

10. INX Media, the media company promoted by Indrani Mukerjea, last week launched its third television channel, a 24-hour English news channel. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 209 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 208

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

1. Which MNC recently signed a deal to buy the online advertisement management company, Rapt of San Francisco?

2. Which well known internet major, according to a report recently, has decided to move its headquarters from London to Geneva, seen as the first major fallout of Britain’s uncompetitive tax system?

3. Kishore Biyani-led Future Group is picking up a 70% stake in Aadhaar. Aadhaar is the rural retailing initiative of which business group?

4. Which company, according to a report last week, is all set to launch designer liquor stores or ‘destination outlets’ – called ‘Spiritz & More’?

5. Which MNC has proposed to induct former director of the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) RA Mashelkar as a non-executive independent director?

6. Rasna has entered the fruit-based drinks category with the launch of a new concentrate. What has it been branded as?

7. Which media giant is selling its 1,200-seater call centre business in India to Aegis Communications, the BPO arm of Essar Group in an all-cash deal of around $100 million?

8. Which celebrity has been recently roped in by Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) as brand ambassador for its re-launched Cinthol soaps, talcs and deodorants?

9. NetJets, the world’s largest fractional aircraft ownership company is setting shop in India. Which famous business personality owns the company?

10. Which company last week signed an Rs 106-crore deal for rights to be the official umpire partner for Indian Premier League (IPL) and also sponsor third umpire decisions?

11. Chennai-based Hasbro Clothing that retails menswear brands such as Genesis and Basics has launched a new value segment brand. Name it?

12. Which MNC last week introduced its new Bref range of disinfectant cleaning solutions in Chennai?

13. Which MNC last week bought a majority stake in Russia’s biggest juice company JSC Lebedyanskey?

14. According to a recent report, Maya Advertisement Entertainment Ltd (MEL) and which well known personality have joined hands to co-produce an animated fiction series, The Magic Racquet?

15. Which MNC has entered into an agreement to acquire social media site Bebo for $850 million to be paid in cash?

16. Which celebrity will endorse PepsiCo’s mango drinks, Slice and Slice Mangola?

17. Mr Raymond Leblanc, founder of Lombard editions, died at the age of 92 in Brussels last week. He was the publisher of which popular comic-book series?

18. Which Indian celebrity will endorse Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 208 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 207

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

1. Which brand has launched a campaign across media with the baseline ‘Think hatke’?

2. TVS Motor Company last week launched the country’s first two-stroke 200cc auto rickshaw. What has it been branded as?

3. Which company has topped the list of 20 most-admired global companies prepared by US business magazine Fortune?

4. Tennis Major Serena Williams launched 3 designer laptops of which MNC in India last week?

5. Reliance Energy (REL), formerly BSES, is once again changing its name. What is the new name?

6. After months of delay, TVS Motor Company finally launched its 125cc motorcycle. What has it been branded as?

7. I think i have covered this before. The campaign for the DLF Indian Premier League (titled ‘cricket ka KARMAYUDH’ and starting from April 18) has been launched across media. Name the advertising agency?

8. According to a report last week, which MNC has roped in former Alcatel-Lucent chief Ravi Sharma to head its soon-to-be-launched telecom services?

9. Which MNC has signed an Rs 100-crore deal with Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt’s Vishesh Films to produce four Hindi films?

10. Shah Rukh Khan last week unveiled the title of his IPL team. What is the team called?

11. Which celebrity has been roped in by Samsung Telecommunications India (STI) as its brand ambassador?

12. Lenovo, the world’s fourth largest computer maker, last week launched a new consumer brand. Name it?

13. Which MNC has unveiled a new marketing and advertising campaign ‘Your Move’, in India and abroad?

14. According to a report last week, the 10th anniversary of which now commonly used tech gadget is being celebrated this year?

15. Which company last week announced that it has sold off its processed foods business under the brand “Sil” to a Danish business house, Good Food Group?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 207 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 206

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

1. Global asset management firm AIG recently picked up 14.5% stake in which Indian automobile major?

2. Which Indian business personality will be joining the board of global banking giant HSBC as independent non-executive director effective May 1?

3. Which two wheeler brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Live your style’?

4. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘More than meets the eye’?

5. According to a report last week, which automobile MNC will set up a joint venture with Mitsui to produce motorcycles in India?

6. Aditya Birla Retail last week launched its first hypermarket 'more.Megastore'. In which city?

7. Which MNC has launched a campaign ‘Namma Bengaluru’ in Bangalore to focus on its consumer systems products?

8. Tata Coffee launched its first stand-alone outlet in the country in Coimbatore last week. What has it been branded as?

9. Four Indians have made it to the global richie-rich top ten club according to Forbes magazine’s annual list of billionaires. Who has topped the list replacing Bill gates?

10. Which airline in India has become the country’s only 5-star certified airline?

11. Actress Kajol is the brand ambassador for which toothpaste brand?

12. Which international telecom brand was launched in India recently?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 206 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 205

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week February 25 - March 02. Hope you enjoy it.

1. According to a report last week, Honda Motor will launch its third scooter in India on March 6. What has it been branded as?

2. After Pizza Hut and KFC, Yum! Restaurants International is planning to launch which well known brand from its stable in India in the latter half of 2008?

3. Which business magazine is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘BULLS. BEARS. BILLIONAIRES’?

4. According to various reports last week, Bharti Retail, the joint venture between Bharti Group and Wal-Mart, has zeroed in on a name for its retail foray. Company officials however refused to confirm the same. What is the name?

5. Which business daily is advertising its new Hindi edition with the baseline (in Hindi script) ‘Behtar business woh, jo aapki bhasha mein ho’?

6. Which insurance company is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘Giving wings to your dreams’?

7. According to a report last week, Adobe has launched a software application to help people work on online applications when they are offline. What has it been branded as?

8. Which FMCG company last week entered the beverages market with the acquisition of Salem-based Maa Fruits India?

9. Mr Nitin Paranjpe would be taking over as the CEO of which MNC in India?

10. Which brand has kicked off a new television campaign ‘Jashan Mana Le’ featuring Hrithik Roshan?

11. Tata Motors last week launched a new version of the Sumo utility vehicle. What has it been branded as?

12. Which famous international monthly rock music magazine hit the stands in India last week?

Please mail your answers on or before Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 205 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 204

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

1. Which company last week announced that it is roping in cricketers Ishant Sharma & Rohit Sharma as brand ambassadors?

2. Which television channel is being advertised across media with the baseline ‘World Ki Best Kahaniyan’?

3. Which foreign bank was last week issued a license by RBI?

4. According to a report last week, Airmid Aviation Services has been granted a non-scheduled air transport operating status. The company is a subsidiary of which financial services group in India?

5. Which well known business personality has acquired a Norwegian shipping firm, JB Ugland Shipping (JBUS) for Rs 1,200 crore?

6. Which Indian business group, according to a report last week, has invested in BJETS, a business jet operator company?

7. Cadbury India last week launched a new product for people with diabetes. What has it been branded as?

8. Reliance Communications last week announced a new umbrella brand which consolidates its global telecommunications business and operations. Name the brand?

9. Which Indian IT company last week announced the acquisition of US-based banking software company Capital Stream, for $40 million (about Rs 160 crore)?

10. Which two wheeler brand is being advertised in the print media with the baseline ‘DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE’?

11. Which business personality last week received the JRD Tata Corporate Leadership Award?

12. DaimerChrysler India has changed its name. What will it be now known as?

13. Which brand is being advertised across media with the baseline ‘yeh hai younGistaan meri jaan’?

14. The boards of which two private banks in India last week agreed to merge to form a merged entity?

15. Which well known international publication brand has launched it’s first-ever campaign in India, a high-voltage outdoor presence bearing its signature colours, red and white and the baseline ‘Interpret the world’?

Please mail your answers before next Sunday with Biz Quizzard 204 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 203

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

1. Mr Rajeev Kapoor has been appointed president & CEO of the Indian operations of which automobile major?

2. Which well known MNC has signed on Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor as brand ambassadors?

3. Which well known personality, according to a report last week, has picked up 10% stake in BAG Glamour, a subsidiary of BAG Films & Media, for about 10 crore?

4. Which company has bagged the title sponsorship rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for five years?

5. Mr Chandrasekhar Bhaskar Bhave will take over as the chairman of which regulatory body?

6. Most of you must have read about the Economic Times budget mascot, the piggybank, going around various cities. What is his name?

7. Mr Fred Kindle last week quit as the chief executive of which well known engineering group?

8. Which automobile brand in India last week crossed the one-million-unit mark?

9. According to a report last week, Four Seasons Wines, the joint venture between UB Group and the family of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, plans to launch locally produced wine by this month-end. What is it branded as?

10. Mr. Ian Rowden has been appointed chairman and chief executive officer for the Asia-Pacific region for which advertising MNC?

11. Deepika Padukone can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which soap brand?

12. Staying with soaps, Lux has launched a black bathing soap. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 203 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli