Biz Quizzard 352

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

1. Aamir Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for the Purple collection of which brand?

2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kate Winslet and Chin Lin can be seen together in the television commercial (currently on air) for which international brand?

3. Burner Mond last week acquired Cheshire Salt Holdings, the parent company of British Salt, UK’s largest salt manufacturer. Burner Mond is the subsidiary of which Indian company?

4. Which MNC last week said it will acquire German online shopping club, brands4fiends, for $150 million?

5. Which company last week became the country’s largest steel maker by capacity after announcing a $3 billion deal to acquire debt-laden Ispat Industries?

6. Which business group last week launched India’s first national brand of pulses – i-Shakti Dals?

7. JK Tyres last week rolled out a new tyre ’40.00-5760PR VEM045 E4’. What is its claim to fame?

8. Which product from India has received the good design award for 2010, by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design with European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies?

9. Which MNC has announced it will acquire Zecter Inc, a start-up firm offering products for cloud-based storage and streaming of digital media to internet-enabled devices, for an undisclosed amount?

10. Which company has been named the official partner for the fourth and fifth seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament?

11. Which advertising personality recently released his new book 'Learnings of an Advertising Practitioner'?

12. Which company last week said its board of directors had approved the formation of a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Olayan Financing Company to execute electro-mechanical projects in the country?

13. Which business group last week announced its association with tennis star Sania Mirza?

14. Which brand last week announced a makeover with a new logo and the thought of 'Wait Mat Kar'?

15. Which Bengaluru-based e-commerce company has acquired the social network based book discovery, recommendation and review site, weRead.com?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 352 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 351

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

1. Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal will be promoting which underwear brand?

2. Which international football club has signed up non-profit organization Qatar Foundation as the first commercial shirt sponsor in its 111-year history?

3. Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon is in race for a Grammy award for her work “Om Namo Narayana” which features Sanskrit chants. She is the sister of which well known business personality?

4. Which company is advertising its programs/activities with the positioning ‘100 years. 1 mission. India First.’?

5. Which MNC has associated its new range with the Telugu film Orange, starring Ram Charan and Genelia D’Souza?

6. Which MNC will buy Ahmedabad-based Paras Pharmaceuticals for Rs 3,260 crore?

7. The Google India Zeitgeist 2010, a list of what 81 million Indian netizens have been searching for on the web, was released last week. Which site/query has topped the list?

8. Staying on with Google India Zeitgeist 2010, who was the most searched business personality on Google in India?

9. Aventis Pharma, the Indian arm of Sanofi Aventis, is exiting its joint venture Chiron Behring Vaccines by selling its 49% stake to which MNC partner?

10. Which MNC will buy data storage company Compellent Technologies for $884 million?

11. Which MNC has agreed to buy British oil drilling pipe-maker Wellstream Holdings for 800 million pounds ($1.3 billion)?

12. Which MNC last week said it had agreed to buy protein drinks firm Maxinutrition for 162 million pound sterling ($256 million) from its private equity owners?

13. Transport Corporation of India (TCI) has joined hands with which company to float a new joint venture company, Infinite Logistics Solutions?

14. Which MNC last week announced that Murli Sivaraman would take over as the global head of its domestic appliances business?

15. Which international consultancy firm last week said Deepak Kapoor would take over as chairman of its Indian operations next year?

16. Which well known personality is all set to launch his apparel brand Spinners in India?

17. Which company has topped the Bloomberg Businessweek.com’s ranking of the best performing technology companies in the world?

18. Which Indian infrastructure company will acquire Australia-based Griffin Coal Mining Company and Carpenter Mine Management (Griffin Coal) for $750 million?

19. Ending an 11-month dispute with the minority shareholders, which MNC will take full control of Alcon, the world’s largest eye care company?

20. Which MNC last week launched the world’s largest 152-inch 3D full high-definition plasma TV/display in India?

21. Who was last week named Time magazine’s 2010 Person of the Year?

22. Which two companies last week formally announced the end of their joint venture of 26 years in India?

23. ITC last week advertised its noodles in the print medium. What has it been branded as?

24. Which MNC last week said it would acquire Mumbai-based agro-chemical manufacturer New Chemi Industries for an undisclosed amount?

25. Castrol India has struck a two-year long brand endorsement deal with which celebrity for an undisclosed amount?

26. Which FMCG firm has signed a co-promotion deal for its latest winter care product with the producers of Tees Maar Khan?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 351 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 350

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

1. Which celebrity has been signed on to promote Dabur India’s juice brand ‘Real’?

2. Which MNC is running a campaign in the print medium with the baseline ‘imagination at work’?

3. Which business personality has been named as the richest tycoon in South Africa?

4. Which MNC has agreed to buy Seattle-based anti-piracy software firm Widevine?

5. Which MNC automaker has bought out its joint venture partner Azad Group’s stake in the Indian operations?

6. Which online fashion retailer has raised $8 million from venture capital Sequoia Capital to build up its supply chain for premium brands sold at a discount?

7. Which Indian company has signed an agreement with Italy’s premium furniture maker Chateau d’ Ax to set up its exclusive stores in the country?

8. Which company has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Mumbai-based Florista, which has a chain of floral designing boutique stores across India?

9. Which MNC last week started selling digital books from its online bookstore?

10. Which mobile handset distributor last week announced the acquisition of Thailand-based handset maker, NewTel Corporation, which sells handsets under the ‘WellcoM Mobile’ brand, for $22 million?

11. Religare Enterprises is set to buy the entire 85% stake of which well known business personality in realty-focused venture capital fund Indireit Fund Advisors for Rs 212 crore?

12. Which international celebrity has teamed up with designer Robert Procop to create a jewellery line ‘The Protector’ to help child victims of war and natural disasters?

13. Soon Kwon will be the new CEO of the Indian operations of which MNC?

14. RK Singh has been appointed chairman and managing director of which well known public sector entity?

15. Which company has topped the first-ever Fortune India 500 list?

16. Which company last week announced the acquisition of a majority stake of 53.5% in Bangalore-based Metahelix Life Sciences, a seeds research company?

17. UK-based fabric maker Dormeuil last week launched its range of suits in India. What is unique about the range?

18. Which business personality is all set to become the second Indian to join the board of consumer goods major Unilever as non-executive director?

19. Which business personality has acquired Bangalore-based start-up Injoos in an all-stock transaction?

20. Thirumalai Rajgopal is all set to become the first Indian to be selected for the post of global functional head in which well known MNC?

21. Which MNC last week launched ‘Ontario’, a first of its kind processor that is set be three times more powerful and economical than the existing products?

22. National Aviation Company of India Limited has been renamed. What is the new name?

23. Jeffrey Kindler last week suddenly retired as the chairman and chief executive of which MNC?

24. India’s first dedicated food channel was launched last week. What has it been branded as?

25. Which company and Madison World are floating a joint venture mobile marketing company, Kabuza Marketing?

26. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting last week granted a down-linking license to which well known and controversial English news channel?

27. Which company has launched the second season of the online contest, Is your boss stylish?

28. Which global services company has launched a multi-media recruitment campaign based on the concept of 'Stolen'?

29. Which MNC is buying the prepaid cash-card business of foreign exchange group Travelex for 290 million pounds ($459 million)?

30. Which MNC last week launched a 998cc motorcycle, FZ1, in India?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 350 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 349

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 29 - December 04. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which Indian company has been named amongst the world’s top 20 chemical companies in an annual top 100 list released by ICIS?

2. Which MNC’s initial public offering has become the world’s biggest at $23.1 billion taking it past Agricultural Bank of China’s July IPO?

3. What unique distinction is being claimed by Princess Towers in Dubai?

4. Which company last week advertised animated characters Rahul & Priya as “India’s first cloth celebrities”?

5. According to a report last week, which business personality has bought Cape Town mansion, “the best house in Cape Town”, for $8.4 million (Rs 38.4 crore)?

6. Which celebrity has released ‘H.E.A.L’, the first of a three-DVD fitness series?

7. Bhavdeep Singh has quit as the CEO of which healthcare company?

8. Which MNC will be buying a 51% stake in South African retailer Massmart for $2.3 billion?

9. VK Sharma last week took over as the CEO of which housing finance firm?

10. RPG Group company Ceat last week acquired the global rights for ‘CEAT’ brand from which MNC for 9 million euro (Rs 55 crore)?

11. Which company last week announced it has entered into a pact with Massachusetts-based Stratus Technologies to provide consulting services, solutions and products to customers globally?

12. Which automobile brand has launched its latest campaign, ‘Come Alive’ (TVC currently on air)?

13. Not sure if I covered this earlier. Which MNC will launch its pre-owned car business, Premium Selection in India?

14. Joseph George will be the new CEO of which advertising agency in India?

15. What milestone has General Motors India crossed recently?

16. Which retail chain is test marketing an up-market food section called Gourmet West?

17. Which FMCG firm last week announced its entry into the modern healthcare market with the launch of health supplement brand ‘Nutrigo’?

18. Honda Motor Company last week showcased its compact car at Bangkok Motor Expo. What has it been branded as?

19. Which MNC last week said it would acquire electric motor manufacturer Baldor Electric Company for $4.2 billion, including $1.1 billion of net debt?

20. Which brand is being advertised with the positioning ‘World First. India First.’?

21. Which well known business personality has launched a digital magazine named ‘Project’ for Apple’s iPad tablet computer?

22. Post its latest round of releases, which well known company stopped hosting WikiLeaks on its servers?

23. MS Dhoni has signed a three year endorsement deal with which business group for Rs 25-26 crore?

24. Which MNC is buying a majority stake in Russian dairy company Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods for $3.8 billion, making it the biggest Russian food & beverage company?

25. Which MNC last week said it would buy insulin developer Smart Cells Inc in a deal that may exceed $500 million?

26. Which consumer goods major has acquired liquid detergent brand Genteel and Swastik soap brand for an undisclosed amount?

27. Which US mining group is to buy Canada’s Western Coal for $3.3 billion?

28. Which company has acquired a 55% stake in US-based assets manager Landmark Partners for $171.5 million (about Rs 772 crore)?

29. Which company has launched a 21 day outdoor campaign, called the Tears of Perfection, in 41 cities across the country?

30. Which celebrity has been appointed by Kellogg India as the brand ambassador for its breakfast cereal brand, Special K?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 349 as the subject.

Answers for a partuclar edition are mailed to only those who attempt the same within the given time period.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 348

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

1. Which company has acquired Bangalore-based Lifeblob.com, a social photo service firm?

2. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘The Right of Way’?

3. Fam, an Iranian firm, has come up with an Islamic doll on the lines of Barbie. What has it been branded as?

4. This is a unique propositioning. Which automobile brand was last week advertised in the print medium positioned as the perfect gift this wedding season?

5. Which little-known housing firm has signed on Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador and started an advertising campaign?

6. Which Indian company has acquired US-based infrastructure management company PSI Holding, which operates under the brand Akibia, in an all-cash deal of $66 million?

7. Hyderabad-based infrastructure company Maytas Infra is being renamed. What will it be known as?

8. Which company has acquired the UK operations of South Africa-based Barnard Jacobs Mellet for an estimated $40-50 million?

9. RBI Governor D Subbarao last week launched a book ‘Global Crisis, Recession and Uneven Recovery’. Who is the author?

10. Which MNC last week appointed Dinesh Jain as the CEO of its alliance partner Hover Automotive India?

11. Which company has bought GlaxoSmithKline’s oral penicillin facility and products in the US for an undisclosed amount?

12. What milestone has Mphasis crossed for its year-ended October period?

13. Which company has agreed to acquire Canada’s CIC Energy for Canadian $422 million (about Rs 1,860 crore)?

14. Which company has bought a 74% stake in Hyderabad-based HBL Elta Avionics for an undisclosed amount?

15. Which MNC will acquire a 90% stake in Brooklyn-based Wireless Generation, a privately-held education technology company for about $360 million?

16. Information technology major Intex Technologies last week launched a mobile handset in the market. What unique feature does it boast of?

17. Which company plans to open standalone ‘farm fresh’ stores selling only fruits and vegetables in neighborhood locations?

18. What milestone has BMW recently crossed in it’s assemble line in Chennai?

19. Which company last week launched an exclusive collection named “Eternal Mumbai” on the eve of the second anniversary of 26/11?

20. John Chacko has been appointed the new group chief, president and managing director of the Indian operations of which MNC from December 1?

21. Which Hollywood actor will feature in the ads for Russia’s Trust Bank?

22. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has joined hands with which well known personality to start a new venture to create e-content for entertainment and education?

23. In what is the biggest leveraged buyout this year, which food company has agreed to be sold to a group of private equity firms led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for $5.3 billion?

24. HDFC Standard Life has changed its name. What is the new name?

25. Which company last week announced the launch of 'Little Wings', a new frequent flyer programme especially created for young flyers between the ages of 3 through 12 years?

26. Which company last week launched India's 1st washing machine with an 'in-built brush'?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 348 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 347

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

1. Which company will participate in MotoGP next season, marking India’s debut in the world’s premier motorcycle championship?

2. Which international actress is teaming up with Italian designer Alberta Ferreti to create a new organic clothing range?

3. Gillette has launched its first product designed especially to suit the needs of the Indian consumer. What has it been branded as?

4. Which newspaper brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘Know More. No Less.'?

5. Which company is the sole Indian firm to get a perfect score in a list of Asia’s best companies in terms of corporate social responsibility?

6. Which company has bought US-based Namaste Laboratories and its three subsidiaries for $100 million (Rs 446 crore) in an all-cash deal?

7. Which company is re-entering the off-road compact SUV segment in India with ‘Thar’?

8. The nation has honored which business personality by releasing a postage stamp on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary (an ad was released last week by the business group)?

9. Which MNC last week said it would buy mining supplier Bucyrus International for $7.6 billion?

10. Which business personality last week took over as the chairman of low-cost air carrier SpiceJet?

11. Which MNC last week launched its much-awaited premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) Yeti in India?

12. Which MNC last week, in a joint venture with Nestle, launched ready-to-drink iced tea brand NESTEA in India?

13. Which company last week merged with the investment banking arm of Enam Securities in an all-stock deal worth Rs 2,067 crores?

14. Which well known company last week unveiled a new logo and signature tune?

15. Which international fashion house last week launched its high-end mobile phones in India with a price tag of up to Rs 4.25 lakh?

16. Which bank has kicked off its five-day, high-impact campaign on November 21 to mark its twenty-fifth anniversary?

17. Which brand is being positioned as 'The Friendship Bike'?

18. Which MNC is gearing up to get a piece of the fast growing legal process outsourcing market with the acquisition of Pangea3?

19. Who has topped the Financial Times ’ranking of the Top 50 Women in World Business for the second year running?

20. Which MNC automaker in India last week launched its new corporate identity to ensure uniform brand identity across the globe?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 347 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 346

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

1. Pantaloons Femina Miss India – Earth 2010, Nicole Faria can be seen in the ‘Snap On’ campaign (TVC currently on air) for which MNC?

2. Which MNC last week released a print ad with the headline ‘The Most Powerful Seat in the Free World’ on the occasion of President Obama’s India visit?

3. Which company has been ranked the world’s top oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) firm by global energy research agency Platts?

4. According to a report last week, which business group will be rolling out a new corporate campaign ‘udna hai, aaj bhi’ this month?

5. Which MNC will buy US natural gas producer Atlas Energy for $3.2 billion?

6. Which MNC expects to pay 3.5 billion euro to acquire Europe’s largest independent auto dealer, Porsche Holding Salzburg?

7. According to a report last week, which bank has sought the approval of RBI to hive off its IT activities into an independent subsidiary?

8. Which company last week announced it would come out with the world’s first ‘jewellery car’?

9. Who has again been named the highest-grossing celebrity of last year in Forbes’ annual Hollywood rich list?

10. Which company last week acquired Hyderabad-based tech staffing company Magna Infotech for Rs 100 crore?

11. Which MNC has decided to acquire a 74% stake in India’s largest air caterer, Skygourmet, from the Indian Hospitality Corp (IHC) for about Rs 400 crore?

12. Which company last week announced that it has sold its Rath vanaspati brand to edible oil maker Cargill India?

13. Which Indian business personality would be presented the Dwight d Eisenhower global award for leadership in New York on November 17?

14. According to a recent report, which is the world’s biggest bank?

15. Which publishing group in India has unveiled a new logo and identity?

16. Reliance Broadcast Network’s (RBN’s) initiative in the digital space, BIG Digital, launched India’s first ever talk internet radio last week. What has it been branded as?

17. Which MNC Electronics and appliances-maker last week announced its entry into the Indian mobile handset market?

18. Which advertising agency’s chairman and chief executive officer, Tom Bernardin, and chief creative officer, Mark Tutssel, were in India last week to launch their book, HumanKind?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 346 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 345

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

1. Which advertising agency has bagged the account of mobile services provider MTS?

2. What milestone has Maruti Suzuki crossed in October 2010?

3. Which tablet device is being advertised with the positioning ‘Start Tabbing’?

4. Which business group has entered into a joint venture agreement with Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group to set up a general insurance company in India?

5. Which MNC last week acquired Pennsylvania-based Boomi, a company that provides web-based or “cloud” computing services?

6. Which MNC last week announced it would acquire Indian logistics company AFL and its affiliate Unifreight India?

7. Which MNC last week announced it was buying e-commerce software company Art Technology Group for $1 billion in cash?

8. What distinction did Bhopal-based businessman Rajesh Jethpuria achieve last week?

9. According to a report last week, which home appliance MNC has signed on Sonam Kapoor as its brand ambassador?

10. Which consumer electronics brand has roped in Dia Mirza to promote eco-friendly celebrations?

11. Which MNC has become the first international car maker to sell two million vehicles in a year in China?

12. Which Indian company has roped in Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi to endorse its brand in Pakistan?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 345 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 344

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

1. The Economic Times last week released the 2010 India’s Most Valuable Brands list. Which company has emerged as the most valuable corporate brand in the country?

2. Varun Berry will take over as the CEO of the foods division in India for which MNC?

3. The children of which international celebrity have made their modeling debut as the faces of Gucci’s new children line?

4. Which company has launched ‘Microchef’, a pressure cooker specifically designed for microwave ovens?

5. Manu Chanda will replace Sanjeev Chadha as the chairman and CEO of the Indian operations of which MNC?

6. The latest edition of ET 500, the ranking of India’s top companies by revenue, was published by The Economic Times last week. Which company has topped the list?

7. The India division of which MNC last week stormed into the Limca Book of Records for the first ever dominoes display of its kind in the country?

8. I have covered this earlier. The shipments of which iconic brand were officially stopped last week after three decades and more than 220 million units?

9. Which entity has agreed to takeover Australia’s ASX to create Asia’s fourth largest stock exchange?

10. Which company is all set to become the first Indian firm to own an English Premier League (EPL) club by acquiring Blackburn Rovers for 46 million pounds?

11. Geneva-based watchmaker Altanus has launched a watch called Patch. What is its claim to fame?

12. Which well known MNC last week said hedge fund manager Todd Combs would join it, generating speculations on succession planning?

13. Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth are fighting again, this time for the advertisements/ promotions for a brand. Which one?

14. Which car brand in India is claiming to be the first car in its category to clock the fastest-ever sales of one lakh units since its launch?

15. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘Born of luxury’?

16. Which MNC last week celebrated its centennial anniversary by organizing ‘People Flow Day’ across 20 countries?

17. Which business personality has been named the Philanthropist of the Year by the Asian Awards?

18. Which company last week forayed into footwear retailing by opening a specialty footwear chain called 'TASHI’?

19. The Times Television Network is launching a high-definition English movies channel. What has it been branded as?

20. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport was launched in India last week. What is special about this car?

21. Which cricketer has been roped in to endorse Spencer Retail’s international apparel brand Beverly Hills Polo Club?

22. Which MNC automaker last week announced plans to enter the two-wheeler market in India with its Motorrad priced at Rs 18 lakh onwards?

23. Which construction equipment maker last week forayed into footwear segment?

24. M Narendra has been appointed chairman and managing director of which bank effective November 1?

25. Former NTPC CMD Sharma has joined which company as its managing director?

26. Cannon announced its entry into retail segment by opening its first store in Noida last week. What has it been branded as?

27. Samsung Electronics launched its first tablet device last week. What has it been branded as?

28. Which MNC last week said its chief executive Robert Benmosche has cancer and has an unclear prognosis, casting another shadow on the company as it undergoes a comprehensive restructuring?

29. Which international celebrity is to open a chain of gyms around the world, called the Hard Candy Fitness Centers, which will merge fitness with entertainment?

30. Which product from India took this year's top prize in The Wall Street Journal's Asian Innovation Awards?

31. Which US buyout firm will buy telecommunications services company Syniverse Technologies Inc (SVR.N) for $2.6 billion?

32. Actor Riteish Deshmukh can be seen in the television commercials for which telecom brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 344 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 343

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

1. Sudhir Vasudeva will be the next chief executive of which public sector entity?

2. Which Bangalore-based firm is all set to acquire US-based, Nasdaq-listed Cardiac Science Corporation for $85 million in an all cash deal?

3. Which company last week forayed into Argentina by taking over BPO company Actionline?

4. Which MNC last week announced the purchase of Lincoln Industrial, a US-based engineered lubrication systems maker, for $1 billion?

5. Bharti Airtel-owned phone manufacturer Beetel and which DTH company have entered into a promotional alliance for the forthcoming festival season?

6. Which company last week signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% stake in South African company Grown Energy?

7. Dheeraj G Hinduja was last week appointed chairman of which company?

8. Which Hyderabad-based provider of mobile technology has acquired UK-based WIN, a mobile content and services company, for $26 million?

9. Which company last week launched ‘Modu T’, a 3.5G touch mobile phone?

10. This is as innovative and maybe as bizarre a brand ambassador choice can get. Professional hacker Ankit Fadia has replaced Abhishek Bachchan as the brand ambassador for which brand?

11. Bob Guccione died last week in Texas, US, at the age of 79. He is the founder of which well known magazine?

12. Which footwear retailer has appointed celebrity pair Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor as brand ambassadors?

13. Which business group last week announced the setting up of a university in Madhya Pradesh?

14. Which international celebrity has signed up a deal with nail polish company OPL to open a chain of nail salons?

15. Which hotel chain has unveiled a campaign for its signature 'Heavenly Bed' in India?

16. Which media company has promoted Anil Uniyal as CEO of business channels?

17. Which company has ventured into the fairly new baked snacks category, launching a baked wheat snack called Time Pass targeted at the youth?

18. The 'Wave' on the packaging symbolises 'Activity' and 'Sfoorti' and the milk and wheat visual establishes it as the Great Family Nourisher. The blue and orange colours have been a part of the brand over many years and are a dominant part of the base packaging. Which brand?

19. The new edition of which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘NOW THAT’S FAB’?

20. Which MNC last week unveiled Slate 500, its first product for the fast-growing tablet market?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 343 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 342

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

1. Which FMCG company has signed on Bhojpuri film star Ravi Kishan exclusively for localized promotional activities (only BTL), particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh?

2. Which company will bring in global brands – Missoni and Vivienne Westwood – to India to strengthen its presence in women’s category?

3. Yuvraj Singh and Sameera Reddy will appear in a television commercial to jointly promote a consumer offering by Reebok and which other brand?

4. Which Indian company has agreed to buy units of Hong Kong-based Quality Healthcare Asia Ltd. for HK $1.5 billion ($193 million)?

5. According to a report last week, which MNC has appointed creative hotspot Taproot India to manage its campaign for the world cup, ending its exclusive arrangement with JWT India for the first time in 20 years?

6. Which automobile brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘A new breed’?

7. Who has won this year’s ‘Finance Minister of the Year for Asia’ award?

8. Which MNC has agreed to buy King Pharmaceuticals for $3.6 billion in cash?

9. Which iconic fashion brand last week aborted a new logo after consumer criticism and will revert to the old logo that has been featured in its marketing for more than 20 years?

10. Which brand has been named the ‘Gadget of the Year’ award at the technology grant equivalent of the Oscars?

11. Titan last week launched a new range under its Raga platform. What has the collection been branded as?

12. Hyundai Motor India Limited last week launched its much awaited SUV. Name the brand?

13. Mrignayanee, the Madhya Pradesh Government Emporium, recently released print ads for the Commonwealth Games. What did it contribute?

14. Who has been appointed brand ambassador by Toyota for its India-specific car Etios?

15. Which business group has gifted $50 million to Harvard Business School, the largest gift received by the institute from an international donor in its 102-year-old history?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 342 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 341

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

1. International model Miriam Ilora can be seen in this television commercial (currently on air) with the positioning ‘YOUR MOMENT is WAITING’. Name the advertiser?

2. Which MNC will soon unleash a new campaign that will feature the traditional art form of the Warli tribe in Maharashtra?

3. Which company, according to a report last week, is set to acquire Sri Lanka’s second largest land-based telephone company, Suntel?

4. Which business personality is offering a $10 million grant to the humanities center at Harvard University?

5. Which company last week ousted its CEO Suresh Gurumani?

6. Which company last week said it had acquired a 80% stake in Trilix Srl, an Italian design and engineering firm for euro 1.85 million (Rs 11.29 crore)?

7. The market research division of the Union Ministry of Tourism last week released data on Indians traveling within India. Which state in the number one domestic travel destination for Indians?

8. Which MNC last week launched its tablet PC, Streak, in India?

9. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence 2009-10 were announced last week. Who is the Business Leader of the year?

10. Which MNC last week appointed H Suzuki as the new CEO and MD of its Indian subsidiary?

11. Which Indian digital media network company has acquired UK-based ethnic marketing firm Indoor Media?

12. The board of which soccer club last week agreed to sell it to John W Henry’s Boston Red Sox for 300 million pounds?

13. Which MNC is acquiring energy infrastructure company Dresser in a deal worth $3 billion?

14. Which company has launched Diamantine, a new stone that “behaves” like a diamond and will be available at a fraction of the cost?

15. Which MNC has named Leo Apotheker, the former head of German software company SAP, as its new chief executive?

16. Dick Costolo will be the new chief executive of which well known social networking firm?

17. Which company has named Tony Bates, a top executive at Cisco Systems as its next chief executive?

18. Which media company in India has appointed Virad Kaul as its CEO?

19. Which company last week launched its social networking-oriented mobile phone, the C3?

20. Surprisingly, this is apparently the very first time this organization is advertising via an ad film on TV. Created by Ogilvy Delhi, the release of the campaign coincided with the opening day of the ongoing Commonwealth Games (CWG). Which organization?

21. Which men’s wear brand has roped in actor Siddharth (of Rang De Basanti and Striker fame) as its brand ambassador?

22. Mahindra Two Wheelers seems to be on a signing spree. After bringing Aamir Khan on board to endorse its motorcycles, which celebrity has it signed on as the brand ambassador for its entire range of PowerScooters?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 341 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 340

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 27 - October 02. Hope you enjoy it.

1. ‘Baush and Lomb’ has adapted a new brand identity. What will it be now known as?

2. Which apparel maker has bundled four of its brands under one roof with a format called Club America?

3. Which private equity and buyout firm has bought Norway software company Visma for an enterprise value of 1.2 billion euros ($1.88 bn) from private equity firm Hg Capital?

4. Which MNC will buy US hair and skin care company Alberto Culver for $37 billion?

5. Which Pune-based IT consulting and process engineering company has acquired US-based CPG Solutions for Rs 60 crore?

6. Corus has been rebranded. What will be the new name for the steel maker?

7. Which bank has agreed to acquire Royal Bank of Scotland’s Chilean wholesale banking operations?

8. Which Indian business personality has, according to a report last week, committed to put aside well over 10% of his wealth for philanthropic ventures?

9. Which US cartoon television show completed 50 years last week?

10. Which auto brand is the coolest brand in Britain, according to the annual survey by the Centre for Brand Analysis?

11. Which FMCG major has roped in Bipasha Basu as a brand ambassador for its skincare and personal care segment?

12. A print ad by this brand was totally unexpected, at least by me. Which brand last week released a full page ad with the headline ‘fast.www’?

13. Which MNC last week announced the acquisition of web video syndication firm 5min Media?

14. Research in Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry, last week unveiled a tablet computer aimed at its core business customers. What has it been branded as?

15. Boxing legend Evander Holyfield is getting his brand of gyms, boxing academies and clubs to India in association with which company?

16. Who has been named by Fortune magazine as the most powerful woman in corporate America?

17. Ranbir Singh Butola will head which public sector entity?

18. Killer has tied up with designer Narendra Kumar to launch his range of denims. What has it been branded as?

19. The pre-launch online campaign for which brand has started with an online game at builadreamcar.com?

20. Which motorcycle maker has roped in Aamir Khan as its brand Ambassador?

21. Which well know personality is rejoining Future Group as the chief executive of Future Value Retail?

22. Anup Sanker Bhattacharya has joined which bank as chairman and managing director?

23. Who has topped the list of 100 wealthiest Indians, released by Forbes magazine?

24. Not sure if I covered this earlier. Which MNC last week announced the signing of actor Priyanka Chopra as brand ambassador for home appliance categories?

25. Which celebrity, according to a news item last week, is entering the realty business along with 2 other partners, through a company called ADi?

26. Which fashion brand has signed Telugu actor Mahesh Babu as its new brand ambassador for Andhra Pradesh?

27. Ravi Kiran has quit as the CEO of which well known media agency after a 11 year stint?

28. Sanjay Aggarwal is the new CEO of which airline in India?

29. Which advertising agency has released a special font in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti?

30. One of my favorite models, the very beautiful Chitrangada Singh can be seen with Shah Rukh Khan in the television commercial (TVC currently on air) for which brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 340 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 339

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

1. Which well known business group recently announced its entry into the fast-growing mobile handset business?

2. A new stock exchange was launched in India last week for the trading of currency derivatives. What has it been named?

3. Which MNC has said it will buy software and business analytics company Netezza Corp for $1.7 billion?

4. Which leading international business school has named noted Indian-American academician Dipak Jain as its new dean effective March 2011?

5. Which MNC is advertising its ‘liquid E’ Ferrari Special Edition model as ‘The world’s most exclusive smartphone’, in the print medium?

6. Which new trading initiative was launched by the Bombay Stock Exchange last week?

7. Which company has served a legal notice to the producers of the movie Dabangg for copyright infringement?

8. Following years of protracted legal battle, which company has completed the acquisition of Israeli company Taro Pharma?

9. Which company has signed an agreement to purchase the business of Pipal Research Corporation (Pipal), a leading player in knowledge process outsourcing, for $12.75 million?

10. Malaysia-based Astro All Asia Networks will acquire a 49% stake in which television channel in India for $40 million?

11. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is all set to bring one of its biggest global brands – Wella hair color – to India?

12. ITC has forayed into the instant noodles segment. Name the brand?

13. Hans Straberg has resigned as the president and chief executive of which MNC appliance maker?

14. Shyam Srinivas has taken charge as the managing director & CEO of which bank in India?

15. Which company last week raised $70 billion in the world’s biggest share offering?

16. Michael Geoghegan will step down as the chief executive of which MNC bank?

17. Which fashion house has introduced ‘Jeggings’, a combination of jeans and leggings?

18. Ad agency Publicis Ambience has teamed up with lyricist and poet Gulzar to create a campaign ‘Paisa bolta hain’. Who is the client?

19. Which celebrity has been roped in to endorse Lux Sandal & Cream?

20. TV Today Network has re-branded its FM radio channel Meow FM. What is the new brand?

21. Which brand last week used a new media innovation - a 'talking newspaper' – to announce its launch?

22. Which edible oil brand was last week launched as the 'oil that isn't oily'?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 339 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 338

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

1. Coca-Cola India’s vice president Sangeeta Pendurkar is joining which MNC as managing director?

2. Wilfred Albur has quit as the MD and CEO of the Indian operations of which MNC?

3. Which company is planning to hive off its pain clinics business – Osmosis – into a separate entity by December this year?

4. Which retail chain is selling its retail business to Chennai-based Shriram Group and the wholesale division to private equity firm TPG?

5. What milestone has Tata Teleservices crossed recently?

6. Which MNC has agreed to buy security software provider ArcSight for about $1.5 billion?

7. With which well known personality has Better Value Brands (BVB) joined hands to launch the country’s first global chain of Indian restaurants called “Indii”?

8. Which company has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Maharashtra-based Pioneer Distilleries for Rs 74 crores?

9. The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) last week announced the launch of its new brand. Name it?

10. Which MNC has unveiled its smart phone, Optimus One?

11. Which MNC has picked up the distribution rights of animated feature film ‘Ramayana – The Epic’?

12. Which company has acquired Super Valu Services India, the captive BPO unit of Minneapolis-based grocery retailer Super Valu Inc?

13. Which two research firms have formally announced the launch of their global joint venture, named NM Incite, in India?

14. Which celebrity has been signed on by Kellogg India as the brand ambassador for its Chocos range?

15. Which MNC last week named Koo Bon Joon as its new CEO?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 338 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 337

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

1. Gho Choon Phong has been announced as the new CEO of which international airline?

2. Three Indian brands figure in the list of 10 largest selling spirit brands in the world. Which South Korean brand has topped the list?

3. The ‘travel&living’ channel has been rebranded. What is it now known as?

4. Which political party has become the first from India to establish a presence in USA as a for-profit group?

5. Which political and business personality has, according to a report last week, emerged as the country’s highest paid chief executive?

6. Which MNC has hired former HP CEO Mark Hurd as a president and member of board?

7. Which MNC in the financial sector last week appointed Robert Diamond as CEO effective March-end?

8. Which MNC last week announced that its chairman Stephen K Green will leave it to become Britain’s Minister of State for Trade and Investment?

9. Which business group last week unveiled a new brand identity with the launch of a refurbished logo, the group peacock in vibrant red?

10. Which MNC last week said it will launch a new China-specific brand, Venucia, to tap the huge demand in the world’s largest car market?

11. Which Indian company has been ranked second in the list of world’s 10 biggest shareholder value creators, prepared by Boston Consulting Group?

12. Which celebrity is the new brand endorser for Nerolac Paints?

13. Which MNC recently launched a new brand in India, Curve ID, with actors Jacqueline Fernandez, Chitrangada Singh and Ileana D' Cruz endorsing the range?

14. Which MNC last week unveiled BlueOn, its first pure electric car?

15. Which MNC has re-launched its chocolate brand, Bar One, after six years?

16. Which retail company has announced the appointment of Govind Shrikhande as the managing director?

17. According to a report last week, Bernardo Hees will be appointed chief executive officer of which international food chain?

18. Genelia D’Souza can be seen at her seductive best in the television commercial for bags of which brand?

19. Which brand is “Celebrating 100 years of the language of love” (TVC currently on air)?

20. Which MNC has announced the appointment of top Microsoft executive Stephen Elop as its new CEO?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 337 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 336

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

1. A company called Interval Research has recently launched patent infringement lawsuits against internet search giants including Google, Apple and Yahoo. Which well known business personality owns the company?

2. Which MNC will buy German chipmaker Infineon’s wireless unit for $1.4 billion?

3. Reliance Industries last week surprised the markets by picking up a 14.1% stake in which hospitality company for Rs 1,021 crore?

4. Which FMCG firm runs a fast food chain called ‘Devils Workshop’?

5. The Brand Equity Most Trusted Brands Survey for 2010 was published last week. Which brand has once again emerged as India’s most trusted brand?

6. Srini Koppolu has quit as the MD of the India Development Centre of which MNC?

7. Which MNC last week sold its last US auto finance businesses to Spain’s Santander for about $3.5 billion?

8. Who has been elevated to the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Wipro?

9. Which company’s BPO subsidiary in UK, Diligenta, has acquired Unisys Insurance Services?

10. Arun Roy last week took over as the CMD of which public sector entity?

11. Which international food chain last week agreed to be acquired by 3G Capital in a deal valued at $4 billion?

12. Who is joining Bharti International (Netherlands) BV as a manager?

13. Which pharma MNC last week said it would buy privately held FoldRx Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts?

14. Which company last week launched ‘Kohinoor Banjara Premium Banking Centre’, a ‘crorepati only’ branch in Hyderabad?

15. R Ramachandran has taken over as the CMD of which bank?

16. Which MNC last week won the bidding war to buy data storage company 3PAR for $2.4 billion?

17. Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor feature in the print ad for which jewellery brand?

18. Apple last week jumped onto the social networking business by introducing a service built into iTunes that is intended to help users discover new music. What has it been branded as?

19. Which company celebrated its 54th anniversary on September 1?

20. Which Indian publication house is all set to celebrate 75 years?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 336 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 335

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

1. The Compass Group, a UK-based over 13 billion pounds food and services provider, has acquired which firm from Ramkrishna Mankari and his family?

2. Anupam Dutta, the MD of the Indian operations of which MNC, is relocating to head its South Africa and sub-Sahara operations?

3. Which company will enter the mid-market hotel segment under the brand name Traveller this year?

4. Which MNC and Nokia last week said they had opened a joint research laboratory on Finland’s north-western coast?

5. What distinction has Facebook achieved in India recently?

6. Which drug maker last week said it will acquire domestic pharma company Meditab Specialities for Rs 133 crore?

7. Which MNC last week launched its 125cc bike SlingShot in India?

8. Which foreign bank last week opened its first branch in India in Mumbai?

9. Which MNC last week released its first US smart phone, a 3.5 inch Android device called the Aero?

10. In what is being billed as the largest deal in the payment space, which company is set to acquire Venture Infotek in a deal likely to be around $100 million?

11. Sanjay Kalra last week resigned as the CEO of which software company in India after a 6-year stint with the company?

12. Which Indian company has tied up with Hewlett Packard (HP) to avail of its ColorLok technology in producing copier paper?

13. Which MNC has launched its 'Innovations for Everyone' campaign in India?

14. Manufacturer and exporter of curtains and upholstery fabrics, D'décor has launched its first ad campaign. Whom has it signed on as its brand ambassadors?

15. Which international brand has launched its new campaign using animation for the first time in India?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 335 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 334

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

1. Daniel F Akerson will be taking over as the CEO of which well-known MNC next month?

2. Which MNC has filed a patent and copyright infringement lawsuit against Google over its Android software?

3. Which MNC has roped in Priyanka Chopra as brand ambassador for its range of washing machines?

4. I am not sure if it is a first. Which company last week announced it has successfully incorporated the new Rupee symbol in its mobile handsets?

5. What distinction has the Tata Group achieved recently?

6. Which MNC last week agreed to buy 60% of oil & gas explorer Cairn India for $9.6 billion?

7. Which MNC last week said it planned to buy data storage company 3PAR Inc?

8. I had covered the planning of this event earlier. Which company last week raked in $22.1 billion in the world’s biggest IPO?

9. Which company last week announced the launch of Braille Bill service for providing bills for the visually impaired?

10. Which digital marketing solutions firm has announced the acquisition of Lycos, a search based internet properties and services, from Daum Communications of Korea?

11. Mercedes Benz last week launched a new variant of its E-class sedan. What has it been branded as?

12. Coca-Cola India last week announced its foray into the dairy segment with a milk-based beverage. What has it been branded as?

13. Coffee Day Holdings, according to a report last week, is concluding a move to acquire Barefoot, a luxury resort in the Andaman Islands. Which well known business personality owns close to 35% in Barefoot?

14. Which MNC last week launched dENIZEN, a new global brand in China?

15. Which MNC last week announced it planned to acquire McAfee for $7.68 billion?

16. Bangalore-based EC Media will launch a desi version e-book reader on September 1. What has it been branded as?

17. Which payment service provider last week said it would acquire European rival Datacash group for $20 million?

18. Facebook’s 500 million-plus users will soon be able to track the whereabouts of their friends across the United States. What has the feature been branded as?

19. Which company last week won the sponsorship rights for all international cricket matches (barring world cup) to be played in India for the next 3 years?

20. Which celebrity from Bollywood has been named the brand ambassador of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 334 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 333

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

1. Which MNC has ousted its CEO Mark Hurd after he faced charges of sexual harassment?

2. Which MNC last week acquired social gaming company Slide for $200 million?

3. Honda Siel Cars India Ltd last week launched a new variant of its premium hatchback Jazz. What has it been sub-branded as?

4. According to a news snippet last week, Brenda Barnes will step down as the CEO of which well known MNC to take care of her health?

5. Which MNC has agreed to buy a majority stake in Guatemalan food and powdered-beverage maker Malher?

6. Which business school last week kicked off work at its Mohali campus with an initial investment of Rs 200 crore?

7. Which MNC has emerged as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of a majority stake in debt-ridden South Korean sports utility vehicle (SUV) maker Ssangyong Motor Company (SML)?

8. Which company last week launched the fashion brand Ecko Unltd in New Delhi?

9. Atul Sobti last week quit as the CEO and MD of which company after just one year stint?

10. Which company has acquired the over-the-counter healthcare brand Ingwe from South Africa-based Guideline Trading for an undisclosed amount?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 333 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 332

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

1. In what is being termed as the biggest full European acquisition by a North Asian group, which business personality is to buy UK power grids from France’s EDF for $9.1 billion?

2. PepsiCo last week announced the formal launch of its new cola brand in India. Name the brand?

3. Which MNC last week announced its foray into the hot cereal category in India with a product called ‘Heart to Heart oats’?

4. The Australian subsidiary of which Indian company has entered into an agreement with Linc Energy to acquire the mining rights of Galilee coal tenement for $455 million?

5. Which MNC last week said it would sell its Colombian business for a total of $1.9 billion to national oil company Ecopetrol and Talisman of Canada?

6. Gopal Das was last week appointed acting CMD of which well known public sector entity?

7. Maruti Suzuki India last week launched a new version of its popular hatchback Alto. What has it been branded as?

8. What milestone has Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) crossed recently?

9. Which BPO major last week appointed Charles Hunting as CEO for Asia region?

10. Kuldip Kaura, former chief executive of metals major Vedanta Resources, has been appointed the managing director of which company?

11. Which MNC has agreed to buy a 60% stake in the Marcellus shale acreage in the US for $392 million?

12. Which iconic automobile brand is, according to reports last week, likely to hit the Indian roads by the end of this year?

13. Mr KM Mathew passed away at the age of 93 on August 1 in Kerala. He was the chief editor of which publication group?

14. Which MNC is celebrating 15 years of mobility in India with Project Ujjwal, an initiative to drive 100% household mobility in 5 villages in Rae Bareli?

15. Why were RK Krishna Kumar, Lord Kumar Bhattacharya, Cyrus Mistry, Shirin Bharucha and NA Soonawala in news last week?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 332 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 331

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

1. Starting this edition on a sweet and auspicious note. I am talking about the latest television commercial (currently on air) of one of my favorite brands. Once again, like all great commercials, everything is perfect – concept, script, cast and music. The positioning is ‘Shubh Aarambh’. Which brand?

2. According to a news snippet last week, Richard Branson is planning the listing of the group’s gym chain. What is it called?

3. The battle for the Singapore-based hospitals chain Parkway Holdings has finally ended. Which company is taking control of the chain?

4. Which company last week said it has acquired Turkish personal care firm Hobi Kozmetik group for $69 million?

5. Samina Akhter, a businesswoman in Britain, has launched ‘Samina Pure Makeup’, a new range of cosmetics. What is unique about it?

6. Which MNC is replacing its CEO Tony Hayward from October?

7. Which automobile MNC has launched a new brand, Baojun, for the Chinese market?

8. Which MNC and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week announced the most far-reaching global partnership for the next five Olympic Games starting from London 2012?

9. Who has been appointed the new MD of Tata International?

10. Which MNC last week launched its entry into the Indian open market with the launch of its new series of handset devices – Hangout and Android?

11. Which MNC has sold film studio Miramax for more than $660 million to Filmyard Holdings?

12. China has overtaken which country to become the world’s second-largest economy?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 331 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 330

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

1. Which Indian business personality has been named by United Nations to a key advocacy group on Millennium Developments Goals (MDG), whose mandate includes finding ways to fight socio-economic evils like poverty?

2. Which MNC has said it will buy Metaweb Technologies, an internet information database start-up, for an undisclosed amount?

3. Which MNC will buy Motorola’s telecom network equipment business for $1.2 billion?

4. Which leadership position is being claimed by Parle Products?

5. Global household and personal care products major Reckitt Benckiser will buy England-based SSL International in all cash deal worth $2.54 billion. Which well-known brand does SSL own?

6. Which celebrity has been signed on to endorse sports channel ESPN for the upcoming Champions League T20 tournament to be held in South Africa in September?

7. Which milestone has Facebook crossed recently?

8. Which MNC last week said in US that it would acquire local auto finance company AmeriCredit for about $3.5 billion?

9. Actors Saif Ali Khan and Bipasha Basu can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which mobile handset brand?

10. Which brand is being advertised on television (TVC currently on air) with the positioning ‘Go Babelicious’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 330 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 329

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

1. Eight Indian companies have made it to the list of world’s 500 largest companies, compiled by Fortune magazine. Which MNC has topped the list?

2. Which MNC is in the process of taking control of the Ambi Pur air-care brand in India?

3. Which business group has become the single largest shareholder in Tamil Nadu-based Karur Vysya Bank?

4. Which MNC last week said it would acquire human resource service company Hewitt Associates for about $4.9 billion in cash and stock?

5. Which Indian company has acquired French rail wagon-maker IGF Industries – Arbel Fauvet Rail (AFR) for about Rs 11.7 crore?

6. Which company last week announced the launch of Hibuddy, India’s first-ever voice, social-networking and blogging service for mobile users?

7. Which company last week announced the acquisition of Navbharat Power, a 2,250 MW power plant being set up in Orissa?

8. Network 18 has tied up with which company to jointly launch a pan-India distribution entity?

9. FriendFinder Networks Inc plans to submit a bid for Playboy Enterprises Inc., following a $123 million offer from Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who wants to make it private. Which magazine does FriendFinder own?

10. Which company last week won the bid to implement a metro rail system for Hyderabad?

11. Which company last week signed a definitive agreement to acquire Piramal Diagnostics Services Private Limited (PDSL), a subsidiary of Piramal Healthcare Ltd., for Rs 600 crore?

12. Which company last week announced its foray into the branded mobile phone battery segment with its ‘Joos’ brand?

13. Why was Dharmalingam Uday Kumar in news last week?

14. Which MNC last week said it will buy South African technology services provider Dimension Data Holdings in an all-cash deal worth 2.12 billion pounds ($3.2 billion)?

15. Not sure if I covered this earlier. Which entity plans to launch a 'sports drink' called Stamina?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 329 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondaaplli

Biz Quizzard 328

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

1. Marico is getting into the breakfast cereal market with an oat’s meal product. What has it been branded as?

2. Which advertising agency has launched a consulting service dedicated to help marketers build brands that appeal to Muslim consumers?

3. Volkswagen last week unveiled its entry-level sedan in India. What has it been branded as?

4. Which MNC last week said it would sell its wireless modem business to Japan’s Renesas Electronics Corp for around $200 million?

5. Which brand has maintained its position as the number one ‘Indian’ brand in Asia Pacific in the list of top 1,000 brands, released by Media Magazine published from Hong Kong and Singapore?

6. Which MNC last week said it had acquired privately-held Narus Networks for an undisclosed sum, as part of its strategy to develop better detection and cyber security systems?

7. Restructuring expert Frans Van Houten will take over as the new chief executive of which well known MNC next year?

8. RM Malla has been appointed the chairman and managing director of which bank?

9. Which MNC has sold its Michigan-based steering gear manufacturer Nexteer to Chinese investment group, Pacific Century Motors?

10. ‘This football season, make ___ your home.’ is the headline of the print campaign featuring David Beckham. Which brand?

11. Harley Davidson India last week set up its first dealership. Which city?

12. Which automobile brand is being advertised in the print medium with the baseline ‘The Art of Power’?

13. Which celebrity has been signed on by Nestle as brand ambassador of Nescafe?

14. Neil Mills will join SpiceJet Ltd. as its new chief executive. He is currently the chief financial officer (CFO) of which international budget airline?

15. Which hotel has been adjudged the best in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 328 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 327

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week June 28 - July 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company last week announced a deal that would see its tower business combine with GTL Infrastructure to create what it claimed the world’s largest independent tower company?

2. Which MNC last week entered the used car business in India through its 'Proven Exclusivity' program?

3. Which company has acquired Servosteel, the largest independent steel processor in UK?

4. Internet porn billionaire Xavier Niel is all set to takeover which well-known French publication?

5. Which apparel company intends to make bigger strides in the formal menswear segment with a retail format called Headquarters?

6. Nicholas Hayek, 82, died of heart failure while at work last week. He was the chairman of which well known MNC?

7. Which company is offering shares to its employees to mark the 30th year of operations?

8. Sumit Banerjee last week quit as the managing director of which cement company?

9. Sanjay Aggarwal last week quit as the CEO of which airline in India?

10. Which consumer electronics MNC last week signed on Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador?

11. Which company last week acquired Digicable, the country’s largest cable TV services provider, in an all-stock deal?

12. Which MNC last week plunged into online travel market, buying ITA Software, a flight information software company, for $700 million?

13. Which MNC last week said that it will buy the Indian retail and commercial banking business of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)?

14. Which retail chain recently unveiled its new logo - a more geometrical dialogue box (conversation box)?

15. Which brand is all set to enter the Limca Book of Records for the longest duration of a hair massage session?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 327 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 326

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

1. Which businesses group would be investing around Rs 300 crore for picking up a 20% stake in Hyderabad-based Maytas Infra Limited?

2. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank has agreed to buy the retail banking business in United Arab Emirates of which MNC?

3. Which business group and Tata Teleservices last week started mobile telephony services under the brand name T24 (talk 24 hours)?

4. The Economic Times last week published its annual ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ list. Which company has topped the list?

5. Which business outsourcing firm last week said it has acquired UK-based customer relationship management company Careline Services?

6. According to a report last week, Pepsi will be launching its second cola, which will be pitted against market leader Thums Up as a macho drink. What has it been branded as?

7. Electrical equipment maker Havells is relaunching which lighting brand in India?

8. An outdoor campaign, with the positioning ‘Change is inevitable’, was launched in 37 cities last week to unveil the new logo of which well known brand?

9. Rajiv Dube, who recently resigned from Tata Motors, is moving to which business group as director?

10. Which Indian business personality has joined Clayton Dubilier and Rice (CD&R), a US-based private equity major which includes the likes of former GE chief Jack Welch?

11. Which European insurer has agreed to sell most of its British life unit to Clive Cowder’s Resolution for 2.75 billion pounds?

12. A consortium led by which Indian company has won the bid to build, operate, modernize and expand the Male International Airport (MIA) from the Malaysian government?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday torajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 326 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 325

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

1. Why was Chase Vodka, produced in Hereford, UK, in news recently?

2. Which celebrity has been roped in as a brand ambassador by Kerala-based Manappuram Finance as it looks to expand in north?

3. Which television channel has gone in for a makeover with a new logo and tagline – ‘Rishte Wahi, Soch Nayi’ (old relationship, new thinking)?

4. Which Japanese IT firm last week announced that it was acquiring the US-based Intelligroup in an all cash deal of $199 million?

5. Harit Nagpal of Vodafone Group UK will take over as the managing director of which company in India?

6. Which MNC has christened its new motion-sensing game system ‘Kinect’?

7. Which MNC last week said it will sell its nearly $2-billion Canadian MasterCard business to credit card issuer Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)?

8. Which country last week launched its first ingeniously made car ‘Ghazal’?

9. To cash in on the world cup, which MNC is advertising on television (TVC currently on air) with the baseline ‘Write the Future’?

10. Which US-based ice-cream brand has entered India through a franchise agreement between Ravi Jaipuria-owned Devyani International Ltd (DIL) and Thailand-based Minor Food Group (MFG)?

11. Jayant Dua has been appointed CEO of which insurance company?

12. Which company will be celebrating its centenary in August this year?

13. Which MNC will be launching its motion-controlled gaming system ‘Move’ on September 15?

14. The 10-month-old mobile brand, Zen Mobile, has appointed which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

15. Which global chain is advertising (TVC currently on air) its beverage brand ‘Krushers’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 325 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 324

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

1. Which celebrity has been appointed by Japanese auto major Nissan India as its brand ambassador?

2. Which Bangalore-based networking products company has acquired Ethos Networks, an Israeli start-up specializing in carrier Ethernet and network management products?

3. Who has been appointed the new chairman of the Indian Bank’s Association (IBA)?

4. Which global hospitality major has announced plans to set up three new properties, including one in India, under its ‘Andaz’ brand of hotels?

5. BM Vyas last week resigned as the MD of which well known entity in India?

6. The Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) last week earned regulatory approval for which milestone activity?

7. Germany’s Payback and domestic private equity player Peepul Capital last week acquired 86% stake in which loyalty card provider?

8. Which company last week entered into an agreement to acquire Karalex Pharma LLC, a US-based generic marketing and sales services company?

9. Which telecom firm did Reliance Industries (RIL) acquire last week?

10. Chandra Sekhar Verma last week took over as the chairman of which public sector entity?

11. Which Indian CEO, according to a report last week, has just authored a book ‘Employees First, Customers Second’?

12. Which television channel has launched an advertising campaign titled 'Blunt. And Sharp'?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 324 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 323

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week May 31 - June 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Starting on a nice note. The beautiful Chitrangada Singh can be seen in the print ad for which hair care brand?

2. Google recently released its first ‘Brand Zeitgeist’ findings in India. Which is the most searched brand online in the country?

3. Which company is forming an equal stake joint venture with iconic American media company CBS Corporation to launch a network of television channels in India?

4. Which company, according to reports last week, is planning to launch two new brands, Kruger (casual premium) and World Player (economy brand), in the ready-to-wear segment?

5. Which company has bought a 59% stake in AGC Networks (formerly Avaya Global Connect)?

6. Which business group has bagged the main sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team for the next three-and-a-half years?

7. Michael Perschke has been appointed head of India operations of which MNC automaker?

8. Why was Jaguar Cray XTS located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US in news last week?

9. Which company last week announced the acquisition of Czech Republic-based coffee chain – Café Emporio?

10. Which MNC last week unveiled the limited edition of its fastest sports car Murcielago LP 670-4 Super Veloce in India?

11. From the tournament's beginning in 1930, the football World Cup trophy has always been transported in an armored metal case. This year it has a new travel case. Which brand?

12. Which Indian company last week announced the acquisition of US-based Bureau of Collections Recovery, an accounts receivables management company?

13. Ford Motor last week announced plans to kill which 72-year-old brand?

14. Which MNC has sold French champagne maker Chateau d-Avize to Russian oil trader Boris Titov for an undisclosed sum?

15. Which consumer durables and electronics MNC has signed on John Abraham as brand ambassador for two years?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizard 323 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 322

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

1. Which company is acquiring Latin American Issue Group, a market leader in hair color in Argentina, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay?

2. Nissan Motor India last week started production of its made-in-India compact car. What has it been branded as?

3. A Mahendran was last week appointed managing director of which FMCG major effective July 1?

4. Which MNC last week agreed to buy business software integration services company Sterling Commerce from AT&T for about $1.4 billion in cash?

5. Which company last week announced the acquisition of the aesthetic skincare business of Singapore-based Derma Rx Asia Pacific Pte for an undisclosed sum?

6. Which business group last week bought a majority stake in electric car company Reva?

7. The Indian arm of which MNC has become the first of its global units to put more water back into the environment than it consumes?

8. Which MNC last week acquired Indonesian mobile social networking Koprol for an undisclosed amount?

9. Which company has just kicked off its plans to introduce Indian wines under the brand ‘Ritu’ to UK and France targeting the Indian eateries?

10. What important milestone did Apple achieve on May 27?

11. Which company plans to roll out its exclusive retail outlets 'Gaurav Stores' across India to market its entire range of products?

12. It’s all in the family. Salman Khan and brother Arbaaz Khan can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) for which automobile brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 322 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 321

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

1. Which bank last week decided to merge itself with ICICI Bank?

2. Rajiv Dube has quit as the president of the passenger car division of which automobile company?

3. Pepsodent has roped in a celebrity for the first time to endorse it. Whom?

4. Which MNC last week launched the world’s smallest laser printer in India?

5. Which business group last week entered into a definitive agreement to acquire US-based Pyramid Healthcare Solutions (PHS)?

6. Mahesh Samat has been appointed the managing director of the India operations of which well known MNC?

7. Actress Dia Mirza can be seen in the television commercial (currently on air) of which hair oil brand?

8. Which company will acquire Oman steel maker Shadeed Iron and Steel for $464 million?

9. John Shepherd-Baron last week died at the age of 84. He is the inventor of which widely-used utility?

10. Which MNC last week agreed to buy VeriSign Inc’s widely-used technology for securing payments over the internet, in a deal worth $1.28 billion?

11. Which MNC has agreed to pay $3.7 billion (Rs 17,000 crore) for the domestic formulations business of Piramal Healthcare?

12. Which business group has acquired the private banking arm of Belgian high street bank KBC, the Luxembourg-based KBL European Private Bankers, for 1.35 billion euros?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 321 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 320

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

1. According to a report last week, who has been roped in to endorse Micormax’s upcoming range of handsets for women?

2. Which launch in 2009 has won the 2009 Brand Derby of Business Standard as the most power-packed launch?

3. Which MNC is acquiring the zinc unit of UK’s Anglo American for $1.3 billion (Rs 5,850 crore)?

4. Tamil actor Sneha has been signed up as brand ambassador for which hair oil brand?

5. Which company has acquired the PIPC Group, the global programme management consulting firm based in London?

6. Which Hyderabad-based IT firm has acquired US-based business intelligence (BI) consulting company Percentix Inc?

7. Which automobile brand is the inspiration behind Rohit Bal’s new signature collection?

8. The June edition of which well known international magazine will be in 3D?

9. Which Mumbai-based IT firm has acquired DecsionOne, a US-based IT firm promoted by a clutch of private investors for $104 million?

10. Which MNC last week agreed to buy fellow business software maker Sybase for $5.2 billion?

11. Mocha and Cafe Coffee Day have upgraded their menu card recently with a drink called Twister. The uniqueness of the drink is that it changes colour as soon as it is stirred. Which brand is being promoted through Twister?

12. India’s top fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar has been roped in as the face of the new TVC of which automobile brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 320 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 319

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

1. Which business personality has entered into a partnership with Kolkata-based realtor Sumit Dabriwala to develop commercial and residential real estate in India’s top seven cities?

2. Which once-popular product will Sony (the sole manufacturer presently, according to the report) stop producing from next year?

3. Which MNC has launched a campaign ‘Here for good’ across media?

4. Which well known brand has changed its positioning to ‘Shararat ki ek ghoont’ (one sip of mischief)?

5. Which company has formed a joint venture with Donna Karan International (DKI) to design, produce and distribute the entire range of DKNY menswear apparel across the world, except Japan, for 10 years?

6. Which two airlines last week agreed to merge, creating the world’s largest air carrier by passenger traffic?

7. Manoj Jha is the new managing director of which automobile company?

8. I just loved everything about this commercial (currently on air) – the concept, cast, music and execution. ‘Jewellery that makes you want to marry’ is how it ends. Which brand?

9. Which insurance company is advertising across media with the baseline ‘Your health first’?

10. Why was Mr Nitin Nohria in news last week?

11. Which MNC last week launched Proximity, an interactive and integrated marketing agency, in India?

12. What milestone did Ford Fiesta cross last week?

13. Which company last week bought the print business of Mid Day Multimedia (MML)?

14. Which company has bought a 90% stake in South Africa-based Braybar Pumps Ltd for Rs 11 crore?

15. Which company last week introduced global kids bike brand Popeye in India?

16. Tata Tea Ltd (TTL) is changing its name. What will it be known as?

17. Which public sector unit has become the first government organization to be on Twitter?

18. Which celebrity has been signed on as the brand ambassador by Luminous Power?

19. Who has topped the list of 70 world’s richest billionaire mothers, compiled by Forbes.com on the occasion of Mother’s Day?

20. Which iconic retail brand has been sold to Qatar Holding, the Gulf royal family’s investment arm?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 319 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Please note that answers are mailed to all those who attempt the quiz within the given time.

Biz Quizzard 318

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week April 26 - May 01. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company has entered into an agreement with GMR Holdings to acquire a majority stake in GMR Industries, the agri-business entity of the group?

2. Which business personality in the UK has topped the Sunday Times Rich List for 2010 for the sixth consecutive time?

3. Which firm is advertising its execution of the Yamuna Expressway Project across media?

4. Which well-known brand has been relaunched with the positioning ‘The blue-eyed boy’?

5. Chirayu Amin is the new IPL commissioner. He is the chairman of which company?

6. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), headed by Nandan Nilekani, has unveiled a brand name and a logo. What has it been branded as?

7. The Iconix Brand Group last week said it would buy which comic strip brand from United Features Syndicate Inc and E.W. Scripps Co for about $175 million?

8. A new hotel opened in Dubai last week. Name it?

9. Which organization in the financial sector, according to reports last week, has gone in for advertising on 3 Rajdhani Express trains?

10. Which software company has bagged the first contract from India’s Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI)?

11. Which company last week said it would acquire Dubai-based ETA Star Cement for an enterprise value of Rs 1,700 crore?

12. Which MNC will acquire the struggling smartphone maker Palm in a $1.2 billion deal?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 318 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 317

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

1. French cement-maker Vicat last week announced the acquisition of 51% stake in which Indian cement company?

2. Which company has signed a five-year agreement with Philips Electronics NV to make and sell the century-old Philips brand televisions in India?

3. According to a news snippet last week, which well known actress has recently launched her perfume ‘Lalavie’?

4. Which English cricketer has been roped in by United Spirits as a brand ambassador for the Whyte & Mackay brand?

5. Harsh Manglik is the new chairman of Nasscom for 2010-11. He is the CMD for which MNC?

6. Which company plans to open 12 bars, called Foodie’s Bar (the first one has opened in New Delhi’s airport), across India over the next two years?

7. Which MNC last week said it would acquire Nortel Networks Corp’s majority stake in its venture with LG Electronics?

8. What milestone has Chevrolet Spark crossed last week?

9. Which MNC has launched the world’s slimmest LED monitors in India?

10. In a deal which would combine two of the largest US landline companies, which company last week said it would buy Qwest Communications International?

11. Apeejay Surendra Park Hotels Private Limited last week launched India’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified green hotel. Which city?

12. Which celebrity has been signed on as a brand ambassador for Dabur Real Activ's new Snack Healthy campaign?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 317 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 316

This edition of Biz Quizzard is dedicated to Sri Coimbatore Krishnarao Prahalad (Dr. CK Prahalad) who died in the US last week after a brief illness.

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

1. According to a news snippet last week, which celebrity features in Reebok India’s commercial for its deodorant?

2. TVP Group, a little known company that claims to be the second largest manufacturer of computer monitors, is entering the LCD television market. What is the brand?

3. Who is the new CEO of MasterCard?

4. Which celebrity has been roped in to endorse TCT Mobile’s new range of handsets, Alcatel ICE3?

5. Which Indian IT company last week announced it had acquired US-based IT consulting firm OneGIS for an undisclosed amount?

6. Which German soft beverage maker is all set to enter the diet carbonated drinks market in India under its brand Slim?

7. Microsoft finally unveiled its first mobile handset last week. What has it been branded as?

8. To reduce its carbon footprint, which MNC will sell its shoes in cardboard frames wrapped in reusable shoe bags – called the ‘Clever Little Bag’ – from next year?

9. Matrimonial website BharatMatrimony.com last week launched an online portal that will exclusively cater to the physical challenged. What has it been branded as?

10. Who has been ranked as India Inc’s Most Powerful CEO of 2009 by The Economic Times Corporate Dossier magazine?

11. S Nagarajan, currently human resources head at Philips, is scheduled to join which dairy major as its MD?

12. Which business group has picked up a strategic stake in captain Gopinath-founded logistics company Deccan 360?

Please mail your answers on or before next week to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 316 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 315

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

1. Which business group will launch its Wynncom brand of handsets in May this year?

2. Which company last week announced it was acquiring 50% stake in UK-based gaming firm Codemasters?

3. Which beverage brand is being advertised with the baseline ‘Bilkul Ghar Jaisa’?

4. Which Indian product has won the Red Dot Product Design Award in the lighting category?

5. Which company last week announced it has acquired Indonesian household product major Megasri Group for Rs 1200 crore in an all-cash deal?

6. According to a report last week, ‘change your world’ is the new campaign of which well known apparel company?

7. Which MNC, according to a report last week, is all set to announce the launch of mobile phones under its ‘Project Pink’?

8. Which company last week approved the appointment of Gustav Bauldauf as its first chief operating officer (COO)?

9. Which Indian IT firm last week acquired US-based Baytree Associates, a consulting firm and Oracle solutions provider?

10. Which MNC has roped in actress Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador for its digital still camera range?

11. FMCG company Emami last week roped in which two cricketers as brand ambassadors for Zandu Balm?

12. Author Shobha De and which publishing company have come together in a co-branding deal?

13. What milestone has United Spirits crossed in 2009-10?

14. What important milestone has Vodafone India crossed recently?

15. Apple last week unveiled a new smartphone operating system. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 315 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 314

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week March 29 - April 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which well known personality will be the brand ambassador for Shoppers Stop?

2. According to a report last week, which MNC is all set to sweep into homes of businessmen across major cities to sell its premium range of luggage called Security Fast Pass?

3. In what is being billed as the biggest overseas acquisition by a Chinese automaker, Zhejiang Geely Holding has reached a definitive agreement to acquire which brand from Ford Motor?

4. Which business personality has been elected chairman of CII – southern region for 2010-11?

5. Which MNC last week exited BPO firm Capgemini Business Services India by selling its remaining 49% stake to IT consultancy firm Cap Gemini SA?

6. Pramit Jhaveri will head the Indian operations of which MNC in the financial sector?

7. Which company last week signed a deal with Kuwait-based Zain Telecom to buy its African business for $10.7 billion (about Rs 48,000 crore)?

8. Which company is getting into branded cigars and is all set to unveil its mint fresh line of premium hand-rolled cigars under the Armenteros brand?

9. A towering steel sculpture, taller than the Statue of Liberty and designed by the internationally renowned Mumbai-based artist Anish Kapoor, will form the backdrop to the London 2012 Olympic Games Stadium. What will it be named?

10. According to a report last week, which location is India’s single largest point for selling ice-cream?

11. What milestone has Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE) crossed in 2009-10?

12. What was rolled out last week with the slogan ‘Our ____, Our Future’?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 314 as the subject.

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rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 313

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

1. What milestone did SBI claim to achieve with the inauguration of a branch and ATM in Mumbai on March 20?

2. Which business group has bought the lone India franchisee store of South Africa’s biggest grocery chain Shoprite Holding, Nirmal Lifestyle in Mumbai, for an undisclosed amount?

3. Which two cities have emerged as the new IPL teams after the bidding process recently?

4. Which business group last week forayed into the toothpaste category under the ‘Sach’ brand?

5. Which company last week bought Cipla’s oral contraceptive brand, i-pill, for Rs 95 crore?

6. Which landmark did Maruti Suzuki cross last week?

7. According to a report last week, former Bharti Airtel brand and media head R Chandrasekhar, is all set to join which MNC as its marketing head?

8. Which new brand launched GSM mobile services in Chennai last week?

9. Which MNC has nominated Jeev Milkha Singh as its brand ambassador for the European Golf Tour?

10. According to a report last week, Toshiba is in talks with TerraPower to jointly develop an advanced nuclear reactor. Which well known business personality owns TerraPower?

11. Which brand has roped in Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador for its entry into the men's skin care segment (TVC currently on air)?

12. After GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare's (GSKCH's) entry into the noodles segment, global FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) too has entered the category. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 313 as the subject.

Answers are mailed to only those who attempt the quiz within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 312

Biz Quizzard completes 6 years with this edition. Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week March 15 - 20. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company last week said it is buying Nigeria-based skin-care firm Tura for an undisclosed sum?

2. Which luxury car maker has launched its grand tourer Mulsanne in India?

3. Which company last week entered into a joint venture with sports marketing giant IMG Worldwide to build a professional sports business in India?

4. Which MNC, according to reports last week, has bought Tommy Hilfiger for $3 billion?

5. Which Indian infrastructure firm last week said it was buying the controlling stake in Swiss realty firm Karl Steiner AG (KSAG) for Rs 150 crore?

6. The world’s second most visited site and the largest online social network, Facebook, will soon open its India office. Which city?

7. Which milestone has Reliance Communications crossed recently?

8. Which telecom company has tied up with British phone manufacturer INQ to introduce first-of-its-kind dynamic social handsets in India?

9. Which company has signed on as the official beverage partner for the Commonwealth Games 2010?

10. According to a report last week, Hyderabad-based telecom application services provider Netxcell has entered into a mobile content management services agreement with Clockwork Mobile, a division of Clockwork Films Pvt. Ltd. Which Bollywood actor owns Clockwork?

11. There was a $75mn Hollywood-style heist at pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co. in Connecticut last week. What was stolen?

12. Which company last week tied up with Polycom Inc., the global leader in tele-presence, video and voice solutions, to introduce the world’s first wireless high-resolution video conferencing service?

13. Who has been appointed the new CEO of Morgan Stanley India?

14. Which steel company has pumped in a million dollars to become the principle sponsor of the Indian boxing team?

15. Which handset manufacturer will launch its own operating system, Bada, in the second quarter of next fiscal?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 312 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli