Biz Quizzard 600

Biz Quizzard has touched a new milestone with this edition - 600 weeks without a single break. Would like to thank each one of you for being part of this journey.


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

1. Delhi-based real estate firm CDR Group has teamed up with which celebrity and family to buy the Punjab team in the Pro Wrestling League, an IPL-style wrestling event involving top Indian and international wrestlers?

2. Anand Mahindra, Punj Lloyd founder Uday Punj, BookMyShow's Ashish Hemrajani and New York-based Sanjeev Mehra are investing in which mobile-only food marketplace application?

3. Which MNC has shut down Movida India, its mobile payment venture in India?

4. In what is said to be the biggest single asset acquisition in India's hospitality sector, which company is selling its marquee property in Goa to Malaysia’s MetTube Sdn Bhd for Rs 725 crore?

5. Which state is set to house India's first national investment and manufacturing zone?

6. Which real estate portal has ‘acqui-hired’ Plat and BigBHK to strengthen its products and rope in talent from the industry?

7. Taxi-hailing app Uber is launching its carpooling service in India. What has it been branded as?

8. Which Swiss banking group has finally set up shop in India, almost three years after acquiring DSP Merrill Lynch's domestic wealth management business?

9. Which company has secured the high-profile contract to develop and operate the technology platform for the proposed goods and services tax (GST)?

10. Which company last week elevated SN Subrahmanyan as the deputy managing director and president?

11. Kerala-based luxury property developer Prime Meridian has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

12. Which MNC has launched a new commercial, titled 'A part of India's life for 100 years', celebrating 100 years in India?

13. Which automobile MNC has appointed Vikram Pawah as the new Managing Director (MD) of its India operations with immediate effect?

14. Which company has signed a binding agreement with Lighthouse Minerals Holdings Pty to sell the Mt Gordon Copper mine in Australia for A$5 million (about Rs 23 crore) cash?

15. Who has been elected as the new chairman of the US India Business Council (USIBC), the apex advocacy group for India and American companies in the US?

16. Which brand has become the first to get a custom Twitter emoji?

17. Which matrimony portal has recently unveiled its brand new identity and launched a new campaign ‘My conditions apply’?

18. Which media group has unveiled the first look of its e-commerce portal, Gadgets 360?

19. According to a report last week, actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan will endorse a textile showroom brand. Which brand and why is this news special?

20. Which bank has launched a campaign highlighting its positioning ‘Aapka Bhala, Sabki Bhalai’?

21. Which Bengaluru-based company has acquired the four-star business hotel Aura Grande in Mumbai for Rs 100 crore?

22. Which e-commerce firm has partnered with educational loans provider Credila to offer customised educational loans to students at the click of a mouse for the first time in the country?

23. US-based Retail Royalty Company has filed a trademark infringement case in the Delhi High Court against which company?

24. Which textile manufacturer has entered into a joint venture with Scotland-based clothing merchant Holland & Sherry for trading and distribution of premium fabrics in India?

25. Which optic fibre and telecom cable maker has agreed to acquire Elitecore Technologies in a deal that puts the telecom software product firm's enterprise value at Rs 180 crore?

26. Martin Winterkorn has stepped down as the CEO of which MNC?

27. Telecom service provider Uninor has been rebranded. What is the new brand?

28. Which brand last week offered what it claimed as the world's biggest ladoo at Andhericha Raja Ganesh Pandal in Mumbai?

29. Which company will be included in the NSE’s Nifty Midcap 50 index, replacing Aditya Birla Nuvo from the next month?

30. Who has been named India’s richest in Forbes magazine’s latest India rich list?

31. Instagram has crossed which user base milestone?

32. Which personal care manufacturer has announced a strategic partnership with Cartoon Network Enterprises to launch 'DENVER Superman' Deodorants in India?

33. Which company has rolled out an integrated brand campaign, featuring Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for LED lighting?

34. Which company has launched a range of professional salon facial products under the Oxlife brand for men and women?

35. In a rare management buyout deal in the country's corporate landscape, the head of which MNC bank’s India wealth management operation is buying the business from it?

36. Which company has announced the sale of its indirectly owned subsidiary in Malaysia - Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd - for an enterprise value of $500 million to Pandawa Sakti?

37. Italy's Enel Green Power has bought a controlling stake in which wind power generation company for Rs 220 crore, marking its entry into India?

38. Which Kolkata-based group is buying the 65-room Pearl Inn Hotel in Hyderabad for Rs 27 crore?

39. Which company has announced the appointment of R S Sharma, former CMD of NTPC and MD of Jindal Power, as its managing director?

40. Facebook has renamed Internet.org, its free Internet platform. What is the new name?

41. Which natural blood purifier brand has launched a campaign titled 'I Hate You Mom'?

42. Which domestic textile player has announced a joint venture with leading Italian lifestyle brand Cadini?

43. Digital wallet payment service provider Oxigen Services India has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

44. The government has firmed up plans to bring down its holding in which bank to 49%?

45. Bajaj Auto last week launched its much-awaited quadricycle, meant only for export markets for now. What has it been branded as?

46. Which private equity entity has picked up a minority stake in Creative Lifestyles, the flagship company of the Mumbai-based Creative Garments group?

47. Which company has signed an agreement to buy the exclusive intellectual property rights (IPR) of fondaparinux sodium for $17.5 million in cash, from its current owner Alchemia Ltd?

48. Actors Swara Bhaskar, Tena Desae and Rajkumar Rao can be seen in the latest ad of which dairy brand?

49. Aamir Khan has donned the role of a ‘shayar’ in the new campaign for which brand?

50. Which brand was last week launched with the claim of being the costliest locally assembled car in the country?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 600 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 599

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

1. Which business personality has bought the US consulate's South Mumbai property, Lincoln House at Breach Candy for Rs 750 crore?

2. Online lingerie retailer Zivame has become the latest startup to get funded by which business personality?

3. Which online healthcare platform has acquired hospital information management company Insta Health for $12 million (Rs`80 crore)?

4. Which New York-based private equity (PE) major's real estate division has agreed to buy 100% equity stake in Gurgaon-based builder Alpha G: Corp for Rs 1,600 crore?

5. Which company has announced its decision to sell its tyre business at Haridwar to JK Tyre & Industries and JK Asia Pacific Singapore Pte Ltd. for Rs.2,195 crore?

6. Which airline has signed a 1-year deal with BCCI to fly the Indian cricket team on their domestic and international travel?

7. Which hybrid managed marketplace for Stays in India has unveiled a new brand campaign, ‘Make Room for Something New’, along with the launch of its mobile app?

8. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is bringing back which Ayurveda brand and going mainstream with its first exclusive e-commerce launch in India?

9. Which company has become the first to commercially deploy indigenously developed energy monitoring technology by Telecom Center of Excellence (TCOE) at 500 mobile towers?

10. Who has topped the list of ‘25 Most Powerful Women in Asia-Pacific’, prepared by the global magazine Fortune?

11. Budget hotels marketplace OYO Rooms has launched a new brand, a women's exclusive for women travellers with all-women staff and special amenities for women. Name the brand?

12. Federal Brands has filed a suit against which US apparel company for infringement of copyright and sought damages of Rs 75 crore after the latter launched a global marketing campaign?

13. Talent management company WMEIMG has acquired The Miss Universe Organization from which business personality?

14. The $17-billion Mahindra Group has forayed into e-commerce with the launch of its virtual mall. What has it been branded as?

15. Murugappa Group company EID Parry India will introduce a new sugar brand, described as 100 per cent natural cane sugar. Name the brand?

16. Which networking major has embarked on Project IndiaG (G = Growth) to more than double its India revenue over the next three-five years?

17. Which Indian company has signed a deal with Australian pharmaceutical company Hatchtech, to develop Xeglyze lotion, a head lice product?

18. Which paint brand has launched a digital campaign ‘Make Room for the NEU’?

19. Which Indian fabric manufacturer last week announced a tie-up with Pakistan's ethnic designer brand Sana Safinaz?

20. Which state has topped the World Bank’s first ever ranking of States on the ease of doing business in India?

21. Cross platform note-taking app Evernote has crossed which milestone user mark in India?

22. Which automobile brand has roped in Telugu actor Prabhas (of Bahubali fame) as brand ambassador?

23. Which mobile point-of-sale (mPoS) technology solution has been acquired by payments and remittances company, Suvidhaa Infoserve, in an all-cash deal estimated to be close to Rs 3 crore?

24. Fred DeLuca, 67, died last week. He was the co-founder of which fast-food chain?

25. Which hospitality major is planning to introduce Tribute Portfolio, its upscale brand targeting independent hotels, in India by next year?

26. Which business personality has made a personal investment in Bengaluru-based startup Mubble that offers solutions to help users track and control their telecom spends?

27. Which wires and cable company has rolled out a new TV campaign with positioning ‘Connection Bachat Ka, Connection Zindagi Ka’ and featuring actor Paresh Rawal?

28. Which MNC has launched a new video, 'Shout', based on the famous 'toga party' scene from the movie 'Animal House'?

29. Which company last week rolled out an online-specific credit card SimplyCLICK in association with seven partners including Amazon India, BookMyShow and Cleartrip?

30. Super luxury car maker Rolls-Royce last week unveiled its new open-top model that is likely to be launched in India next year. What has it been branded as?

31. Which MNC has increased its stake in UEM India, an international water services company based in Noida, to 80%?

32. Which MNC is reacquiring Serco BPO, India's third-largest business process outsourcing company, for a consideration of £250 million (Rs`2,558 crore)?

33. Which business group has hired Cynthia Carroll, the former head of Anglo American, as chairwoman of its holding company?

34. Which pharmaceutical company will acquire US-based eyecare firm InSite Vision for around $48 million (around Rs 300 crore), plus related debt and other transaction costs?

35. Which Bengaluru-based venture, backed by Indian-American entrepreneur & investor Vinod Khosla, last week launched a consumer mobile wallet?

36. Apus Group, one of the world’s biggest Android application development companies, has formed a partnership with which Indian mobile advertising network?

37. Which company is planning the launch of a new colouring initiative named ‘Express Painting’?

38. Which MNC has signed an agreement with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd (LTMRHL) for ‘pouring rights’ at all Hyderabad metro rail stations?

39. Which beverage brand has launched a video, resurrecting an old footage of tennis ace Serena Williams, with the message 'win from within'?

40. In a move seen as one of the most far-reaching initiatives on financial inclusion since bank nationalisation in the late 1960s, RBI last week granted small bank licences to how many companies?

41. Which company and BBC Worldwide have entered into a joint venture to bring BBC Earth, a new premium factual channel, to the Indian audiences?

42. Which jewellery e-tailer has launched its first advertising campaign 'My First Time'?

43. Which cloud computing services provider has announced the takeover of US-based NexAge Technologies, which specializes in the life sciences sector, for $3 million?

44. Sunil Duggal will take over as the new CEO of which company with effect from October 1, 2015?

45. Which company has bought out Firefox Bikes for an undisclosed sum in an all-cash deal, to tap into the growing premium bicycle market in the country?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 599 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 598

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

1. Which business personality last week outbid rivals to emerge as the highest bidder for the sea-facing Jatia House in Mumbai's largest-ever property deal?

2. Which Pune-based speciality mall for home decor and interiors has launched HomeSukh, a new initiative aimed at the impulse buyer?

3. Which matrimony site has launched it’s first-ever, mobile-only campaign with the positioning, 'hum unse milate hai, jo aapko samajh paate hai'?

4. Which English daily is set to launch its Mumbai edition by end of November?

5. Which company has signed a MoU with Abu Dhabi Ship Building to set up a strategic partnership for construction of naval ships over the next 10 years?

6. Which company has signed a binding agreement to acquire Bina Thermal Power from Jaiprakash Power Ventures for about Rs 3,500 crore?

7. Which doctor discovery platform has concluded a deal to acquire healthcare startup Qikwell Technologies?

8. Which company has launched two premium exterior and interior emulsion paint variants, Durafresh Xpert and Spotless Nxt?

9. After nearly a decade’s existence, which coal bed methane explorer will wind up its India operations in November?

10. Which company has agreed to sell its bread and bakery business under the Modern brand to the Everstone Group as part of its strategy to exit non-core businesses?

11. Which company has rolled out a digital-only campaign, #ClearTheFridge, for its gourmet brand Pico, which includes products across categories such as jams, sauces, dips, dressings and baked goods?

12. Which well known international sports personality has set up a property platform specifically for non-resident Indians (NRIs) looking to buy property in India?

13. Which MNC has elevated its India managing director and chief executive Krishna Kumar A as head of parent company’s newly-created emerging businesses division in the healthcare vertical?

14. Which private equity fund has acquired CMS Info Systems, India's largest cash management company, from Blackstone and the Grover family for Rs 2,000 crore?

15. Philips has unveiled its web-enabled lighting solution in India. What has it been branded as?

16. Which MNC is entering the premium professional skincare segment in India with the launch of Obagi’s range?

17. Which Pune-based IT consulting and solutions integration company has acquired 51 per cent stake in Intellect Bizware, a Mumbai-based specialist in SAP consulting and services?

18. How many Indians are featured in the latest Forbes Asia edition in a new group of philanthropists from 13 countries for their noteworthy contributions?

19. Which brand has rolled out its latest ad campaign, ‘Prarthana ki shuddhata’ (Purity of prayers)?

20. Which brand is India’s most attractive brand, as per a study by Mumbai-based TRA (formerly Trust Research Advisory)?

21. Which MNC has bought Adallom, an Israel-based cyber security startup specializing in defending programs and content in the cloud, as it expands offerings for the enterprise?

22. Which well known business personality has recently joined venture capital firm IDG Ventures India as a senior advisor?

23. Which MNC is rolling out its Fuze range of tea, a $1 billion global brand, in India this weekend?

24. Apple last week introduced a larger iPad with a 12.9inch screen, designed to attract business users. What has it been branded as?

25. Which maker of premium wearable devices, cofounded by former Apple CEO John Sculley, is launching its products in India under an exclusive partnership with online marketplace Snapdeal?

26. The prestigious Art Institute of Chicago has named which well known Indian couple on their President's Council?

27. Which Bangalore-based home design and décor e-tailer has acquired YoFloor, a mobile platform that offers a virtual trial room for home décor decisions, for an undisclosed amount?

28. Which MNC has made its third investment in an Indian start-up, acquiring a stake in Hyderabad-based Zippr for about $6 million?

29. Marking a first in the industry, which celebrity-owned fitness and sportswear brand has signed on another celebrity, actor Tiger Shroff as endorser?

30. Which is India’s most valuable brand, as per the second edition of WPP-Millward Brown's BrandZ report on the top 50 most valuable Indian brands?

31. Which food ordering startup has launched its new campaign 'Aaj Khaane Mein Kya Hai??

32. Which television channel has unveiled its new brand ethos and will now transform with a new positioning – ‘Your Happy Place’?

33. Textiles major Arvind Ltd is rebranding big Megamart stores to create a new value format. What has it been branded as?

34. A Hindi networking site envisaged on the lines of popular English social media platform Twitter was launched last week. What has it been branded as?

35. In a first of its kind of association with an Indian startup, which MNC has tied up with ad-tech company Tookitaki to help brands in digital marketing and advertising?

36. Times Network, the broadcast arm of India's largest media house Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, has unveiled India's first 24x7 property news channel. What has it been branded as?

37. The 127-year-old non-profit National Geographic Society has sold a majority stake in its media properties, including National Geographic magazine, to which company for $725 million?

38. Which company has struck a deal to run the Indian operations of cosmetics and beauty retailer Sephora, owned by French luxury conglomerate Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH)?

39. Which brand is reportedly is planning to bring Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's largest mixed martial arts league, to India?

40. Which cricketer has become co-owner of the UAE Royals, the Dubai franchise of Mahesh Bhupati-promoted Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL)?

41. Which MNC has bought 50% stake in Enchanted Valley Carnival (EVC), one of India's biggest music festivals, for an undisclosed sum?

42. Which education services company has acquired 51 per cent stake in educational startup Accendere Knowledge Management Services Pvt. Ltd for an undisclosed amount?

43. Which Singapore-based company has come out with its first game ‘Legend of Vyas’?

44. Google is making a second attempt in mobile payments. What has it been branded as?

45. Maruti Suzuki India last week launched a limited edition version of its popular model WagonR. What has it been sub-branded as?

46. Amazon is launching which format in India in a bid to expand its Consumer Electronics store?

47. Which online cab booking platform has come out with a fun video titled 'Prime Time with Narain Karthikeyan'?

48. Amul has recently re-launched which whey-protein based sports drink, in PET bottles?

49. Yu Televentures, a Micromax subsidiary that came in to existence last year, last week unveiled its fourth budget smartphone. What has it been branded as?

50. Which celebrity has become the official global ambassador for Qantas, national carrier of Australia?

51. Which advertising agency and Sprouts Environment Trust have come up with the idea of fish-friendly Ganesha idols?

52. Which bank last week launched a new mobile app called LIME that claims to be the first app in the country that offers Wallet, Shopping, Payments and Banking?

53. Which MNC is set to acquire Envivio, a software-based video encoding, in a deal valued at $125 million?

54. Which portal is acquiring Zigwheels, an auto portal owned by Times Internet?

55. Which company has started a platform for auction of used cars, becoming the first auto manufacturer in India to venture into the business?

56. Which automobile MNC has roped in France’s one-time First Lady Carla Bruni to star in a promotional video?

57. Which American footwear brand, patronised by US Presidents from Millard Fillmore to Barack Obama, is foraying into the women’s footwear category in India?

58. Which business personality has recently pledged a grant of $200,000 to The/Nudge Foundation, a not-for-profit organization?

59. Which company has started e2ecargo, what its claims as the country’s first ever online platform for cargo delivery?

60. The founders of which startup are the youngest on the Hurun India Rich List for 2015?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 598 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 597

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week August 31 - September 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Tata Group has crossed which milestone mark in employee count?

2. Tata Sky has launched a new set-top-box (STB) that will enable users to transfer content onto smart devices (iOS and Android) using the Tata Sky app. What has it been branded as?

3. Which company and a Singapore-based partner have made a strategic investment in Luxuryhues, a new online venture that will sell “more affordable” luxury clothing, accessories and household products?

4. Which Boston and Mumbai-based data analytics firm has raised an undisclosed bridge round of funding from Ratan Tata?

5. Which entity is setting up a plush campus on a 70-acre piece of land near Mumbai, claiming it to be the largest such education and training campus by any regulator globally?

6. Which MNC has renamed its MaterialScience business as Covestro?

7. Government headhunter Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) last week selected Durgapur Steel Plant's CEO P K Singh as the new chairman of which PSU?

8. Which MNC’s life sciences unit is partnering with French drug maker Sanofi SA to develop tools to improve the management and treatment of diabetes?

9. Which printing solutions company has rolled out its first campaign 'Chalta hai ko chalta karo'?

10. Which company last week launched India's first diesel hybrid car?

11. Google Chairman Eric Schmidt has invested in which path breaking transportation company co-founded by Indian engineer Ankur Bhatnagar?

12. Which bank in India last week said it will enter the credit card and affordable housing business in its effort to revamp retail operations?

13. Which television series has found a place in the new Guinness World Records 2016 book for largest TV drama simulcast?

14. Ratan Tata has made a personal investment in which Mumbai-based online marketplace for chefs?

15. According to data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the grid-connected solar power installed capacity in the country has crossed which milestone mark?

16. Atul Sobti will be the next chairman and managing director (CMD) of which public sector entity?

17. Which cab hailing company has launched a new ride sharing feature “CarPool” on its mobile app for commuters across India?

18. Which shampoo brand has roped in New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. as its new brand ambassador?

19. Who has become the world's richest pop star?

20. Which MNC has elevated its India managing director Bazmi Husain as the global chief technology officer?

21. Which online market place has acquired Reduce Data, a Silicon Valley startup, for an undisclosed amount?

22. Which company has launched a Wi-Fi application called Hangouts aimed at shifting data traffic away from the cellular network to help decongest it and improve services?

23. Which company has acquired the exclusive rights to market skin care products of the country's leading derma and cosmeceutical player Percos India, in a deal worth an estimated at Rs 90 crore?

24. Which handset major has signed Tollywood actor Akhil Akkineni as brand ambassador?

25. Global e-commerce giant Amazon last week launched its Kindle Unlimited service in India that will offer readers access to one million reading titles on its tablet. What is the monthly rental?

26. India’s internet user base has crossed which milestone in June 2015?

27. Which MNC last week announced the launch of what it calls as the world’s slimmest tablet, in India?

28. Which realty major has entered into a joint venture (JV) with Singapore’s GIC to invest in two upcoming projects located in Central Delhi?

29. Which snack brand has launched its festive campaign – ‘Why so sweet? Be Chatpata!’?

30. Mahindra Retail will rename `Mom & Me', its maternity and childcare stores. What is the new name?

31. Perfetti Van Melle India has tied up with which company to launch a specially designed ice-cream using its confectionary product Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly?

32. Which business group last week launched Living Foodz, its first infotainment channel and second channel to focus on the food genre?

33. The Reserve Bank of India will shortly put into circulation coins to commemorate golden jubilee of Indo-Pak War 1965. Which denomination?

34. Mr S Yogaratinam died last week. He was the co-founder of which well known retailer in Tamil Nadu?

35. Which Canadian submarine sandwich brand has entered the Indian market with Arnav Saluja-led Beverly Food & Beverages as the master franchisee?

36. Which company last week said it has become the first Indian edible oil firm to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licence for manufacturing pharmaceutical grade oils and fats?

37. Which on-demand, hyper local, ecommerce application has launched its inaugural brand campaign 'We Get It.' in India?

38. Mobile messaging app WhatsApp has crossed which milestone mark of regular and active users around the world?

39. Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved entered into which new food segment last week?

40. Which company will acquire US-based InvaGen Pharmaceuticals and Exelan Pharmaceuticals, owned by one of the promoters of Hetero Group, in an all cash transaction of $550 million (approx Rs 3,652 crore)?

41. Which MNC has bought rival mobile security provider Good Technology for $425 million in a move to broaden its software sales?

42. The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi last week signed a MoU with which company for procuring and maintaining 110 modern ambulances, besides setting up and operating a modern control room?

43. Which provider of IoT connected consumer electronics and lifestyle products has acquired exclusive license rights to design, develop and market certain Motorola accessory products?

44. Dmitry Shukov has quit as the CEO of which telecom company in India?

45. Which sports celebrity has signed an Rs 12-crore three-year sponsorship-cum-endorsement deal with financial services group Edelweiss?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 597 as the subject.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli