Biz Quizzard 613

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

1. Which company has commissioned what it claims as the world's largest rooftop solar project, in Punjab?

2. Which sports-based virtual entertainment company from India has signed on football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for its entry into the Middle East with arcade games built around soccer?

3. Which mobile social game, developed by 99Games, has crossed $5 million in revenues till date on the Apple app store?

4. Which online skills assessment company has acquired online and mobile internship platform, Letsintern, for an undisclosed amount in an all cash deal?

5. Which New Jersey-based pharmaceutical startup, founded last year by five former Ranbaxy executives, has acquired a portfolio of approximately 25 products from specialty drug maker Banner Life Sciences?

6. I liked this campaign very much. Which company has launched its latest campaign 'Kya Pehnu'?

7. Which airport in India has launched its annual shopping and entertainment programme - ‘Season of Smiles’?

8. Which premium lifestyle brand recently unveiled its first digitally immersive flagship store in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar?

9. Which budget hotel rooms aggregator has launched its new campaign #OneForEveryone?

10. Which Indian company has entered the top-50 league of the world's biggest companies in terms of their R&D investments, as per the annual Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard for 2015?

11. Which company has acquired a majority stake in Hyderabad-based Creamline Dairy, making its foray into the country's Rs 4 lakh crore dairy market?

12. Emami has roped in which celebrity as the brand ambassador of hair oil and shampoo variants of its newly-acquired Kesh King brand?

13. Which MNC has agreed to buy a majority stake in US refrigeration systems maker Hussmann from a private equity firm for over 150 billion yen ($1.2 billion)?

14. Hyderabad-based Yuktha Entertainment Services announced the launch of JilMore, an online booking platform for performing artists. Which well known personality has become its mentor?

15. Which education hub, operated by Pathfinder Publishing, has acquired Delhi-based Entrancecorner[dot]com in an all-cash deal?

16. Which digital media company has acquired Apalya Technologies - a Hyderabad-based video delivery company, in an all-cash deal?

17. Which company has acquired 100% equity stake in Ahmedabad-based Duryodhana Developers?

18. Which Gurgaon-based on-demand grocery service has acquired Bengaluru-based hyperlocal grocery delivery startup Jiffstore in a cash-and-stock deal?

19. Parthasarathi Mukherjee will be which bank’s new managing director and chief executive officer?

20. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces recently opened the sixth Taj group hotel in Bengaluru, the latest addition to the group's luxury portfolio. What has it been branded as?

21. The hospitality investment arm of which business group last week announced the acquisition of its first property in India - the Abad Airport Hotel Kochi?

22. Sony Pictures Networks Television India (SPN) has added a Hindi movies HD channel to its bouquet of offerings. What has it been branded as?

23. Which FM network has launched `Rudali', a new advertisement campaign on TV after a gap of nine years?

24. Which advertising group has launched its global branded content unit The Story Lab in India?

25. Real estate developer Ambience Group has snapped ties with which European luxury hotel operator within 4 years of signing a management agreement to operate its property in New Delhi?

26. Which company has acquired Red Fort India Real Estate Holdco's 62.54% stake in Bengaluru's Exora Business Park valued at around Rs 1,400 crore?

27. Which company is acquiring a bouquet of five consumer products from US pharmaceutical giant Merck, which operates in India as MSD?

28. Which home cleaning services provider has acquired another Hyderabad-headquartered startup `Melway' that offers facility management services for an undisclosed amount?

29. Which Indian handset maker aims to tap the growing mobile payments industry in the country by partnering TranServ?

30. Which Indian company is celebrating the milestone of 1 million followers on LinkedIn?

31. Aaj Tak is claiming to have become the first and only news channel to cross which milestone viewers mark for 4 weeks in a row?

32. Which premium biscuits maker is moving into the mass market segment and has roped in actress Kajol to endorse the brand?

33. Mahindra & Mahindra will launch a premium pickup range in January. What has it been branded as?

34. Which company has agreed to buy US-based back-office outsourcing firm Viteos Group for $130 million (Rs `860 crore) in an all-cash deal?

35. Which company last week launched an electronic wallet called Mobo Money, claimed to be the country's first contact-less wallet, which works both at online as well as a brick and mortar stores?

36. Which company will acquire VKS Farms’ feed mill in Coimbatore for Rs. 13.5 crore subject to due diligence and statutory clearances?

37. Which pre-school chain has said it would merge with Zee Learn?

38. Which homeware brand has launched a digital film ‘Main aur Maa’?

39. Which mouth freshener brand has launched the digital campaign 'Pearls of India - Chacha-Chachi Story'?

40. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces last week launched its first hotel in the North-eastern region. Which brand?

41. Messaging app Viber has launched a new app, which allows users to send a photo or short video that will disappear after being seen only once by the recipient. What has it been named?

42. Which nicotine replacement therapy brand has launched the #UQuitIQuit movement in India?

43. Gearing up for its 4G and digital forays, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) has roped in which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

44. Danone and which business group have reached a settlement ending their twin joint ventures that made and sold beverages, including flavoured water?

45. Which travel major has elevated its managing director Madhavan Menon to the post of chairman and managing director effective January 1, 2016?

46. Which company has tied up with Citrus Ventures to set up its school in Bengaluru?

47. Which Indian business group has signed an agreement with Russia's manufacturer of Air Defence Missile Systems, AlmazAntey, to work jointly on a range of air defence missile & radar systems?

48. Which company has maintained its number one position, in terms of revenue, in the list of Fortune 500 Indian companies 2015?

49. IndiGo last week joined the ranks of Air India and Jet Airways to achieve which milestone fleet size?

50. Which company has launched a video titled 'A Christmas Surprise', featuring a musical medley by three Sufi musicians, playing conventional Christmas rhymes?

51. Which company is setting up a tractor plant in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, claimed to be the world’s largest integrated tractor making plant?

52. Which airport lounge has been selected as the ‘World’s Leading Airport Lounge-First Class 2015’ at the recently concluded World Travel Awards in Morocco?

53. Which e-tailer has launched its first flagship fit lounge in Bangalore?

54. Direct-selling FMCG firm Amway India has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador to promote Nutrilite range of the products?

55. Which Indian company last week signed a MoU with the Ministry of Development of Russian Far East to explore and develop investment opportunities in the energy sector?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 613 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 612

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

1. The retirement savings managed and overseen by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are set to cross which milestone mark this month?

2. Which online lingerie and nightwear brand recently carried out an on-ground activation in Bengaluru with the theme "What's your cup size"?

3. Which IT company has named Sandeep Kishore, a senior executive at HCL Technologies, as its chief executive officer?

4. Which MNC outdoor agency has exited its 50:50 joint venture in India with DDB Mudra that was formed in 2009?

5. Which two digital movie distribution companies have merged to form a new equal joint venture called KSSUMW Digital?

6. Which American hotel management company has signed a portfolio agreement with Mushtaq Group of Hotels to open seven properties in Jammu & Kashmir over the next five years?

7. Which $3-billion textile-to-steel pipes conglomerate is carving out the yarn-spinning business, which will be managed by cofounder Rajesh Mandawewala's elder son Abhishek?

8. Which company has entered into a definitive agreement with SPX Cooling Technologies Inc to acquire its dry cooling business globally for around $48 million (about Rs.320 crores)?

9. Which digital payments platform has launched its new brand campaign called #ReverseTheCharge?

10. Which business group has agreed to acquire Italian car styling company Pininfarina SpA for $185 million (Rs`1,240 crore)?

11. Which spices maker from Gujarat will diversify into snacks from next year?

12. Which business family from India has forayed into real estate development in London and Miami through Elephant London, a company floated for the purpose?

13. Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria, PepsiCo's biggest bottler in South Asia, is looking to enter the dairy market in the country by extending which brand?

14. Which sanitaryware manufacturer last week forayed in the air-purifier segment under a new brand called “moonbow”?

15. The Business Standard Annual Awards 2015 were announced last week. Who has got the Lifetime Achievement award?

16. In a first for Indian e-commerce, which mobile site will be available in 12 languages to online shoppers?

17. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc has agreed to buy which MNC’s Japanese finance and leasing business for about $ 4.8 billion to further expand its operations outside of banking?

18. Which online marketplace for buying and selling new and used automobiles and auto-related services has launched its new TV ad campaign ‘Bindaas Ghoom’?

19. Which telecom brand entered the Indian market last week with its flagship smartphone 10?

20. Which MNC has elevated Leena Nair as its chief HR officer from March 2016?

21. Which retailer has acquired ecommerce startup meragrocer[dot]com to foray into online sales?

22. Myntra’s former chief operating officer Ganesh Subramanian is taking a shot at entrepreneurship with a data-driven technology firm he has set up to analyse fashion trends. What is it called?

23. Kwality has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador for its entire range of products for a period of two years?

24. Which Chinese electric-car startup named Padmasree Warrior, Cisco Systems' former technology chief, to lead its US operations?

25. Which table reservations food-tech company has launched a 6-video digital campaign ‘Endless Wait’?

26. Which Chennai-based enterprise software maker has acquired Konotor, a user engagement platform to provide better customer support to mobile-first businesses?

27. Which MNC will bring its $1-billion-plus Doritos - its fastest growing snacking brand worldwide - to Indian stores next week?

28. Which MNC is creating a new company, named C&M Information Technologies, to be based in Beijing and to act as an exclusive licensor for its flagship product to the Chinese government?

29. Cramer Ball has resigned as the CEO of which airline in India, effective February 29?

30. Which company has signed an agreement with Mosons Group to acquire hair-care brand Indulekha for `Rs 330 crore and further deferred payments based on performance?

31. DreamWorks Studios, the joint venture (JV) between Steven Spielberg and Anil Ambani's Reliance Entertainment, is being relaunched. What will it be called?

32. Facebook has announced a partnership with which ride-hailing service that will for the first time allow users in the US to summon a vehicle from within the Messenger smartphone app?

33. Which location has been ranked the most expensive prime office market space in the world by CBRE Research’s semi- annual Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey?

34. Which country has topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best Countries of Business in 2015 list by Forbes?

35. Which MNC has appointed Simon Cooper as chief executive officer, Corporate and Institutional Banking?

36. Which Bengaluru-based property developer last week announced its first commercial project in the country with the launch of a mall at Puzhakkal in Thrissur, Kerala?

37. Which premium air purifier company from Sweden has announced its debut in India?

38. Which brand has launched its first ever advertising campaign ‘Food Mein Daalo Magic’?

39. Which fashion e-tailer has signed an exclusive deal with Missguided to sell the UK-based fashion retailer's products on its platform?

40. Sumi Ghosh will be the new CEO of which beverage chain, effective January 1, 2016?

41. Dilip Gaur has been appointed the new managing director of which Aditya Birla group firm?

42. Microsoft India last week announced the launch of its most affordable Windows 10 smartphone till date. Which model?

43. Which regional airline has received a `No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which will allow it to launch pan-India operations soon?

44. Which international sports personality has unveiled his plans to link up with the Pestana Hotel Group and will invest $40 million in hotels?

45. Which premium car maker has tied up with Mat.se, a leading Swedish online grocery retailer to launch the world's first commercially available In-Car Delivery service?

46. Which Swiss insurance group will pay up to $1.05 billion to buy Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS), a U.S. agricultural crop insurer from Wells Fargo & Co?

47. Actress-designer Mandira Bedi has collaborated with which brand to create 'Me', a unique sari design that will give women a distinctive take on clothing for music festivals?

48. Which ecommerce major has announced the exclusive launch of television-turned-film producer, Ekta Kapoor's fashion label 'EK' on its platform?

49. Which electrical goods maker last week said it would start manufacturing small domestic appliances from January 2016?

50. Mahindra & Mahindra last week unveiled the official name of its mini compact SUV S101. What has it been branded as?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 612 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 611

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

1. The philanthropic arm of which Indian business group has teamed up with Silicon Valley-based Salman Khan’s free online education initiative Khan Academy?

2. Which company has acquired online marketplace for hyperlocal services Near[dot]in in a cash-and-stock deal, estimated at between $1.5 million-$2 million (Rs 10 crore - Rs 13 crore)?

3. Domestic mobile handset maker Micromax has crossed which annual sales milestone for the year ended March?

4. Which MNC last week launched two all terrain vehicle (ATV) models, Ozark 250 and Quadsport Z400?

5. India’s total installed capacity of solar power has crossed which milestone mark, according to Bridge to India, a solar energy consulting firm?

6. Which paint company has launched a digital campaign 'Think Different'?

7. Which media group’s latest campaign features Deepika Padukone who encourages young readers to inculcate the habit of reading Hindi newspapers?

8. Which online fashion retailer has launched a new campaign with the tagline ‘The Best of Fashion for the Best of You’?

9. Which logistics services provider has merged with year-old Accord Ecom Solutions, a third-party logistics provider, in a deal that marks growing consolidation in the fast-growing sector?

10. Which MNC has launched the SME India Council to help small businesses grow locally and regionally across the country?

11. Which Vadodara-based startup has forged an exclusive tie-up with Raja Ravi Varma's descendents to promote the celebrated 19th century artist's legacy through merchandise products?

12. Kaher Kazem has been appointed president and managing director of India operations of which automobile MNC?

13. Which MNC has decided to cancel the agreement to sell its appliance division to the Swedish group Electrolux which had offered last year to buy it for $3.3 billion?

14. Hong Kong's AIA Group will raise its stake in which life insurance company in India to 49% from 26% for an undisclosed amount?

15. Which Indian business personality has joined the newly created Sustainability Committee of Formula E Championship, an initiative of FIA (Federation Internationale de I’Automobile) and the world’s first fully-electric racing series?

16. Marico has roped in which actor as the new face and brand ambassador of Set Wet deodorants?

17. Which company has launched a television commercial for Ghee with the positioning ‘Champion Banney ki Taakat’?

18. Which airport is set to become the first foreign company to manage an Indian airport, with Airports Authority of India signing an initial agreement with it to hand over the contracts for Ahmedabad and Jaipur?

19. Which online exam preparation service has bought a majority stake in custom web and mobile product development startup Litoro for an undisclosed amount?

20. Which two cities have become substitutes for the banished Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in IPL?

21. Vodafone India last week entered the 4G services arena, starting with which city?

22. Hyundai Motor has announced the introduction of its alternative-fuel compact vehicle, which is due to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016. What has it been branded as?

23. Which international brand is all set to launch its first ever television campaign in India, titled ‘Share the Magic’?

24. Which outdoor wear brand has launched the digital campaign #AgainstAllOdds?

25. Samsung has roped in which actor to endorse its recently launched 4G enabled Galaxy J series (campaign currently on air)?

26. Which Singapore-based big data startup is setting up India operations in association with WPP's media agency conglomerate GroupM?

27. Interactive Intelligence, a US-based provider of software services for customer engagement, has acquired which Mumbai-based developer of remote applications such as video and online chats for businesses?

28. The first vaccine against dengue fever has won clearance in Mexico. Which company?

29. Kati Levoranta would take over as new CEO of which game maker from 2016?

30. Which MNC has launched the mass media campaign, ‘Haath, Mooh aur Bum, Bimari Hogi Kam’?

31. Which Hyderabad-based company has announced the acquisition of Mumbai-based e-learning company Enabilon Learning Pvt Ltd for an undisclosed amount?

32. Which life insurance company has rolled out a new digital campaign titled ‘Ab Meri Baari’ for its Active Retirement plan?

33. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in his personal capacity in which services marketplace?

34. Which company has agreed to sell an 80% stake in European lighting systems and fixtures company Sylvania to Shanghai Feilo Acoustics Co?

35. Which digital payments solutions venture has hived off its mobile banking app Cube into a separate corporate entity?

36. United Spirits, the largest Indian distiller controlled by Diageo Plc, is pulling back from the ready-to-drink (RTD) market barely a year after launching which brand?

37. Which US-based company has acquired US-headquartered Alliance Global Services, a software product development services and test automation solutions firm, for $50 million?

38. Which DTH operator has partnered with Madhuri Dixit and her husband Shriram Nene’s RnM Moving Picture to launch ‘Dance Studio’?

39. French stationary major BIC has fully acquired which Indian manufacturer of writing instruments for Rs 540 crore?

40. Which is India’s most valuable brand, according to a list by international brand valuation firm Interbrand?

41. The Food Corporation of India has awarded a contract to the National Collateral Management Services Ltd to carry out paddy purchase operations in Jharkhand. Why did this make news?

42. Which MNC has announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of FRHI Holdings (FRHI), parent company of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissotel brands?

43. Which company is claiming to have become the first low cost airline in India to introduce a loyalty program for its passengers?

44. Which MNC has agreed to buy Hong Kong’s flagship English-language newspaper, the South China Morning Post?

45. Which MNC has elevated Sanjeev Sharma as its India MD?

46. Which US-based biotechnology company has forayed into the Indian market and has tied up with a local player Phyto Biotech to manufacture health supplements in India?

47. Who has topped the 2015 Forbes India Celebrity 100 list?

48. Housing[dot]com's ousted founder Rahul Yadav is making a comeback with a startup that aims to make government smarter. What is it called?

49. Which company has set aside Rs 1,100 crore for interest free salary advances and is creating an Rs 50 crore direct grant fund to help employees affected by Chennai floods?

50. Which two chemical giants have agreed to merge in an all-stock deal valuing the combined company at $130 billion?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 611 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 610

This is not something i usually do. While there is some cynicism and criticism (on valid grounds too) about the announcement made last week, i feel it still needs to be applauded. And for those who have no idea what this is about, Biz Quizzard answers that question through, what else, another question (Q. No. 30).

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week November 30 - December 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC is reportedly working on launching its global milk-based beverage brand Vio in India, without any carbonation?

2. Who has teamed up with childhood friend and Wharton mate Sumeet Nindrajog to promote Paragon Partners, a private equity firm that will provide growth capital for mid- market deals?

3. Which telecom company has launched a campaign called 'See You Online Ba!'?

4. India's second-largest tea maker Tata Global Beverages has forayed into instant coffee business in the country by launching a new brand. Name the brand?

5. Which company has acquired Papyrus Editor, an online editor to create e-books?

6. Which dairy firm has started selling its products, including milk and curd among others, under its own name? (hint: the brand is very well known in India in another dairy segment)

7. Which MNC has signed a definitive agreement to acquire polypropylene compounding assets of Pune-based Zylog Plastalloys as it intends to expand its India operations?

8. Which luxury watch brand is shutting its India office, deciding to leverage its existing partnership with a local agent?

9. Which company last week announced that it will invest Rs 60,000 crore over the next three-years under a programme called Project Leap?

10. Which town is claiming to be the country's first fully Wi-Fi township?

11. Girnar Soft, the parent company of CarDekho[dot]com, has invested $1 million in an education start-up, which connects students to colleges and help them make career choices. What is it called?

12. Which iconic automobile brand has launched a new film with the positioning ‘Think Fun. Think New’ to create excitement leading up to the launch of the new version in India?

13. Which travel and leisure company has, through its Holidaybreak PLC subsidiary, sold 100% of Explore Worldwide for £25.8 million (Rs 258 crore) to Hotelplan UK Group?

14. Which company has acquired Get Me A Shop, which helps small businesses set up online store fronts, for an undisclosed amount?

15. Which company has forged an exclusive distribution partnership with premium Italian tyre maker, Pirelli, to be the sole distributor of its complete range of motorcycle tyres in India?

16. Prashant Purker has been elevated as MD & CEO of which private equity firm?

17. Which Malaysian kidswear brand has entered India in collaboration with Ajanta International?

18. Which managed marketplace has rolled out a television commercial to highlight the incredible propositions offered on its Sunday Flea Market?

19. Broadcast network TV18 and which international news brand have announced the extension of their collaboration on their news channel?

20. The Indian advertisement for which brand has been named as one of the 20 best ads of the 21st century in a public poll conducted by the Gunn Report, the global index of creative excellence in advertising?

21. Which company has agreed to acquire German IT consulting and software services firm cellent AG from Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg for 73.5 million euro (Rs`520 crore)?

22. Which company, in association with MasterCard Worldwide, is launching `One Currency' card, a prepaid card that promises to allay currency conversion woes during multi-country travel?

23. Which financial giant has inked a deal with Tata Group to be its strategic banking partner?

24. Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) has partnered with which food delivery start-up to foray into the home delivery segment?

25. In a first of its kind offering in the two-wheeler market, which company is offering replacement bikes at its service centers?

26. Which online furniture retailer has launched a new campaign titled ‘Your Furniture Knows’?

27. Uber, the online taxi hailing application, has announced the launch of which specialised service in India on December 3, which is commemorated as World Disability Day?

28. Which instant messaging-based delivery startup has acquired Instano, a Bangalore-based B2C eCommerce App that renders on-demand delivery of services over chat?

29. Which ayurveda company is making a FMCG foray, with a cosmetics and wellness range under the ‘Mantra’ brand?

30. What did Mark Zuckerberg and wife Dr. Priscilla Chan announce last week to celebrate the birth of their daughter Max (Maxima Chan Zuckerberg)?

31. Which company has acquired realtycompass, a real-estate analytics platform?

32. Global luxury firm Maison Montblanc is re-entering India in a tie-up with which company?

33. Pernod Ricard has crossed which milestone annual sales mark in India for the year ended March 2015?

34. Which multi-partner loyalty programme has launched a digital campaign called #PointKyaHai?

35. Which company has signed a non-binding agreement to sell its telecom towers to Sanjiv Ahuja-led Tillman Global Holdings and private equity buyout group TPG?

36. Which company has announced a tie-up with Didi Kuaidi, Lyft and GrabTaxi for a global ride-share partnership between the four companies?

37. Which sports property has unveiled its campaign ‘Khel Fauladi’?

38. Which media company has forayed into the online wedding market space with Special Occasion Limited?

39. Which two-wheeler brand has launched a new campaign with the theme ‘Yaarana Meelon ka’?

40. Terming it a first-of-its-kind service in the world, which company is offering its customers prepaid mobile recharge service through a missed call?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 601 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli