Biz Quizzard 618

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

1. Which company has appointed Alice Vaidyan as its chairman, the first woman to take up that position in a state-run insurance company?

2. Nearly nine months after quitting Ogilvy India, Kawal Shoor and Navin Talreja have announced the launch of their new agency. What is it called?

3. Mumbai and Delhi have been named among the top Asia Pacific cities for HNIs, according to the Asia Pacific 2016 Wealth Report by New World Wealth. Which city has topped the list?

4. Which mobile tech solutions firm has acquired a controlling stake in its Latin America-based competitor Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) for an undisclosed amount?

5. Which condom brand has launched a new campaign with the positioning ‘Bolder. Better. Naughtier.’?

6. Bloomberg L.P. and which Indian media company have announced that their media licensing agreement will conclude at the end of the contracted period on March 31, 2016?

7. Which snack brand has launched its new campaign ‘Love to Love it’?

8. Which sports property has roped in Telugu actor Rana Daggubati as one of its brand ambassadors for Season 3?

9. Which tyre brand launched its new campaign 'Our Grip, Your Stories'?

10. Public sector oil firms IOC, BPCL, HPCL and EIL will invest Rs 1.5 lakh crore in setting up a refinery on the west coast. What will be its claim to fame?

11. Which company has acquired US-based Precision Die Casting (PDC) Inc through its wholly-owned subsidiary in the Netherlands for an enterprise value of $8.9 million?

12. Which company has acquired 2 UK-based firms Point to Point and Point to Point Products, jointly known as P2P and owned by a common set of shareholders, for 8 million pounds?

13. Which automobile MNC last week said it will close all operations in Japan and Indonesia this year?

14. Which US-based maker of car batteries and heating and ventilation equipment has agreed to acquire Ireland-based peer Tyco International Plc in a $16.5 billion deal that will lower its tax bill?

15. Which advertising agency has elevated Nitin Karkare as its new CEO?

16. Jagatjit Industries Limited has rolled out three video commercials for which vodka brand with its brand ambassador Kalki Koechlin?

17. Which online matrimony portal has rolled out its latest campaign with a new brand positioning - 'Be Found'?

18. Which beach is being claimed to have become the first in India to have Wi-Fi connectivity?

19. Bajaj is reportedly all set to launch a new 150cc bike, Bajaj V, on February 1st. What does the V stand for?

20. Ratan Tata has invested in which specialty tea firm?

21. Which advertising group is bringing its New York-based lifestyle marketing agency MKTG to India?

22. Which business group has launched its affordable housing brand Joyville?

23. Which Hyderabad-based IT solutions provider has bought US-based enterprise, cloud and analytics firm Bokanyi Consulting for an undisclosed consideration?

24. Which MNC has acquired KBACE Technologies, a global consulting and technology services company for an undisclosed amount?

25. Which hospitality major has made its first investment in India, in an integrated property in Bengaluru that houses two of its popular brands?

26. Which company, founded by Indian Institute of Science’s professors, last week said it would acquire a 68% stake in US diagnostic firm Venaxis?

27. Which Bangalore-based gifting company has acquired Mumbai-based Actizone, an online marketplace for extracurricular activities classes for kids, for an undisclosed amount?

28. Which MNC clothing company has elevated Sundeep Chugh as CEO of its Indian operations?

29. Ford will launch which iconic brand in India in the second quarter of the year?

30. Which country overtook Thailand as the world's largest rice exporter in 2015, according to a statement from Thai Rice Exporters Association?

31. How many Indians have made it to a new global list of 50 wealthiest people, compiled by Wealth-X in collaboration with Business Insider?

32. Which MNC is set to unveil a scooter-bike crossover, internally called K74, at next month's Auto Expo?

33. Which company will merge its telecom operations in Bangladesh with that of Axiata Group Berhad (Axiata)?

34. Which MNC will split into two companies, one holding its legacy printer operations and the other its business process outsourcing unit?

35. The last unit of which iconic Land Rover brand rolled off the production line in UK last week?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizard 618 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 617

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

1. A month after selling its personal care brand Indulekha to Hindustan Unilever, Kerala-based Mosons Group is set to launch a non-personal care brand. Name the brand?

2. Which advertising group has entered into a strategic alliance with recently-started independent agency The Social Street?

3. Which Pune-based drug maker has acquired Canada's International Pharmaceutical Generics (IPG) and its marketing arm Marcan Pharmaceuticals?

4. Which MNC has tied up with Mumbai-based AGS Transact Technology to manufacture ATMs at it’s newly set-up plant in Daman?

5. Which US-based private equity major has acquired 26% stake in Mumbai-based broking firm Landmark Insurance, making it only the second deal in the insurance broking space?

6. Ex-PayPal executive Sanjay Bhargava is setting up a digital `utility company' to enable micro investments in mutual funds with minimal cost. What is it called?

7. Which MNC has appointed Ravi Menon as the chief executive of its asset management arm in the country?

8. Which online rental platform for furniture, furnishings, appliances and other home verticals has launched an outdoor campaign titled 'How Your House Feels...Unfurnished!'?

9. Which biscuit brand has launched a campaign titled 'Yeh Habit Hai Fit'?

10. Which New York-based provider of shared workspace and services plans to set up its business in India soon?

11. Which hair colour brand has launched a new campaign with the positioning of ‘dekhbhaal’?

12. Which breakfast cereal maker in India is venturing into food retailing with quick service restaurants that will offer healthier alternatives to fast foods?

13. Which company has crossed the Rs 1,000 crore sales mark to become the largest retail apparel brand in the country?

14. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in which online cash-back and coupons venture?

15. Rostow Ravanan has been named as the new CEO of which IT company?

16. Which IT company will acquire Salesforce consulting partner US-based Magnet 360 in an all-cash deal of $ 50 million (about Rs 338.3 crore)?

17. Which Gurgaon-based beauty and wellness startup has acquired the Bengaluru-based Hyve in a part cash part equity deal?

18. What has the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group christened the Pune IPL franchise as?

19. Which travel portal has acqui-hired Mumbai-based Travel-logs that specialises in customised city walks and private tours?

20. Which company has acquired a 51% stake in home and accessories brand India Circus?

21. Which laundry and homecare leader has announced the appointment of Hans Van Bylen as its next chief executive officer, effective May 1?

22. Which MNC has appointed Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted as its new chief executive officer?

23. Payments processor TranServ has launched a digital wallet targeted at social transactions. What is it called?

24. United Breweries (UB) has launched a malt-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage to take on Bacardi Breezer. What has it been branded as?

25. Which state tourism board has launched a new logo and a campaign 'Jaane Kya Dikh Jaaye'?

26. Which UK-based company has announced its foray in the aerated natural fruit juices segment in the country, in a tie-up with Amarjothi group?

27. Coca-Cola is launching a new global campaign and slogan. What is it called?

28. Which MNC has launched a new Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) programme to empower businesses in India?

29. Which Chennai- based company last week launched FeetScience, shoes meant exclusively for the domestic market?

30. Titan last week launched its first smartwatch range in India. What has it been branded as?

31. Volkswagen has revealed the name of its Indian compact sedan. What has it been branded as?

32. Nestle has lost a long-running court battle in Britain to trademark the shape of which brand?

33. Radio City has launched a creative-cum-media agency. What has it been branded as?

34. This is heartening. Acid-attack survivor Laxmi has become the face of a new range of apparel from which company?

35. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in which baby and maternity products retailer?

36. Which company will bring US-based children's clothing brand Carter's to its chain of stores across the country?

37. Which innerwear brand has launched a new campaign with the tagline ‘Accepted by women worldwide’?

38. Which online insurance portal has launched its second car insurance campaign with 3 TVCs titled ‘The Burger’, ‘Pinku’ and ‘Tattoo’?

39. RJ Corp, promoted by PepsiCo's bottling partner and diversified entrepreneur Ravi Jaipuria, is venturing into the retail business with a grocery store chain. What is it called?

40. Maneesh Dhir has quit as the India head for which MNC?

41. Facebook has launched a new sports platform. What has it been branded as?

42. Realty firm Nitesh Estates has roped in which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

43. French tyre major Michelin has announced its foray into the fast growing scooter segment in India with the launch of its new range. What has it been branded as?

44. Which cab search and booking platform has closed a deal with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services Limited (OAIS) to launch a premium category of intercity cab services in eight Indian cities?

45. Kiran Global Chems Ltd, a leading manufacturer of a key ingredient for a number of industries, has introduced its indigenously-developed cement brand. What is it called?

46. Messaging app Hike has crossed which user milestone?

47. Wings Rainbow, a new radio taxi service, was flagged off last week. What is its claim to fame?

48. Which television channel last week unveiled a new logo and tagline 'LIVE R.E.D'?

49. This should be easy. Which business personality’s autobiography 'The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time' was launched last week?

50. Which publication is the only Indian news daily to feature amongst the world's top five circulated newspapers in the World Press Trends report 2015?

51. Digital payments platform FreeCharge has launched its new virtual card. What has it been branded as?

52. OYO Rooms has touched which milestone mark for number of check-ins so far?

53. Which chain of multi-brand car service workshops is set to launch its first television campaign ‘Free ke baad First Choice’?

54. Which MNC retailer has appointed Arvind Mediratta as the new India managing director?

55. Which property has bagged the award for the world's best hotel at the Travellers' Choice, organised by travel portal TripAdvisor?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 617 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 616

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

1. Who is the new CEO of Flipkart?

2. Which online fashion retailer has partnered The North Face (TNF) to bring the US-based brand's apparel and footwear to Indian consumers?

3. Well-known journalists Shekhar Gupta and Barkha Dutt have together launched a digital and events venture. What is it called?

4. Ola has launched an enterprise solution for companies. What is it called?

5. Which bank has bought a 9.99% stake in ASA International India Microfinance for about Rs 8.5 crore, the first investment by a lender in a microfinance institution?

6. Which state last week claimed to have become the first in the country to unveil a retail policy?

7. Jonas Samuelson will be the new CEO of which home appliance maker?

8. Which Scandinavian children furniture brand has entered India and opened its first store in Ahmedabad?

9. Which digital platform for local service needs has launched a campaign urging consumers to "Go #AntiJugaad”?

10. India’s car sales crossed which milestone mark in 2015, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)?

11. Which search and comparison platform for all Indian taxi operators has come out with a humorous digital campaign that showcases its Robocab feature?

12. Rajasthan Patrika Group has roped in which celebrity to promote its multimedia digital platform Catch News?

13. The Yale School of Management is naming a deanship chair after which well known business personality?

14. Which hospitality company has named Pramod Ranjan as MD & CEO?

15. Which Chinese conglomerate has bought US film studio Legendary Entertainment for about $3.5 billion?

16. Advance apologies for this question. Who is the new CEO of Yum! India?

17. Which MNC last week introduced its first ever SUV Coupe in India to enhance its product offering?

18. Which company has sold BST-CarGel, its cartilage repair product, to med-tech company Smith & Nephew, for an undisclosed sum?

19. Which company has announced a partnership with Knewton, one of the world’s leading adaptive learning company, and the launch of Cosmos, an integrated suite of products?

20. Which online marketplace has become the 8th desi unicorn, after being valued at $1.1 billion?

21. Which beverage brand’s launch campaign features a rapper Granny?

22. Pantaloons Fashion & Retail, which was acquired by Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd (ABNL), last week announced change in its name. What is the new name?

23. Which telecom company has signed a pact to sell 100% of its operations in Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone to Orange SA for around $900 million (Rs`6,030 crore)?

24. Which Dubai-based emerging markets focused private equity group has acquired a 72% stake in Hyderabad-based CARE Hospitals Group from global PE firm Advent International for Rs 2,000 crore?

25. Which transportation startup has partnered with education marketplace EduKart to provide access to higher education to families of drivers on its platform?

26. Which US-headquartered hotel chain has inked a master licence agreement with Delhi-based Sorrel Hospitality, after ending its pact with its erstwhile Indian partner Cabana Hotels?

27. The second largest sportswear brand in America is planning to enter India. Name it?

28. Which business incubator, run by Infosys co-founders, has partnered Narayana Health and government’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms to promote innovations in healthcare?

29. BSNL last week soft-launched 4G services on non-commercial basis. Which city?

30. Which IT company has named former iGate HR head Srinivas Kandula as its new chief executive?

31. Which company has acquired the worldwide license to launch a new range of silver jewellery under the Being Human brand?

32. Which watch brand has released a print ad titled ‘Own The Night’, featuring actress Kriti Sanon?

33. Which company recently launched the second phase of its campaign titled Tweet to Farmer with the aim to appreciate the efforts of farmers?

34. Which fast food chain has launched the campaign #ThodaTimeAur to promote its new product offering?

35. Which financial company has launched the campaign #AskWhatELSS?

36. Bhaskar Bhat has taken over as the new chairman of which airline?

37. Which MNC will bring its specialty tea brand Teavana to India this year?

38. Which company has topped a survey of 400 UK corporates for the best place to work?

39. Which California-based video game and connected toys start-up has forayed into India with the launch of Legends – a video game based on one of the world’s greatest epic – Ramayana?

40. ICICI Bank's mortgage portfolio has crossed which mark, making it first private bank to achieve the milestone?

41. Which company has said it will acquire 50 per cent in Chennai-based Zorba, a chain of yoga studios, for an undisclosed amount?

42. International publication Fortune has apologised for hurting Hindu sentiments by featuring which business personality as Lord Vishnu in its January cover?

43. Who is stepping down as chairman of Max India and leaving its board as part of a three-way split?

44. Which MNC has agreed to buy General Electric Co’s appliance business for $ 5.4 billion?

45. Mahindra & Mahindra last week launched an all-new micro SUV, the KUV 100. What is the starting price?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 616 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 615

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

1. Mumbai-headquartered IRB Infrastructure has been awarded the project to build the Zoji La tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir. Why did this make news?

2. Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in his personal capacity in which online pet shop?

3. Which 2 Indian cities have made it to a Top 30 list of the worlds most powerful, productive and connected cities, according to a study conducted by international real estate consultancy JLL?

4. Silicon Valley's marquee venture capital (VC) firm Sequoia Capital is backing which Indian beer brand?

5. Which digital payments and commerce firm has acquired Delhi-based consumer behaviour prediction platform Shifu in an $8-million (Rs 53 crore) deal?

6. An easy one. Which beverage brand has launched its new television commercial ‘Main Hoon Toofani’?

7. Hero Cycles has claimed a new national record in monthly sales for the cycles it sold in December 2015. Which milestone did it cross?

8. Which Indian speciality chemicals major has acquired local peer, Thane-headquartered Filtra Catalysts & Chemicals, for an undisclosed sum?

9. Not sure if I covered this before. Professor Rajendra Srivastava has taken charge as the new dean of which business school effective January 1, 2016?

10. Abidali Neemuchwala will be the new CEO of which company?

11. Sadhna Group launched a Marathi channel on January 1. What has it been branded as?

12. Which automobile MNC has merged its Indian bus operations with its Indian group arm, with effect from December 31, 2015?

13. Which Chinese internet and technology company has entered India with niche products, including a smart cycle that has its own operating system and a 3D virtual reality helmet?

14. Vishal Suri has taken over as the new managing director of which travel company?

15. Which company has expanded its animal health business with the acquisition of some select brands and a Haridwar-based manufacturing facility of Zoetis, a global animal health company?

16. Which international express delivery major has tied up with homegrown logistics player First Flight Courier (FFCL) to act as its domestic shipping outlet?

17. Who has been appointed the new chairperson of General Motors?

18. Ratan Tata has invested in which data-driven research platform, which tracks privately-held companies?

19. The Department of Posts served a notice last week to which business group and Big FM Radio Channel over a radio advertisement?

20. Which MNC has appointed Akshay Kothari as Country Manager for India, with immediate effect?

21. Which company has acquired Ignify, a firm specialising in Microsoft Dynamics industry solutions, for an undisclosed sum?

22. Which ethnic apparel brand has rolled out a digital ad #ChangeIsBeautiful?

23. Which business group will be the new owner of Pune football team in I-League?

24. This is an interesting positioning for a chocolate brand. Which brand is being advertised with the positioning 'The perfect way to end your day'?

25. Which company has named Sachin Tendulkar as the brand ambassador for its initiative ‘Changing Diabetes’?

26. Which infrastructure-focused company has launched a campaign to celebrate its 15th anniversary with the positioning ‘On for Tomorrow’?

27. This should be easy. Which channel has associated with the production house Sphereorigins to launch a home-grown animated series called Chhoti Anandi?

28. Bharti Group veteran Akhil Gupta and which US private equity firm will pick up a majority stake in International Asset Reconstruction Co (IARC), an asset reconstruction company?

29. Which beverage brand and Yash Raj Films (YRF) have come together to launch India's first transgender music band as a part of co-branded association?

30. Which Japanese company will exit the television and home appliance business in India?

31. Which company will be the title sponsor for the inaugural edition of Dubai-based Masters Champions League (MCL), which will feature six teams of retired international cricketers?

32. Which company has said it will sell two container freight stations and logistics business to Transworld Group Singapore?

33. Which non-life insurance firm has appointed Pushan Mahapatra as its new managing director and chief executive officer?

34. Who is the Business Standard Banker of the Year for 2014-15?

35. Tata Motors last week announced the name of the new design language of its passenger vehicles. What is it called?

36. Tata Trusts and which global food major last week announced a partnership to work for advanced agriculture development, address malnutrition and improve food safety in India?

37. Which US-based social app has launched its India operations?

38. Which company has launched 'Desi Atta Company', a new range of single-grain atta and instant mixes across its retail outlets?

39. Which company has signed an agreement with France's Voicebox Technologies for selling its speech recognition technology assets?

40. Which leading internet TV service was launched in India last week?

41. Which company has acquired the Gurgaon-based micro content application Viral Shots for an undisclosed amount?

42. Which Indian womens wear brand is celebrating the milestone of 200 stores?

43. Which bank will partner FINO PayTech to foray into the payments bank space?

44. Which business personality has committed Rs 100 crore for the first of its kind PPP model to scientifically mange waste along with the civic body in Pune?

45. Steve Rowe will be the new CEO of which MNC retailer in April?

46. Which company has announced the acquisition of the property search website CommmonFloor for an undisclosed amount in a majority stock-swap transaction?

47. Which MNC is rolling out Crispz and Twitz, two sub-brands of its popular snack brand, in India?

48. Which business group is re-entering the cosmetics business with ‘Studiowest’?

49. Lenovo is phasing out which iconic brand name?

50. Who has been named the `Most Generous Indian' for the third consecutive year, according to the Indian philanthropy list for 2015, released by China's Hurun Research Institute last week?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 615 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli

Biz Quizzard 614

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week December 28 - January 02. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Satyavati Berbera will be the first woman to become the COO of a Big Four accounting firm in India. Which MNC?

2. For the first time, a bank is offering railway tickets for sale from its website, that too for customers of all banks. Which bank?

3. Which movie has crossed the $1 billion mark globally at a faster clip than any film in history?

4. Which hand wash brand has launched its first television commercial, with the baseline ‘ek aisi family jo kare aapki family ke suraksha’?

5. Which bank has launched a new campaign ‘Ek Manzil of Sapna’ for its home loan products?

6. Which chocolate brand has launched its latest ad #KhoJaaneKeFaayde?

7. Direct-selling FMCG firm Amway last week inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in the country. Which state?

8. With an aim to bridge the gap in the requirement of skilled cybersecurity professionals in India, NIIT University and which consultancy have come together to offer a two-year Masters programme in cybersecurity?

9. Who has been appointed as chief executive officer (CEO) of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) with effect from January 1, 2016?

10. Which airport has become the first airport in the country to launch the e-boarding facility?

11. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of which company has tied up with the CSR arm of ratings major Crisil to raise financial literacy among women in Mumbai's slums?

12. Which ecommerce major has tied up with Viacom 18 for the licensing of three large brands - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spongebob Squarepants and Peanuts - for sellers?

13. Which premium video-on-demand service has announced the appointment of Salil Kapoor as managing director of its India operations?

14. Which investment firm has acquired a five-star hotel from Ahmedabad-based Sidhi Gujarat Hospitality for an estimated Rs 135 crore?

15. Which company has bought 100% stake in Augere Wireless Broadband India?

16. Hyderabad-based Way2Online is foraying into short news service and has rebranded its app ‘Way2SMS’ that provides free SMS services. What is the new brand?

17. The traders association of Khan Market in the national capital is contemplating legal action against which celebrity for alleged “trademark infringement”?

18. Which company has unveiled its SIBCO range of bearing housings and accessories such as housings, seals, sleeves, locating rings, lock nuts and lock washers?

19. A McDonald's restaurant closed last week in Orlando, USA. What was its claim to fame?

20. The number of wireless subscribers in India crossed which milestone mark at the end of October 2015, as per data released by TRAI?

21. The global mobile net user base will cross which milestone in 2016, according to a report by research firm IDC?

22. Pankaj Patel has been appointed as the chairman of the Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur board. He is the chairman and managing director of which company?

23. Parry Ravindranathan has taken charge of the newly created role of Managing Director – International in which media group?

24. The newspaper unit of which business group has purchased The Free Lance-Star, a newspaper in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from Sandton Capital Partners?

25. Which company has signed up as the title sponsor for the Premier Badminton League, which will see the world’s top shuttlers square off in India’s largest badminton tournament?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 614 as the subject.

Happy learning!

rajeev kondapalli