December 25, 2016

Biz Quizzard 665

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period December 19 - 24. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which test preparation platform has acquihired photo-sharing application Plix in a cash-and-equity deal valued at about $1.5 million (Rs 10.2 crore)?

2. Which company’s subsidiary Network i2i has signed a pact to acquire Orascom’s entire equity stake in Middle East North Africa Company Submarine Cable Systems S.A.E (MENA-SCS)?

3. Which beverage brand has launched a campaign featuring new brand ambassador Ranveer Singh?

4. Which footwear brand announced that Drew Barrymore, John Cena, YOONA and Henry Lau will serve as global ambassadors in its "Come As You Are" campaign?

5. Who has become the first Indian to become Pantene’s global brand ambassador?

6. Which sexual wellness brand will debut adult furniture in India?

7. Which noodle maker has announced its foray into the quick service restaurant space in India?

8. Dairy products maker Hatsun Agro Products Ltd recently inaugurated a Hatsun Daily outlet in Chennai. Which milestone did it touch with this outlet?

9. Which online news and entertainment network announced the acquisition of tech firm Touchfone Technologies, and with it their video streaming and ad targeting service, Strmeasy?

10. Titan Company Limited last week inaugurated a revamped store spread over 3,500 sft, the company's largest exclusive watch store in the country. Which city?

11. Which water heater brand has launched a campaign titled ‘Power of hot shower’?

12. Which writing instrument brand has launched a campaign with the message ‘Word badlega to Kahani badlegi’?

13. Which skincare brand has launched its new campaign #ConfidentInMySkin?

14. Which furniture rental startup has partnered with short-term home rental marketplace Airbnb to offer customised furniture packages on the latter's platform?

15. Which US company has agreed to buy Linde AG for about 33.9 billion Euros ($35.2 billion) to create the world's largest supplier of industrial gases?

16. Which MNC has agreed to buy InvenSense Inc in a deal that values the supplier of sensors to Apple Inc and other smartphone makers at about $1.3 billion?

17. Which chocolate maker has named chief operating officer Michele Buck as its new chief executive and president, effective March 1?

18. Which security software solutions firm has launched a campaign featuring Sasha Chettri, better known as the Airtel 4G girl?

19. Music app Gaana has crossed which milestone of app downloads?

20. American Tourister has signed on which celebrity as its first brand ambassador in India?

21. Which Japanese consumer electronic brand has re-entered the Indian market?

22. Which company has agreed to buy branded skin cancer drug Odomzo from Swiss major Novartis for an upfront payment of $175 million, or about Rs 1,180 crore, and milestone payments?

23. Which Hindi news website has launched its new campaign ‘Jano Khabron Se Zyada’, featuring a host of celebrities?

24. Which chocolate maker has announced the launch of its premium brand ‘Brookside’ in India?

25. Which crowd-funding platform has unveiled its electric bike called e-RideLite?

26. Google has rolled out a new variant of Android for Internet of Things (IoT) platform. What is it called?

27. India has crossed which country to become 6th largest economy of the world?

28. Which company has struck a deal to acquire 100% equity in Odisha-based Brahmani River Pellets (BRPL) at an enterprise value of Rs 900 crore?

29. Which brand has launched a digital campaign #Daagsekyadarna?

30. Who has become the top earning celebrity of 2016 in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 List with an estimated income of Rs 270.33 crore?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 665 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

December 18, 2016

Biz Quizzard 664

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period December 12 - 17. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company is acquiring Foodpanda, bringing together two top food delivery startups based in Germany?

2. Which television channel has rolled out its new campaign, ‘Awaz se bada na koi’ for the launch of the second season of its singing reality show?

3. This should be easy. Which video-on-demand (VoD) platform has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and brand ethos ‘We Liv to Entertain’?

4. Which tea brand has launched a campaign to promote its USP, everyday practical Ayurveda?

5. Which MNC has announced the sale of a majority share in its Lumileds LED lighting business for $1.5 billion?

6. Which business personality will launch a healthcare-focused angel fund `Health Passion Fund' with a corpus of Rs 125 crore, to support startups in the field of healthcare?

7. Which airport has launched India’s first airport e-Shopping platform for domestic passengers?

8. Which French luxury cosmetics company, which sells skincare products in India, will also foray into the makeup space in the country?

9. Which MNC will buy 5 eastern European beer brands from Anheuser-Busch InBev for 7.3 billion Euros ($7.8 billion), in the largest purchase of a foreign beer operation by a Japanese brewer?

10. Which detergent brand has roped in Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador?

11. Which hair care brand has launched a new campaign, featuring brand ambassador Vidya Balan, questioning beauty stereotypes?

12. Which sanitary ware brand has launched a new film titled ‘Rain’?

13. Which ethnic wear brand has launched its new campaign 'New Beginnings'?

14. Which MNC has entered the high-volume elevators market for affordable housing by introducing energy-efficient elevators called Gen2 Core in the Indian market?

15. Which airport has become the first in the Asia-Pacific region in the 5-15 million passengers a year category to achieve carbon neutral status?

16. Which MNC has announced the acquisition of Fractal Ink Design Studio (“Fractal”), the leading experiential design studio in India?

17. Arnab Goswami has revealed the name of his new venture. What has it been christened as?

18. Which company last week launched mosquito repellent under the DND label?

19. Which US-based maker of injectable and infusion medicines has agreed to buy Claris Injectables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of India's Claris Lifesciences, for $625 million (Rs 4,238 crore)?

20. VK Sharma has been confirmed as the chairman and managing director of which public sector entity?

21. Which digital marketplace for homebuyers and developers has launched its first social media campaign #LanesByLens?

22. Which two wheeler brand has launched its new campaign #RideDontHide?

23. Which company has announced the formation of a joint venture with Swiss luxury brand Bally to open stores in India?

24. Which tourism board has launched a new campaign #BeMyGuest featuring Shah Rukh Khan?

25. Which ad tech company has acquired Ngage, the ad tech platform of Nimbuzz, which is said to be one of the top OTT players internationally?

26. Which baby care brand has launched the campaign ‘ItTakes2’?

27. Australian travel company Flight Centre Travel Group’s retail leisure business, Flight Shop last week opened its retail store in Hyderabad. Why is this store special to the company in India?

28. Actress Taapsee Pannu has been roped in as brand ambassador for which beverage brand?

29. Which company has launched a one month digital campaign #HealthKaNotification, to create awareness about the importance of health insurance amongst consumers?

30. Photo-sharing app Instagram has crossed which user base milestone?

31. Which company has entered into an agreement to acquire Australia-based consulting, business transformation and service provider Adaptra?

32. Which MNC drug maker has decided to appoint Vivek Vasudev Kamath as the new managing director for its Indian arm?

33. Which automobile MNC has announced the appointment of Rahil Ansari as the Head of India operations, effective February 1, 2017?

34. Which healthcare tech company has acquired data analytics firm Enlightiks for an undisclosed amount?

35. This should be easy. Which celebrity has turned restaurateur and has launched fine-dining lounge 'Hero No.1' in Delhi?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 664 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

December 11, 2016

Biz Quizzard 663

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period December 05 - 10. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which entity has launched a health insurance scheme, Swastha Kutumbam, for the marginalised communities in Vijayawada?

2. Sports marketing firms Baseline Ventures and Republic of Sports have secured long term rights to launch which sports property in India and Asia?

3. Which MNC has sold the franchise rights for its restaurants in Singapore and Malaysia to Saudi Arabia's Lionhorn Pte Ltd as part of a plan to move away from direct ownership in Asia?

4. Which fashion brand has launched a campaign titled ‘Doubt is out’?

5. The Army will reportedly replace its iconic Maruti Gypsy fleet with which brand?

6. Which automobile MNC last week launched a new digital business division, to be called MOIA, to take on services such as Uber?

7. Which MNC last week launched its latest Android flagship smartphone V20 in India?

8. Which company has acquired 60 per cent stake in the Netherlands-based global fruit distribution company OFD Holding BV for about Rs 36 crore (€5 million)?

9. Which online marketplace is set to launch its first umbrella private label `Smartbuy', which will retail electronic accessories and home plastic products?

10. Which Indian bike maker has opened its first exclusive brand store in Melbourne as part of its growth strategy in Australia?

11. Which MNC has unveiled Project Field, a device that connects to real-world objects so they can be used for controlling games on smartphones and tablets?

12. Which company has picked up a majority stake in Kolkata-based Chhaya Prakashani, one of the largest publishers in terms of reach in eastern India?

13. Which fabric and apparel major has partnered Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to introduce a new line of clothing?

14. Uber has launched an app for vehicle fleet owners aimed at helping owners manage their drivers and reduce downtime. What has it been branded as?

15. Bali Padda will be the new CEO of which toymaker from January 1?

16. Which company’s subsidiary has sold its tug services firm to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) for Rs 106 crore in an all-cash deal?

17. Which bank has partnered cab aggregator Ola to set up mobile ATMs across 10 cities in the country that will allow people to withdraw up to Rs 2,000 per card?

18. Which business personality has scooped up a major strategic stake in Soothe Healthcare, a feminine hygiene startup that manufactures sanitary napkins and diapers under the brand Paree?

19. Which MNC has agreed to sell its private banking operations in Asia and the Middle East to LGT, a business run by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein?

20. Andhra Pradesh government last week launched a mobile app for cashless transactions. What has it been branded as?

21. Which Hyderabad-based company has acquired Pune-based Zazen Spa for an undisclosed amount?

22. French car-maker Renault has launched a new edition of its Multi-Purpose Vehicle - the Lodgy. What has it been sub-branded as?

23. Which Indian company has elevated Raghunath Mandava as MD & CEO of its Africa operations with effect from January 1?

24. Which English news channel was launched formally last week with the positioning ‘Be One With the World’?

25. Which fast food brand has launched a new campaign featuring food critiques Rocky & Mayur to promote its new offerings?

26. Which watch brand has launched a new campaign with the positioning ‘Different by Design’?

27. Which Bengaluru-based pharmaceutical firm has struck a deal to acquire Perrigo API India for Rs 100 crore?

28. Titan has launched a women's safety watch under which brand?

29. Sunil Taldar has been appointed as CEO and Director of which DTH company?

30. James Quincey will be the new CEO of which MNC from May 1, 2017?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkonapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 663 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

December 4, 2016

Biz Quizzard 662

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period November 28 - December 03. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Reliance Jio Infocomm has crossed which milestone subscriber mark as on November 26?

2. Which online marketplace that connects customers to service professionals has released a campaign ‘From Equals to Equals’ on gender equality?

3. Which tea brand has launched its new campaign #PehliMulakat?

4. Which luxury goods conglomerate has appointed Stéphane de Meurville as managing director of India operations?

5. Gautam Kumra has been elected as new managing director for India of which professional services firm?

6. Which French multinational commercial catering and food service company has made its foray into Indian market with acquisitions of MegaBite Food Services and C Ramachandra Caterers?

7. Siddhartha Pahwa has resigned as the CEO of which taxi aggregator?

8. Bengaluru-based startup SafeHalo Private Ltd has launched a device called ‘Safe Fan’. What is its USP?

9. Which company has signed an agreement with global industrial and metals group Liberty House to sell its speciality steel business in the UK for £100 million (Rs. 850 crore)?

10. Which Indian city has been ranked 30th in Oxford Economics’ study of the top 50 metropolitan entities globally for the year 2015?

11. Which men's grooming brand recently launched its new campaign #CoveringUpFails?

12. Which celebrity fashion line has launched the campaign ‘Fashion your own world’?

13. Which automobile brand has launched its new campaign with the positioning ‘Push Your Limits’?

14. Which menswear brand has collaborated with handloom weavers from Mangalgiri in Andhra Pradesh to develop an 'India Handloom Brand' collection?

15. Rajiv Sodhi has resigned as the India & Australia MD & Vice President of which internet domain registrar and web hosting company?

16. Which company will acquire Dutch digital marketing and customer experience agency Mirabeau BV, to further expand its digital expertise in the Netherlands and Europe?

17. Fidel Technologies, an IT services company headquartered in Tokyo, has acquired which language localisation solutions provider for undisclosed sum?

18. Which business services provider is acquiring the facility management and catering businesses of Manipal Integrated Services, part of Ranjan Pai's Manipal Education and Medical Group?

19. Which company is all set to acquire Kolkata-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) Imperial Credit Pvt Ltd for a consideration of Rs 36 crore?

20. Which automobile brand has launched a new initiative titled ‘Invincible Indians: Stories that invoke pride every day.’?

21. Which celebrity has been signed on to be part of a digital marketing campaign by online marketplace for food delivery, Foodpanda?

22. Amazon India has launched its second in-house brand, an ethnic wear label for women. Name it?

23. Which company has agreed to sell its EcoEnergy division for $70 million as it sharpens its focus on its core IT business?

24. Which company / group has become the first non-banking company in the country to introduce Blockchain technology?

25. Which healthcare IT firm has acquired US-based Encima Group for $16 million (Rs 109.54 crore) to ramp up its analytics and omni-channel digital solutions capability for the pharma industry?

26. Which company has introduced two new-age digital platforms - SYOUV and With You Hamesha - to enhance the overall ownership experience of its automotive prospects and customers?

27. Bajaj has announced the name of its new bike, to be launched on 15th December 2016. What has the bike been branded as?

28. To create awareness for the cause of girl child education, which MNC has recreated the song, 'School Chale Hum', originally produced by Bharat Bala for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in 2006?

29. Which financial marketplace has unveiled the video #PlayYourPart as part of its latest digital campaign for the wedding season?

30. Which two iconic luxury chains from Asia have formed a strategic alliance to increase their reach and market share in the highly competitive hospitality industry?

31. Noomi Mehta has become the first Indian to join the board of international out of home association FEPE International. He is the chairman of which business group?

32. Which Hyderabad-based learning solutions provider for K-12 students has acqui-hired Gurugram-based education technology startup Xolvr?

33. Michael “Jim” Delligatti passed away last week. He was the inventor of which iconic food brand?

34. Which global container shipping carrier is to acquire German container shipping line Hamburg Sud, termed the seventh largest container shipping line and a leader in the North–South trades?

35. Which well known textile company in India has officially called quits to manufacturing and will now focus only on retail?

36. Which electrical goods company has tied up with UK-based Gooee to be the latter's launch partner in India?

37. The world’s largest trade fair is entering India. Name it?

38. Kevin Johnson will be the new CEO of which MNC from April 2017?

39. Which bank last week launched its own mobile wallet Cippy?

40. Chitra Ramkrishna has quit as the CEO of which entity?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 662 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 27, 2016

Biz Quizzard 661

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period November 21 - 26. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which company has acquired home rental startup Grabhouse in an all-stock deal aimed at strengthening its realty vertical?

2. Which MNC bank has appointed Siby Sebastian as Chief Executive for its India operations?

3. Which 24-hour food and lifestyle television channel has rolled out the campaign ‘Obsessed with Food’ to commemorate its first anniversary?

4. Which MNC has launched its first accelerator programme for startups called DNA (discover, nurture and align) to gain a foothold in the country's booming startup market?

5. Uber has partnered with which wedding planning website to offer mobility solutions for wedding-related travel in 12 Indian cities?

6. Hyundai Motor India Ltd. last week achieved which production milestone at its Sriperumbudur facility, near Chennai?

7. Pankaj R Patel has been elected as president of Ficci for 2017.  He is the chairman and managing director of which company?

8. Celebrating the demonetisation move, which brand launched the campaign ‘Nahi rukega India. Cashless chalega India’?

9. Which global communications company has appointed Nirvik Singh as the CEO of the Middle East and Africa region?

10. Which location remains the costliest in the country to rent a shop, as per the 28th edition of the Cushman & Wakefield report, `Main Streets Across the World?

11. Pranab Kumar Choudhury, fondly known as PKC in the country's financial circle, passed away last week. He was credited with building which rating company from scratch?

12. Which pharmaceutical company has appointed Uday Baldota as its CEO?

13. Which US buyout firm is buying Nissan Motor-backed auto parts maker Calsonic Kansei Corp for up to 498.3 billion yen ($4.5 billion) in its biggest deal in Japan?

14. Which realty major has ventured into education with the launch of its first educational institute Next School?

15. Ola last week unveiled a new car entertainment platform that allows passengers to listen to the music of their choice. What has it been branded as?

16. Which innerwear brand has launched a new campaign with the tagline ‘raho garma-garam’?

17. Bharti Airtel last week launched its payments bank services as a pilot, becoming the first payments bank in the country to go live. Which state?

18. Which packaging firm has bought out mid-sized Delhi-based Varahi Polymers in a Rs 350-crore deal?

19. Which drug maker’s UK arm has sold the entire 16.7% stake it held in Chase Pharma, a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, to Allergan, famous for its Botox brand?

20. Who is the only Indian among three persons of Indian origin to be featured in US magazine Fortune's top 50 business persons list for 2016?

21. Which international property consultant has elevated industry veteran Naveen Nandwani as managing director, Bengaluru and Kochi?

22. Which pharma company will acquire 85.1% in a Russian company, JSC Biosintez, in a deal valued at $60 million to focus on emerging markets?

23. TVS has announced that it will introduce the production ready motorcycle of its tie-up with BMW, by March 2017. What has the model been branded as?

24. Anand Halve passed away last week. He was the co-founder of which creative agency?

25. Which company and leading Japanese snack company Kameda Seika will jointly invest $10 million in a 51:49 joint venture to sell rice-based snacks in India?

26. Which company last week introduced four ecycles with electric pedal assisted technology under the Lectro brand, priced between Rs 42,000 and Rs 83,000?

27. Which health insurance company was launched in the country last week?

28. Which MNC has acquired the DNS provider called Dyn?

29. Revenues of the Indian unit of Unicharm Corp have crossed which milestone mark in the year to March?

30. The wholly-owned UK subsidiary of which Indian company has entered into an agreement with Sweden's Moberg Pharma to acquire its PediaCare brand for a total consideration of $5 million?

31. The French subsidiary of which Indian pharma company will be acquiring select commercial products from Teva in France?

32. Maruti Suzuki has launched a limited edition variant of WagonR. What has it been branded as?

33. Which US-based global entrepreneur network has appointed Govind Kavaturi as the new India President?

34. Which MNC last week launched two new single malts, "Ardmore" and "Bowmore 12 year old" in India?

35. Which realty developer has roped in Gauri Khan as its brand ambassador and to design signature interiors for its premium residential projects?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 661 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 20, 2016

Biz Quizzard 660

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period November 14 - 19. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Who has become the only non-Tata person to sit on the boards of Tata Sons and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT)?

2. Which Luxembourg-based messaging service provider has globally launched `Public Accounts', a new tool for its international users?

3. Mobile payments platform Paytm recently touched which milestone mark of number of transactions per day?

4. Which creative agency is celebrating its 70th anniversary as ‘70 mm agency’?

5. Which ethnic wear brand has launched its new ad campaign, ‘Aadha Aadha’?

6. Which beverage maker in India is foraying into foods, starting next month?

7. Which organic food brand is entering the ready-to-cook and snacks category?

8. Which sports-based entertainment company is now launching its first international property in the US on December 14?

9. Which global talent, retirement and health solutions business has acquired Gurgaon-based hiring assessment company CoCubes in an all cash deal?

10. Which business group is partnering with British wholesaler Booker Group to open cash-and-carry stores and compete directly with Walmart and Metro in the country?

11. Which MNC has agreed to buy US-based software maker Mentor Graphics Corp for $4.5 billion in its biggest acquisition since 2014?

12. Which MNC has announced an $8-billion deal to buy car tech firm Harman International Industries for $8 billion?

13. Which hygiene brand has introduced Healthy Hands Chalk Sticks to emphasise the importance of washing hands before eating?

14. Which business group has partnered with Cisco Jasper to launch UNLIMIT, an independent unit which will provide Internet of Things (IoT) services?

15. Which cosmetics maker last week snapped up the beauty products brand Too Faced for $1.45 billion in its biggest acquisition to date?

16. Which MNC last week introduced its entry-level compact SUV Macan, its first sub-Rs 1 crore car in the country?

17. Mutual fund folios in the country crossed which milestone mark in October?

18. Which bakery brand has launched a new campaign 'Yummy waali shararat'?

19. Pune-based builder Paranjape Schemes (Construction) Ltd (PSCL) has signed up which ex-cricketer as brand ambassador for its 'Athashri' projects?

20. Which company last week said it will set up an industrial training institute in Mehsana, Gujarat, christened as “Japan-India Institute of Manufacturing” (JIM)?

21. Which sports management company has entered into a multi-year commercial agreement with Indian Boxing Council (IBC), the governing body for professional boxing in India?

22. Times Internet Limited (TIL) has named former Twitter India head Rishi Jaitly as chief executive of which business unit?

23. Which MNC has launched a campaign "Spread the glow inside out” for ‘Be Bright’, a range of skincare products?

24. Which well know brand has launched a new campaign, titled ‘Taste that frees the joy’?

25. Malvika Mehra has announced her plans to launch an independent outfit, Tomorrow Creative Lab. She is the former national creative director of which creative agency?

26. Reliance Industries and which MNC have formed a partnership to provide digital solutions for industrial use?

27. Which telecom company has incorporated a new unit, Towercom Infrastructure Private (TIPL), which will be an infrastructure company?

28. Which company has decided to sell its Titawi Sugar Mill in Uttar Pradesh for Rs 375 crore to Indian Potash, a government-owned fertiliser company?

29. Which company is set to acquire 100% shareholding of Walker Forge Tennessee LLC (WFT) through its US subsidiary?

30. In the first case of an American automaker using India as the sole sourcing base for an individual model, Ford Motor Co in the US will import which model from India from 2018?

31. Which subsidiary of China's internet giant Alibaba recently reached the 100-million monthly active user mark in India for its flagship product?

32. Which Hong Kong conglomerate will acquire Coca-Cola bottling assets in China for 5.87 billion yuan ($852 million)?

33. Which MNC has bought facial recognition startup FacioMetrics?

34. Bajaj Auto last week rolled out the first batch of their much awaited super premium 400 cc bike from the Chakan plant. What was special about the assembly line?

35. Which mobile app has launched two TV commercials for its campaign #LookBeforeYouLeave?

36. Which tourism board has launched the campaign 'Nature wants you back'?

37. Which Indian company has announced a strategic partnership with leading Russian distribution and production company Central Partnership (CP)?

38. Which company that provides taxi-hailing services launched its operations in Bengaluru last week?

39. Which premium German brand has launched luxury leather handbags on Myntra?

40. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has made the Indian manufacturing facility at Pune among one of the four facilities globally to make which model?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 660 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 13, 2016

Biz Quizzard 659

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period November 07 - 12. Hope you enjoy it.

1. The boards of which two companies have decided to merge the two entities, a move that will create the fourth-largest cement maker in the country?

2. Which IT firm in India has said it will sell its Berlin-based subsidiary to ANSYS?

3. Which MNC has launched the campaign “We know, great is in the detail” to increase engagement with Hero Indian Super League (ISL) fans?

4. Richard Rekhy has decided to retire as the India CEO of which professional services firm?

5. Actor Sidharth Malhotra is featured in the television commercial (current on air) of which hair care brand?

6. Which beverage brand has launched the digital ad film 'Sun in a Bottle'?

7. Which watch brand has launched the television commercial titled ‘My time’?

8. Which MNC has appointed Tejinder Gill as Vice President of sales and head of India operations?

9. Which MNC has appointed Dinesh Verma to the role of Managing Director, India and SAARC with immediate effect?

10. Which company has agreed to buy the retail business arm of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu-founded Heritage Foods in a stock deal?

11. Which UK-based insurance major has filed an application to set up operations in Mumbai and expects to commence operations from 2017?

12. Which IT firm’s wholly-owned subsidiary has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% shares of UK-based Blom Aerofilms Ltd?

13. Which eye care brand has launched the campaign ‘Don’t be a spectator!’?

14. Which company is entering into the video-on-demand space with its new over-the-top (OTT) mobile application Chillx?

15. Hindi news channel IBN7 is being rebranded. What is the new brand?

16. Which Indian firm will make unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, in a joint venture with Israeli firm Elbit Systems?

17. Which Hyderabad-based company is set to acquire 95 per cent of Salion SE, an asset management company based out of Berlin?

18. Which MNC is celebrating its 20 years in India with the campaign 'A lot has changed. Nothing has changed'?

19. Which handset brand has launched two new commercials under it’s 'Never Lets You Down’ campaign, featuring MS Dhoni and Prateik Babbar?

20. The government declared existing currency notes of which two denominations to be void from November 9?

21. Radio Mantra, the private FM radio station cluster run by the promoters of Jagaran Prakashan, will be merged into and rebranded as which radio network by the end of this quarter?

22. Which brand has launched the campaign 'It's That Simple' for its new app?

23. Suneel Advani will be the new chairman of which company from December 1?

24. Which business group has announced its entry into the Indian mutual fund business by acquiring Peerless Mutual Fund?

25. India's first banking robot made its debut on November 10. Which bank?

26. Which automobile brand has been introduced through a carpool karaoke video, featuring the cast of Rock On 2?

27. Which performance marketing technology company has announced the acquisition of HookLogic?

28. Which company has become the first commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturer from outside Japan to have won the Deming Prize?

29. Which company has acquired Delhi-based Shopsity in a bid to strengthen its offline retail network?

30. Which two companies have decided to merge operations to form the single largest pay TV operator in the world with 27.6 million net subscribers?

31. Myntra is all set to open its first brick-and-mortar store later this year. Which city?

32. Kotak Mahindra Bank has received RBI approval for its maiden international branch. Which location?

33. Which agrochemicals company has launched a television commercial for its fungicide brand Bavistin?

34. Which ceramic and vitrified tiles manufacturer has roped in Akshay Kumar as brand ambassador?

35. Which business group has elevated Pawan Goenka as group MD?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 659 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

November 6, 2016

Biz Quizzard 658

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period October 31 - November 05. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which two states have tied for first place in the ease of doing business ranking this year, unveiled by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)?

2. Which MNC has said it would merge its oil and gas business with No. 3 oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Inc?

3. Which apparel brand has launched a film titled 'Life After' as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign #UnitedByHer?

4. Which US hospital staffing provider has agreed to be bought by private equity firm Blackstone Group in a deal valued at about $6.1 billion?

5. Which tech start-up has launched Geckolyst, a product that analyses customer feedback to provide comprehensible information to enterprises?

6. Which MNC has signed a deal to work directly with Ford Motor Co to expand the car maker's use of its QNX secure operating system?

7. Which company has entered into an agreement with South Africa's CTL Group of Companies to acquire the latter's personal care, hair care and creams businesses for ZAR 18.8 million ($1.5 million)?

8. Rishi Jaitly has quit as the India head of which MNC?

9. Which British fashion house is marking its 160th anniversary this year with a video about its founder, directed by Asif Kapadia?

10. Which brand has released its digital film #GiveWayGiveLife, urging people to give way to ambulances?

11. Which ethnic wear brand has launched the campaign 'Pehno Apni Pehchaan'?

12. Which brand has released a video ‘Ek Muthi Sonu ke Naam’ to urge people to pause and spare a thought to the millions of children who go hungry?

13. Which smartphone brand has launched the ad ‘Get Fast, Get Forward’?

14. Which IT firm has appointed John Owen as its Group Chief Executive Officer with effect from November 1, 2016?

15. Which IT company has acquired UK-based digital agency Foolproof?

16. Microsoft Corp last week launched a messaging system for businesses. What has it been branded as?

17. Who has topped Forbes’ 2016 list of highest paid women in music?

18. Which portal has launched a campaign titled ‘Resale ka MRP’ to establish its Orange Book Value (OBV) as a defacto industry standard for pricing of used automobiles?

19. Punjabi singer-actor Gurdas Maan has partnered with which Delhi-based company to launch a restaurant brand The Studio - by Gurdas Maan?

20. The Goods and Services Tax Council has opted for how many tiered rate structure?

21. Which company is promoting Ayurveda amongst the young professionals with AyurMedha scholarship?

22. Which Indian company has inked a pact with Indonesia’s state-owned enterprise PT Pindad to explore market potential of armoured vehicles in Indonesia and other agreed regions of Asean?

23. Which skincare brand has launched a television commercial with Bharti Singh of Comedy Nights Bachao fame as brand ambassador?

24. Which company has forayed into the luxury chocolate segment in the country with the launch of Friberg, a super-premium chocolate brand imported from Belgium and Switzerland?

25. Which brand has topped India's Most Attractive Brands 2016 study, carried out by Trust Research Advisory (TRA)?

26. Switzerland Tourism has roped in which actor as its brand ambassador in India?

27. Which company has signed an exclusive deal to sell British high street brand Ted Baker in India?

28. Shyamal Mukherjee has been elected the new India Chairman of which professional services firm for a 4-year term?

29. In the largest single deal in the retail real estate sector in India, which Dutch entity and Virtuous Retail (VR) have acquired an initial portfolio of 3 retail assets for Rs 2000 crore?

30. Which company has been ranked as the most attractive internet brand in the country, according to India's Most Attractive Brands Study 2016 by TRA?

31. Which Chinese conglomerate is buying the maker of the Golden Globes awards show, US television rights owner Dick Clark Productions, for approximately $1 billion?

32. India will house which healthcare major’s one of six innovation hubs and would feed pharmaceutical product launches in 30 countries?

33. Which cross channel marketing attribution software provider has acquired Refined Labs, a leading German attribution and customer journey analytics provider?

34. Which sports brand has unveiled its first brand campaign "Discover The Joy Of Sport, Together"?

35. Who has become the first woman to be named Chairperson of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), a global industry association for Exchanges and clearing houses?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 658 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who answer the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 30, 2016

Biz Quizzard 657

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period October 22 - 29. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which business group last week said it had ‘replaced’ its chairman with immediate effect?

2. According to a report last week, which Indian business scion has been roped in as a recording artist by Universal Music Group?

3. Which MNC has said that its former India managing director Mahesh Samat is coming back to take charge as India MD?

4. Chinese conglomerate China Oceanwide Holdings has agreed to buy which New York-listed US insurance firm for USD 2.7 billion?

5. Which company announced the launch of a platform, True Time Bids, that allows buyers to participate in traditional 'on the ground' used-car auctions via internet in real-time?

6. Realty portal Square Yards recently crossed which milestone mark in terms of total value of properties sold through its platform?

7. Which confectionery brand has launched the ad #StartSomethingFresh?

8. Hero MotoCorp crossed which milestone profit after tax (PAT) mark for the first time in a quarter?

9. Which company has acquired Chicago-based Britannica's Indian curriculum business for Rs 88 crore?

10. Which company has reached an agreement in principle to buy Time Warner Inc for about $85 billion, paving the way for what would be the biggest deal in the world this year?

11. Which company will acquire Ocular Technologies from Auven Therapeutics, a private equity firm focused on accelerated development of breakthrough drugs?

12. Which MNC has picked Swedish businessman and board member Borje Ekholm to take over as chief executive?

13. Which ghee brand has unveiled its new positioning ‘Pyaar ka rang sunehra’?

14. Which furniture and home décor brand has recreated its brand identity with a new logo and tagline ‘Let’s Create’?

15. Which social e-commerce platform has launched its festive campaign ‘Mission: One Crore: Pledge a saree. Pledge a smile.’?

16. Which retail chain has launched the ad ‘Yeh Diwali Sabki Wali’?

17. Which company has launched interactive 3D experience codenamed #LightUpLoC?

18. Which pharma major has launched the ‘The race of possible’ campaign?

19. Which online learning marketplace has launched a unique Diwali campaign #FestivalOfLearning across its digital platforms?

20. Which television channel has launched a new movement called #SundayIsHerHoliday?

21. Rajasthan is all set to launch its own brand olive oil next month, which it claims will be the country's first indigenously-produced brand. Name the brand?

22. Which company has signed a four-year bat endorsement deal with Ajinkya Rahane?

23. Which MNC has unveiled a new television and digital campaign #SapneHueBade?

24. Which MNC has acquired Bengaluru-based Sanovi Technologies for an undisclosed sum to bolster its cloud offerings?

25. Which company is investing up to Rs 205 crore in electric automotive startup Ather Energy for a 26-30% stake?

26. Who has been elected chairman of global telecom body GSMA for a 2-year term, starting January 2017?

27. Which MNC will acquire NXP Semiconductors NV in a transaction valued at $47 billion?

28. KVL Narayan Rao will be the new group CEO of which media group?

29. Which infrastructure financing major has launched a digital marketplace startup, christened as 'iQuippo', in order to tap growing infrastructure equipment markets in India and overseas?

30. Which company has acquired the UK based iconic two wheeler brand BSA, through its recently acquired company for Rs 28 crore?

31. Which Italian apparels and accessories brand marked its foray into the Indian market with its first store opening last week in Select Citywalk, Saket, Delhi?

32. Which MNC joined hands with Intel to launch a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru that will help demonstrate High Performance Computing (HPC) as a service for customers?

33. Which company will buy 73.5% stake in Le Meridien hotel in Bengaluru for more than Rs 644 crore?

34. Which company, with successful tea businesses in India and the UK, now plans to enter the coffee and drinking chocolate market in the country?

35. Not sure if I have covered this before. India has overtaken which country to become the second-biggest market globally in terms of smartphone connections?

36. C Vijayakumar will be the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of which IT company?

37. Which IT company will acquire Butler America Aerospace for $85 million in cash?

38. Which MNC has acquired Danish Naval company Nordic Defence Industries (NDI), which designs and manufactures mine disposal charge systems for the naval defence industry?

39. Microsoft India recently launched its first full-scale Cybersecurity Engagement Centre (CSEC) in the country. Which city?

40. Which company is the only company from Asia to be ranked among the world's top ten employers in biotechnology by Science magazine?

41. Which automobile company has launched its latest campaign ‘Dilon ki Diwali’?

42. Which online shop for pre-owned cars has launched its first-ever digital campaign, #ZindagiMeinAageBadho?

43. Which business news channel has unveiled its new positioning, #OpinionsThatCount?

44. From November 14, what will National Geographic Channel be known as?

45. Which company has teamed up with renowned poet, lyricist and legend Gulzar to launch the campaign #RoshniDilKi?

46. Which MNC has bought out Tata Group's publishing arm Westland - the publisher of best-selling authors Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi and Rashmi Bansal, among others - for Rs 39.8 crore?

47. Which company last week announced that it will be acquiring the dairy business of Reliance Retail Limited (RRL) through a slump sale?

48. Which Maharashtra-based biotech player has entered into definitive agreements with Hyderabad-based API maker JC Biotech to acquire a 70% stake for a consideration of Rs 50 crore?

49. Which company has become the first insurance company to open a unit at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) near Gandhinagar?

50. Which company has received the delivery of world’s first very large ethane carrying ships that will be used for ferrying the fuel from the US?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 657 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 23, 2016

Biz Quizzard 656

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the period October 17 - 21. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which business group has announced the sale of its India refining business and a port in Gujarat's Vadinar to a Russian consortium led by energy major Rosneft?

2. Which quick service restaurant (QSR) chain has launched the digital campaign “You eat, they eat” for its ‘add HOPE’ initiative?

3. Which company has acquihired Pyoopil Education Technologies, a mobile-based SaaS (Software-as-a-service) product used by companies to deploy online training programmes?

4. Which actor has come on board as an angel investor for Rooter, a first of its kind social platform that connects sports fans and engages them during live sporting events?

5. Technology giant Cisco’s India revenue has crossed which milestone mark?

6. Which fashion brand has launched its maiden TV campaign, based on the theme ‘Endless ways out’, after completing 10 years in the industry?

7. Which popular brand mascot in India has turned 50?

8. Which matrimony portal has launched a video for its initiative #FastForHer, on the occasion of Karva Chauth?

9. Piveta Estates, a private venture of which business personality, has acquired a majority stake in celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia's Riga Foods?

10. Which online baby products seller is acquiring offline retailer Mahindra BabyOye for Rs 362.1 crore in a primarily stock deal?

11. Which retail lender has become the first foreign-owned lender to raise Rs 500 crore through an issue of Masala bonds?

12. Which MNC has decided to make India a global hub for its smallest bike - the G310R, a 313cc motorcycle?

13. Which company last week unveiled its ‘Circuit’ series, comprising the first 100 per cent electric bus made in India?

14. Which company has unveiled Aero series of premium ceiling fans and has filed for patent?

15. Which telecom company, on 17th October, made a world record by creating the ‘largest voucher’ the world has ever seen?

16. Which US-based motorcycling experience provider last week announced opening of its first franchise outlet in India, in New Delhi?

17. Which English general entertainment channel (GEC) has announced its new brand positioning with the slogan ‘All Eyes On New’?

18. KV Sridhar, aka Pops, has resigned as the chief creative officer of which advertising agency?

19. Which Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC), along with the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), has launched a brand initiative titled 'Nayi Soch'?

20. Tata Trusts and which MNC last week announced a partnership to train 10,000 youth in various technical areas of healthcare over a three-year period?

21. Which retail company has launched its oats brand 'Kosh'?

22. Which online furniture retailer plans to set up offline stores and list on e-commerce portals?

23. Which two wheeler brand has rolled out a new television commercial (TVC) ‘Ye to Special hai Yaar’?

24. Which public relations, public affairs and digital marketing consultancy has announced the acquisition of Giga Health, a healthcare focused digital marketing and social media agency?

25. Twitter has launched a special emoji for which popular reality TV show in India?

26. Which cloud-based customer service software provider has acquired Chatimity, a social chat platform based on artificial intelligence used for integrating chat within mobile apps?

27. Alfred Kelly will be the new CEO of which MNC effective December 1?

28. Which Jaipur-based start-up has introduced an email address service under ‘DATAMAIL’ that allows people to create email IDs in eight Indian languages?

29. Which Dubai-based group is set to enter metros in India as part of its expansion plan to sell high-end furniture, furnishing and home accessories?

30. Which two online-focused travel groups are merging in an all-stock deal?

31. Westside, the flagship store of Tata Group’s retail arm Trent, has opened its 100th store in which city?

32. Which company has launched 'Knight', a water purifier-cum-dispenser that boasts of an eight-stage advanced purification system built inside a hot and cold dispenser?

33. This should be easy. Which cooking oil brand has launched the digital ad ‘Tyohaaron ki dhara’ (stream of festivals)?

34. Which radio network has relaunched in the Delhi market with a new 'Retro-Romantic' positioning “Sunte Hi Pyaar Ho Jaye"?

35. Which well known FMCG brand has launched its new ad #AbLagRahiDiwali?

36. Which global mobile technology startup has launched its first ever Diwali campaign, a film titled "The Journey"?

37. Which premium innerwear brand has extended the brand portfolio with the launch of ‘Casualz’, foraying into a range of casual wear with track pants, shorts, t-shirts and three-quarter pants?

38. Coca-Cola India has not renewed its endorsement contract with which celebrity?

39. Which company last week said it would buy 60% stake in Classic Legends (CLPL), a company engaged in manufacturing and marketing two-wheelers, for Rs 6 crore?

40. Chinese firm Xiaomi has sold how many smartphones in India in the first 18 days of October?

41. Which MNC is acquiring 49% stake each in two projects of Suzlon Energy in Telangana for an aggregate amount of Rs 26.4 crore?

42. Which well known multinational consumer electronics firm has entered into education space in India?

43. Which online bus ticket booking platform has roped in Telugu film actor Mahesh Babu to promote its brand?

44. Which two-wheeler brand has launched its new television commercial ‘Everyday Pride', featuring Rear Admiral SK Gupta, a Mahavir Chakra Awardee who served in the 1971 Indo-Pak war?

45. Which spirits brand has launched a new advertising campaign ‘Salute to Banta Hai’?

46. Which cosmetics major has roped in Ciara, entertainer, model and fashion icon, as the newest global brand ambassador?

47. Which cooking oil brand has unveiled its new TV campaign ‘one specialist to another’, featuring actor Boman Irani?

48. Actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been roped in as the brand ambassador of which apparel brand?

49. Which company last week introduced a new range of puncture-safe tyres for motorcycles?

50. Which company has agreed to acquire U.S.-based cloud services company Appirio for a consideration of $500 million (about Rs.3,338 crore)?

51. Which Italy-based messaging platform provider has acquired a 51% stake in Bengaluru-based cloud telephony and enterprise communication startup Solutions Infini for an undisclosed sum?

52. Which MNC last week said it had completed a deal to take a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors?

53. Which business services provider will buy out Singapore-based HR firm Comtel, and Bengaluru-based Terrier Security and Simpliance?

54. Which technology major last week announced its plan to roll out 5G services by 2018, which will be the first modem for cellular networks?

55. Which MNC has announced that it will phase out the use of Snoopy and Peanuts characters in its marketing?

56. Which MNC has launched the television commercial ‘Ulte ko seedha’ for its refrigerator?

57. Which fashion portal, in association with actor Shahid Kapoor, has launched SKULT, an athleisure fashion brand?

58. Actress Tabu is featured in the television commercial (currently on air) for which skincare brand?

59. Which MNC last week unveiled the Bonneville T100 bike with a price tag of Rs 7.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)?

60. According to Forbes India, the fortune of Mukesh Ambani is equal to the GDP of which country?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 656 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 16, 2016

Biz Quizzard 655

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

1. Which advertising group is set to acquire Happy Creative Services, a Bengaluru-based creative agency best known for its work on brands like Flipkart, Ola and Diesel?

2. Which Malaysia-based chicken restaurant chain will open its first outlet in India later this month?

3. Which hospitality company plans to open its first hotel in India, in Goa, in early November, as it seeks to expand its global portfolio to 75 properties by 2020?

4. Which company has filed an application before the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for an in-principle approval to register a real estate investment trust (REIT)?

5. Which business scion has set up a hygiene startup called RogFree?

6. Which American content provider has signed a strategic alliance with China's Jack Ma-led Alibaba Group to co-produce and finance films for global and Chinese market?

7. Which bodybuilding supplement brand has roped in actor Sahil Khan as brand ambassador?

8. Reliance Jio has claimed that it has created “a world record” by crossing which milestone subscriber mark in its first month of operations?

9. Which Swiss medical products firm has announced the commencement of Indian operations with establishment of its 10th global affiliate?

10. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, the corporate entity of Vizag Steel, has roped in which celebrity as its brand ambassador?

11. Which company will sell its entire stake in its US-based wholly-owned subsidiary King Maker Marketing (KMM) for an estimated consideration of US$ 24 million?

12. Which menswear brand has partnered with Pochampally Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society from Telangana to introduce Ikat into men’s work wear segment?

13. Britannia Industries has launched an initiative that enables consumers to pay for special edition Good Day biscuit packs through what, instead of the usual currency?

14. Which brand has launched a campaign for its new gold jewellery collection, Shubham?

15. Which English daily has launched the campaign #SayNoToJunk to promote its new avatar?

16. Why was Balwinder Sahani, owner of RSG International, a property management company with interests in the UAE, Kuwait, India and the US, in the news recently?

17. Which Indian group has said its transmission division has received order from Italy-based Ducati to manufacture bike gears for the superbike maker's premium offerings?

18. Which global leader in office furniture and workspace design has unveiled Navi TeamIsland, a new desking system to address the unmet needs of the Indian workplace?

19. Which company last week announced the introduction of new range of tractors specifically designed for potato farming?

20. Why were British-born Oliver Hart and Finland's Bengt Holmstrom in the news last week?

21. Which company will acquire five injectable anesthesia and pain management products of Janssen Pharmaceutica for about $175 million or Rs 1,164 crore?

22. Which foreign lender has announced a tie-up with Uber under which its credit cardholders, across six countries, will get a cash-back of up to 25 per cent for hailing cabs from the app?

23. Which online fashion retailer has launched its festive brand campaign - "You Are The Festival"?

24. Which media company has extended its maternity leave benefits to an unprecedented nine months of paid leave from the current three months?

25. Which NBFC has acquired digital lending platform FlexiLoans Technologies?

26. Which Chennai-based company has formed a technology tie-up with New Zealand-based SPL Ltd, engaged in manufacture of hygiene products, to make and sell hand dryers in the Indian market?

27. Sunil Lalvani has quit as the India President of which MNC?

28. Which company has reached an agreement with Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Broadcast Networks (RBN) to acquire the latter for an enterprise value of Rs 1,872 crore?

29. Which company has signed a letter of intent to form a 50-50 joint venture with Shaanxi Automobile Group of China to set up a 1.5 lakh-unit plant in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province?

30. Which bank has executed India’s first transaction on blockchain?

31. Which company has picked up 75% stake in Mumbai-based healthcare startup Puro Wellness?

32. Which global chemicals manufacturer has appointed Harshad Naik as Managing Director, India Subcontinent?

33. John Stumpf has resigned as CEO of which American bank?

34. Which state-owned entity plans to lay the nation's longest LPG pipeline from Gujarat coast to Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh to cater to growing demand for cooking gas in the country?

35. Which MNC, in collaboration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), has launched the campaign ‘Ek Heera Aapke Heere Ke Liye’?

36. Which online destination for jewellery has launched a new brand campaign ‘Choose Your Twinkle’?

37. Tata Sky has launched a curated music channel on its Pay TV platform in partnership with digital entertainment company Hungama. What has it been branded as?

38. Which MNC has said it set a new record for cable transmission capacity for communications traffic, doubling its previous levels?

39. Which Tata group firm last week said it will foray into women's ethnic wear segment on a pilot basis?

40. Which organization has launched its new campaign ‘A Cut Above’?

41. Which MNC has bought FameBit, an online technology platform that connects brands with YouTube stars to create promotional content?

42. Which Swiss luxury watch brand is coming to India through a partnership with Mumbai-based retailer Regalia Luxury?

43. UK's JLT (Jardine Lloyd Thomson) group has acquired the business of which broking company in India?

44. Which British luxury fabric maker has launched its operations in India through a joint venture with SK Birla Group?

45. Bank deposits in India crossed which milestone mark for the first time ever in September, according to data released by the RBI?

46. Which MNC has said it would buy a controlling stake in privately held Brazilian food group Parati for about 1.38 billion reais ($428 million) in cash to expand in emerging markets?

47. Which e-commerce giant has launched 'Global Store' in India that will allow its customers here to buy products sold on the US website and pay in local currency?

48. Which consumer durables company has launched a campaign with the theme of “Hawa Happy”?

49. Which media group has launched inUth(dot)com (in beta), a video-first, multi-platform digital destination for Indian millennial?

50. Which bank has signed a principal sponsorship contract with badminton Olympians P V Sindhu and K Srikanth?

51. Which celebrity’s year-old company ‘The Live Love Laugh Foundation' has launched the digital film #DobaraPoocho?

52. Which beverage brand has unveiled its ready-to-drink packs and has launched a campaign with the brand line - ‘Go Red’?

53. Which US-based home cleaning solutions and floor care major last week announced its foray into the Indian market?

54. Which nicotine replacement therapy brand has launched a new television commercial titled 'Friends'?

55. Baba Ramdev will be launching his autobiography “Being Baba Ramdev” next year. Which company is the publisher?

56. Sri Sri Ayurveda, promoted by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation, has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador for its Ojasvita range?

57. Valvoline Cummins India has roped in which celebrity as brand ambassador?

58. Yuvraj Singh’s premium fashion label, YWC, has inked an exclusive deal with which online fashion store?

59. FMCG conglomerate CavinKare has launched Kali Mehandi, a powdered hair colour product, under which brand?

60. Which Indian company has signed a nonbinding pact with Canada's Brookfield Infrastructure Group to sell a majority stake in its tower unit for Rs 11,000 crore?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 655 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 9, 2016

Biz Quizzard 654

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

1. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence for this year were announced last week. Which company is the Company of the Year?

2. Ravindra Jadeja has signed a three-year contract with which sports marketing firm?

3. Which surface transport logistics provider has filed for three patents in the US for algorithms created by it, making it a rare instance of an Indian startup seeking to do so?

4. Which country has topped the list of best destinations for expats, according to HSBC's report from the 'Expat Explorer' series?

5. Vinod Sawhny has stepped down as the CEO of which telecom company?

6. Rajeev Sharma has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director of state-run entity?

7. Ronnie Dean Coleman, eight times Mr. Olympia and retired American professional body builder, is toying with the idea of setting up a manufacturing unit in India to make which gym wear brand?

8. Which startup is claiming to be India's first online marketplace to trade ewaste, and other wastes of paper, plastic, textiles etc?

9. Which company has acquired ecommerce services and technology company Sellerworx for an undisclosed amount?

10. Which business personality has invested $1.6 million, or roughly Rs 8 crore, in Philadelphia and Mumbai-based UE LifeSciences, the developer of an affordable breast cancer screening device?

11. Ratan Tata has invested in which virtual fitness coaching platform?

12. Which company has agreed to acquire Norwegian IT and BPO services provider Frontica Business Solutions for about 1.02 billion Norwegian krone, or about $128 million?

13. Which home finance company has appointed Ravindra Sudhalkar as its new CEO?

14. Which company has acquired RH Agro's rice mill in Sonipat, Haryana, for Rs 70 crore?

15. Which Indian company has received government go-ahead for fuel retailing, becoming the eighth player to enter the business?

16. Which French salon and spa chain is making two acquisitions in India - hair solutions specialist Trica Hair Clinic, and home service brand The Home Salon?

17. Facebook Inc. is releasing a feature that will let users post items for sale and shop for things to buy, like they can on Craigslist. What is it called?

18. Telugu actor Mahesh Babu has been appointed as brand ambassador for which online streaming platform for South-Asian content?

19. Which life insurance company has appointed Ashish Vohra as its new CEO?

20. Dassault Aviation of France has entered into a partnership with which Indian group to execute offsets for the recently concluded deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets?

21. Which company has acquired Notedome Ltd of the UK, a manufacturer of neuthane polyurethane cast elastomers, for Rs 120 crore?

22. Which regional airline last week received a national permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation?

23. Which brand recently launched a campaign to promote its new range that offers 100 different styles of shirts to consumers in one colour – white?

24. Which Chilean wine maker has forayed into the Indian market, in partnership with Mumbai-based Aspri Spirits, one of the leading distributors of imported premium wines?

25. V Kalyana Rama has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of which public sector entity?

26. State Bank of India (SBI) recently expanded its overseas footprint by entering which country?

27. Which MNC has launched a television commercial campaign for the ‘Shinobi Pro’ LED TV Range?

28. Which company is back with its ‘Kuch Naya Sochte Hain’ campaign, showcasing a first-of-its-kind casserole called MicroWow?

29. Dhiraj Rajaram has taken over as the new CEO of which data analytics company?

30. Google has introduced a new line of smartphones. What has it been branded as?

31. Which company has acquired 51% stake in JRG International Brokerage DMCC, an international commodity derivatives brokerage registered with the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange?

32. Which well known multinational consumer electronics company has picked India as the first market for the launch of its mobile phone accessories?

33. Which MNC toy maker has appointed ex-Vodafone India business head Ishmeet Singh as its country head for India?

34. Which MNC has agreed to buy an 80 percent stake in high-tech luggage maker Rimowa for 640 million euros ($716 million)?

35. Which MNC is discontinuing its wearable fitness tracker called “Band”?

36. Maruti Suzuki’s premium hatchback Baleno has crossed which cumulative sales milestone in the domestic market?

37. Which two wheeler brand has launched a new campaign aimed to position itself as ‘Guarantor of smiles’?

38. Which bags and shoes brand has launched its new campaign ‘fickle is fun’?

39. Which MNC has sold its FAO Schwarz brand to ThreeSixty Group, a company that designs and sells toys, home goods and other products?

40. Which company will acquire assets of Teva Pharmaceutical in the UK and Ireland for an enterprise value of around $764 million (approximately Rs 5,085 crore)?

41. Which hyperlocal marketplace has unveiled its new brand positioning ‘Local Shopping Ab Online’ and a new logo?

42. Jivi Mobiles, the mobile division of Magicon Impex, has roped in which actor as brand ambassador?

43. Future Group has launched a digital loyalty wallet that helps consumers shop without card or cash across formats such as Big Bazaar, Ezone and Home Town. What has it been branded as?

44. Which travel portal has forayed into alternative accommodation space through a new entity, Rightstay?

45. Which US-based mid-market buyout fund has agreed to buy 100% stake in Sigma Electric for $250 million from its existing owners Goldman Sachs Private Equity?

46. Which US-based luxury watch maker launched its wearable devices in India last week?

47. Which beauty retail venture has announced the launch of make-up and beauty brand Jaquline USA in India?

48. Which mineral water brand recently hit the shelves of retail outlets in Mumbai with its new 'Rockstar' bottles?

49. Which English daily will be launched in Delhi on October 11?

50. Which brand is the most valuable global brand, as per Brand consultancy Interbrand’s 2016 Best Global Brands report?

51. Which fashion brand has unveiled its new campaign christened #forsuccessfulliving?

52. Hindustan Unilever last week entered the baby care category with which brand?

53. Which company has joined hands with Happy Creative Services to make a film - an ode to chai (tea) and how it fuels India?

54. Which company is launching a special, limited edition bike in association with the movie Mirzya?

55. Which quick service restaurant chain has opened an outlet at Rashtrapati Bhavan?

56. Which company will acquire Hiranandani Group's offices and retail space in Mumbai's Powai suburb for around $1 billion (Rs`6,700 crore)?

57. Which handset maker last week launched its own ecommerce marketplace called Wishnbuy(dot)com?

58. Which MNC is buying a prominent US artificial intelligence (AI) startup, Viv Labs?

59. Which homegrown private equity fund has partnered with Sunrise BPO to purchase US-based CRM solutions provider C3 for around $150 million?

60. Which MNC has received a licence from the government to set up 3,500 petrol pumps in India, becoming the 2nd foreign player to enter fuel retailing market in India?

61. Which Argentina-headquartered IT services firm has set up its first development center in India in Pune?

62. Which Australian company has acquired Bengaluru-based Travel Tours to become the second largest player in India's tourism sector, behind Thomas Cook?

63. Which international menswear fashion brand has launched a new campaign titled Don't Hold Back, featuring Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador?

64. Which MNC said it would sell its global infusion therapy business, a part of its $15 billion Hospira acquisition last year, to ICU Medical Inc for $1 billion in cash and stock?

65. Which personal care brand has unveiled its new campaign ‘Dil ko de lift’?

66. Which company last week launched its ‘Captain Series’ feature phones?

67. Which travel portal has launched a campaign to promote two new features -‘Price Lock’ and ‘Pay@Hotel’?

68. Which infant care products brand has launched a campaign titled ‘Smart Mom’?

69. A Balasubramanian was last week elected the chairman of the fund industry trade body AMFI. He is the CEO of which mutual fund?

70. Pan masala brand Pan Bahar has roped in which Hollywood actor as brand ambassador?

71. Which general insurance company has appointed Rajiv Kumar as its managing director & CEO?

72. What has Mahindra & Mahindra named its all new electric car as, which it plans to launch soon in the domestic market?

73. Ford last week produced its last vehicle in which country?

74. Which Indian business group has joined a global list of companies to have declared an internal carbon pricing to reduce their carbon emissions?

75. From October 16, which airline in India will give its passengers the option of flying around the world non-stop in about 32 hours?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 654 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

October 2, 2016

Biz Quizzard 653

Presenting the current affairs quiz for the week September 26 - October 01. Hope you enjoy it.

1. Which MNC has tweaked the brand taglines of three of its top products and changed packaging of 100 million packs in support of girl child education in India?

2. Social media app Snapchat is introducing video-recording glasses and is changing its company name to incorporate the new product. What is the company’s new name?

3. Which business group has forayed into footwear retail and has opened its first store under the brand name of `Stride' in Bengaluru?

4. In a bid to woo millennials, which company is launching a new restaurant format called Punjab Grill Tappa?

5. Iran introduced which financial product for the first time in the country on September 25?

6. Singapore-based BandLab Technologies has bought a 49% stake in which well known magazine?

7. Maruti Suzuki India has launched 'MS Dhoni inspired' special edition of which brand?

8. Which MNC has rolled out a 'Retailer Capability Development Initiative' titled 'Parivartan' for kirana retail owners?

9. The Platinum Guild International (PGI) has lined up a new range under its bridal jewellery brand, Evara, at a price point of little less than Rs 2 lakh. What is the reason behind the price point?

10. Which laptop and PC player has roped in Anushka Sharma as its brand ambassador?

11. Which footwear brand has roped in Malaika Arora as its brand ambassador?

12. United Spirits is launching the country's first homegrown flavoured whiskey to target beer drinkers who find the regular drink too strong or overwhelming. What has it been branded as?

13. GO-JEK, one of Indonesia's hottest startups, has acquired which Bengaluru-based marketplace for home healthcare services?

14. Which German speciality chemicals maker has said it plans to buy US rival Chemtura for $2.7 billion in its push to become a global leader in the growing additives business?

15. Which company has acquired logistics technology startup Sparse Labs to help strengthen its delivery systems?

16. Which company has acqui-hired an education tech startup Earth Education Valley, which runs EduKart, a marketplace offering courses to students?

17. For the first time in India, which private insurer has introduced telematics - the technology of long-distance transmission of information - to price motor insurance?

18. Ravindra Marathe has been appointed chairman and managing director of which bank?

19. Which MNC last week launched a new machine room-less elevator for Asia and the Middle East?

20. Which brand is launching 'What’s Brewing', its global music property, for the first time in India?

21. Which fashion brand has roped in Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif as brand ambassadors?

22. Intex Technologies has roped in which cricketer as its brand ambassador for a new range of speakers' segment?

23. Which innerwear brand has rolled out its new advertising campaign, featuring brand ambassador Salman Khan?

24. Sachin Tendulkar-backed fashion line company Universal Sportsbiz is foraying into women's western wear market with which brand?

25. Which company has acquired Bengaluru-based start-up Perceptron Learning Solutions to accelerate its digital initiatives and bring in deep analytics capabilities to its learning platforms?

26. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has shut its coffee chain after five years of operation. What was the chain called?

27. Which MNC last week announced its partnership with Adobe Systems Inc in an attempt to provide cloud-based products to their hugely common user base?

28. Which Indian company has forayed into the Bolivian commercial vehicles market through a distribution agreement with Bolivian Auto Motors, a part of the business group Salvatierra?

29. Which company has bagged the first-ever non-coal mining lease allocated through the auction route in Rajasthan?

30. Mondelez India last week launched which brand to compete head on with Snickers from Mars Inc and the more recently launched Munch Nuts peanut and chocolate bar from Nestle?

31. Which brand has launched a new campaign "Chhote Kadam – dil ke bade kaam ke" to educate viewers on the importance of a healthy heart?

32. Badminton star PV Sindhu has signed a three-year deal worth Rs 50 crore with which sports management company?

33. Google has launched a new version of YouTube, inspired by India, which will be faster and more data efficient. What is it called?

34. Mohit Kampani, the former managing director of Spencer's Retail, is joining which retail company as CEO?

35. Which German bicycle rental startup has sealed an exclusive joint venture with Ahmedabad-based transport startup Chartered Speed to launch digital cycle sharing services in about 100 Indian cities?

36. The stock of which company hit the psychological Rs. 50,000-mark on BSE and NSE on September 28?

37. Which airport has become the first carbon neutral airport in Asia-Pacific?

38. Which Hindi movie channel has formulated a new programming strategy to draw a newer, younger audience and has launched a campaign with Arjun Kapoor as brand ambassador?

39. Which online marketplace has rolled out 'Itne Kum Mein', its new TV ad campaign to usher in the joyous festive season with the right mood?

40. Which beverage brand has released its ‘Social Occasions’ campaign for the festival season featuring Deepika Padukone?

41. Which company has acquired UAE's Hum 106.2 FM radio station?

42. Which pharmaceutical company has appointed Ambati Venu its new managing director?

43. Which automobile MNC has appointed India-born Rajendra "Raj" Rao as chief executive officer of its subsidiary?

44. Which online marketplace has launched its new campaign titled #ThingsDon'tJudge?

45. Which global QSR chain has recently launched its own original content-led webseries called 'What's Cooking?'?

46. Which sports personality was last week unveiled as the face of Datsun redi-GO SPORT, a limited edition car?

47. Which Indian company has announced its joint venture with PT. Kreatif Media Karya (KMK), the digital business arm of one of Indonesia’s most prominent media and content firms?

48. Which company will acquire Bengaluru-based BSS Microfinance for Rs 139 crore in an all-cash deal?

49. Which renewable energy firm has said that it has signed agreements to acquire the Indian assets of Sun Edison, at an enterprise value of $392 million?

50. Which company has hived off its leading brand Lee Cooper into a new step-down subsidiary?

51. Which IT services provider has appointed its IT Services Chief Executive Rajeev Mehta as its President?

52. Salman Khan last week announced the foray of his Being Human brand into which new segment?

53. Which fast food chain will partner with Coca-Cola Co to launch a line of cold coffee beverages in the United States, its first foray into the ready-to-drink coffee market?

54. Which furniture and interior solutions brand has rolled out a new campaign with 'Every day made beautiful' proposition?

55. Myntra has joined which celebrity’s fashion brand, All about you, to launch the campaign #TereSaathTu?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 653 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

September 25, 2016

Biz Quizzard 652

Prepare for Tata Crucible with Biz Quizzard. Are you participating in Tata Crucible Corporate Quiz 2016 and want to brush up on your current affairs? Biz Quizzard is sharing its archives. Get access to one year of Biz Quizzard editions for Rs 1500. 52 weeks (starting August 3, 2015), more than 2100 questions along with answers. For full details, please contact on rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com .

Sample question (Q 8, Biz Quizzard 595) : Ratan Tata has invested in which online media entity that profiles start-ups and entrepreneurs? Answer: YourStory 

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

1. Which MNC has acquired Perfect Relations, an independent public relations firm founded by Dilip Cherian and Pradeep (Bobby) Kewalramani?

2. Which fashion portal has announced the launch of jewellery brand ‘Tribe by Amrapali’ on its platform?

3. Which digital media agency has launched the video #WeAreForReal to promote itself?

4. Which bank has roped in Virat Kohli as brand ambassador?

5. Ajay Kaul has resigned as the CEO of which quick service restaurant (QSR) group?

6. Salman Khan has been signed as the brand ambassador of which snacks brand?

7. Which fans brand has launched its campaign ‘Soch badlo, hawa toh badaltihi rahegi’?

8. Which paints company has launched a campaign featuring the IPL team Gujarat Lions to promote Excel Mica Marble, its latest offering in exterior paint?

9. Dubai-based property developer The First Group has roped in which former cricketer as its brand ambassador for India?

10. Which ecommerce major has launched its fashion private label ‘Symbol’ ahead of the festive season sales?

11. Which private equity major has entered India's retailing sector by setting up a fully owned subsidiary Nexus Malls?

12. Himalaya Drug Company has announced its foray into the mother care segment under which brand?

13. Which online fashion retailer has collaborated with Facebook at Work to launch ‘Destination f’, its social intranet platform on mobile devices for its employees?

14. Which Chinese smartphone maker is set to enter India with an innovative series of handsets that will come with a patented Frame interactive Technology (FiT)?

15. Which MNC has secured an Indian patent for its skin cancer drug Tafinlar, used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma - the most serious and life-threatening type of skin cancer?

16. Which company will buy Tobira Therapeutics Inc in a deal worth up to $1.7 billion, to gain access to its experimental therapies for a fatty liver disease called NASH?

17. Which staffing services firm will acquire NichePro Technologies for an enterprise value of up to Rs 29.5 crore?

18. Vodafone has roped in which actor as national brand ambassador to promote its new product Vodafone Flex?

19. Which MNC will acquire eco-conscious US cleaning products group Seventh Generation, expanding its range of environmentally friendly brands?

20. Which MNC has chosen its head of consumer healthcare, Emma Walmsley, as its new chief executive?

21. Home healthcare startup Portea Medical has expanded into the wellness segment with its new offering, an end-to-end health and fitness program. What has it been branded as?

22. Which Indian company has announced a complete buyout of its German partner's stake in their tube-making joint venture?

23. Which business group has bought Sangam Direct chain of grocery stores, formerly known as Sabka Bazaar, from Wadhawan Holdings?

24. Which Chennai-based company, controlled by US private equity firm Carlyle Group, has acquired 76% stake in Pune's e-learning firm Exult Infosolutions for an undisclosed amount?

25. Japanese pharma giant Takeda Pharmaceutical has entered into a partnership with which Indian company to develop the first ever vaccine to tackle Chikungunya, an emerging infectious disease?

26. Which IT firm will be acquiring US-based BlazeMeter to drive speed and quality of application testing practices?

27. Flipkart has claimed to have become the first online marketplace in India to reach which registered users milestone?

28. Which MNC has launched ‘Move Forward’, its first brand campaign in the Indian market?

29. US-based company LuDela has claimed a world first for creating which product?

30. Which is India’s most valuable brand, according to the third annual BrandZ Top 50 Most Valuable Indian Brands report released by WPP and Kantar Millward Brown?

31. Google last week launched a new artificial intelligence-powered messaging app. What has it been branded as?

32. Which celebrity has signed on to endorse pregnancy test card brand PregaNews?

33. The world's largest toys-focused retailer will make its India debut next year in Bengaluru. Name it?

34. This has become too predictable and boring (although i wish it would happen to me). Who has topped the Forbes list of richest Indians for this year?

35. Which Indian company's Singapore arm has acquired a Chinese FMCG company, Zhongshan Ma Er Daily Products, for an undisclosed amount?

36. Tata Sky has roped in which celebrity as its new brand ambassador?

37. Why were the 3 academics - Chetan Ghate, Pami Dua and Ravindra H Dholakia – in news last week?

38. Which financial house will take over Ambit Alpha Fund, a domestic hedge fund that managed about Rs 1,100 crore worth of equity assets, from homegrown investment banking outfit Ambit?

39. Which sanitary ware manufacturer has announced the launch of its new range of water purifiers under its umbrella brand, moonbow?

40. How many Indian cities have made it to the top 100 Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index 2016?

41. Which Jaipur-based group has entered the women’s garments sector with the launch of the Kashana brand?

42. Noida-based Ringing Bells, makers of the world's cheapest smartphone 'Freedom 251', has roped in which celebrity to promote its loyalty card programme?

43. Which Turkish company has modified a BMW car and given the world its first Transformer?

44. Which paint brand has launched its new campaign, taking forward the brand philosophy of ‘Kam Kharcha, Saalo Saal Charcha’?

45. Which online lingerie retailer has discarded aggregation of brands in favour of becoming a private label business?

46. Which media agency has named Kelly Clark as global CEO?

47. Which media group has appointed Raju Narisetti as CEO?

48. Which MNC is set to introduce a super sports utility vehicle called Urus, customised for Indian roads?

49. The healthcare technology division of which MNC has launched the company's first healthcare accelerator, five.eight, aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for developing economies?

50. Which MNC has acquired Tuplejump, a Hyderabad-based machine learning startup that helps companies to store, process and visualise big data with its unique software?

51. Which MNC is launching its Eikon App Studio in India in collaboration with Zone Startups India, a fintech accelerator?

52. In what appears to be the world's biggest known cyber breach by far, which MNC said that at least 500 million of its accounts were hacked in 2014?

53. Maruti Suzuki has crossed which milestone of cumulative exports?

54. Which Chinese smartphone maker last week announced that it will start to manufacture smartphones in India from next month, in partnership with Flex?

55. Which Hong Kong-based company is planning to launch its smartphone brand Tecno in India by March 2017?

56. Which MNC is planning to launch the world’s first e-commerce satellite next year?

57. Ahead of the festive season, which company has launched its campaign 'Aa Raha Hai Tyohaar Bade Dilwala'?

58. Which automobile MNC has launched the campaign #BeTheBetterGuy?

59. Nikhil Rungta, Housing(dot)com’s CMO, has joined which software company as India MD?

60. Which MNC has emerged as India's biggest hotel chain with 18,000 rooms?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 652. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli

September 18, 2016

Biz Quizzard 651

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

1. Which quick service restaurant (QSR) chain will turn half of its outlets all-vegetarian during the auspicious nine-day Navratri festive period starting early next month?

2. Which digital media company has acquired a majority stake in Pune-based ad-tech firm Inuxu Digital Media Technologies?

3. Which company has undertaken a massive brand identity overhaul with a new logo and tagline, “Unbox Zindagi”?

4. Which American financial data and analytics firm has sealed a deal to set up an 8.6-lakh square-feet office in Hyderabad, it’s largest in the world?

5. Which Indo-Spanish component maker will acquire Bengaluru-based automotive forging company Bill Forge in an Rs 1,332 crore cash and stock deal?

6. Reliance Retail will re-brand most of the Digital xpress Mini stores in coming months. What will be the new brand?

7. Which MNC has announced the launch of a unique footwear initiative ‘Odds’, which is a pair of shoes for the same foot, catering to the needs of the para-athletes?

8. Which MNC has joined hands with Project Nanhi Kali to #EducateTheGirlChild (television commercial currently on air)?

9. Which semiconductor player is acquiring Bengaluru-based elitePLUS Semiconductor Technologies Pvt Ltd and Orange Semiconductors Pvt Ltd as well as Maven Systems of Pune?

10. Which MNC has become the largest passenger vehicle (PV) exporter from India in August 2016?

11. Which well known FMCG brand has rolled out a limited-edition range with Madhubani, Jamini Roy artwork on packaging labels?

12. Which manufacturer of industrial products has signed an agreement to acquire Bengaluru-based Danish Steel for undisclosed amount?

13. The philanthropic arm of which company last week signed an MoU with the University of Cambridge to conduct research to improve the yield of corn in India?

14. Which radio cab operator has launched a fare calculator called ‘Fare Exactometer’ to push ‘transparent pricing’ to its customers?

15. Which MNC will sell its printer business to US computer maker HP for $ 1.05 billion?

16. Who was the highest- paid executive among salaried women in financial year 2015-16 (only in terms of salary, excluding stock options and promoters)?

17. Which celebrity, in association with The 7 Virtues, will be launching her first range of fragrances on September 21, which also marks the United Nations' International Day of Peace?

18. Which hospitality major has partnered with celebrated illustrator and ink evangelist Johanna Basford in Asia Pacific, to reinforce the brand’s Feel Well pillar?

19. Which Indian airline has signed an interline pact with Hahn Air, the German scheduled operator and service distributor, to spread its presence in the international markets?

20. LinkedIn last week launched a lighter version of its mobile website in India. What has it been branded as?

21. Anoop Kumar Sharma has taken charge as the Chairman & Managing Director of which public sector entity for a period of three years?

22. Which food tech startup has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from leading industrialist Ratan Tata?

23. In a rare and bold move, also clever positioning, which 2 wheeler brand released a film on World Brotherhood Day (September 11), prominently featuring and acknowledging a rival brand?

24. Tanuj Garg, former chief executive of Balaji Motion Pictures, has joined hands with photographer and film producer Atul Kasbekar to set up a film company. What is it called?

25. Which advertising giant is integrating back-end operations of all three research and consumer insight companies in a move that will make it the largest research consultancy in the country?

26. No comments on this one. Which company is all set to launch `swadeshi' jeans in the country?

27. Which online payments service provider has agreed to buy smaller Mumbai-based rival Citrus Pay for $130 million (Rs 865 crore)?

28. Which company has acquired StayGlad, an online beauty services startup founded in 2015?

29. Which Indian company last week said it has made it to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) 2016 in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and life sciences industry group?

30. How many Indian CEOs are among the ‘50 most powerful women’ based outside the US, according to a list by Fortune?

31. Which South Korean cosmetics brand is all set to enter India?

32. Which chocolate sub-brand has launched its first television commercial ‘Party in the mouth’ in the country?

33. Which television channel has launched its latest campaign, positioning itself as “The Shallowest Place on TV”?

34. Which company has topped this year’s list of `Top companies for Sustainability and CSR' in India, in a study by IIM Udaipur, Futurescape and The Economic Times?

35. ITC Ltd’s Agarbatti business division has touched which milestone monthly production capacity?

36. Which Belgian wheelchair and hospital bed manufacturer will start production in India, at Sri City Integrated Business City at Tada in Andhra Pradesh?

37. Which MNC is forming a company with the former head of Israel's Shin Bet intelligence agency to develop cyber security systems for Internet-connected cars and self-driving vehicles?

38. Which iconic textile brand has returned to television advertising with its latest campaign 'Man of Action' after a hiatus of eight long years?

39. Which company has roped in Gauri Khan for home decorative lighting brand Tisva?

40. In the biggest telecom merger in India, which two companies have agreed to combine their wireless operations, creating the country's fourth biggest mobile operator?

41. Which Indian company has launched a multiplex in Bahrain?

42. Which personal care brand has joined hands with Amitabh Bachchan and his movie Pink to present the latest video by Culture Machine's digital channel Blush?

43. Which domestic airline has partnered with travel commerce platform Travelport to distribute its fares and ancillary products to portal's customers?

44. India has overtaken which country to become the world’s second-largest internet market, with 333 million users?

45. Uber has announced a new initiative, in partnership with which company and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), to create job opportunities for one million people by 2018?

46. Which company has decided to merge loss-making Hinduja Foundries Ltd. (HFL) with it, subject to regulatory approvals and approvals from shareholders of both the companies?

47. Who has become the first Indian actress to enter Forbes’ highest paid TV actresses list in the world?

48. Which studio has announced a joint venture with Anil Thadani for distribution of Indian firms in overseas markets?

49. Which jewellery brand has launched the digital film #BestAtWork?

50. Which MNC has announced acquisition of global biotech major Monsanto for $66 billion in largest all-cash deal ever, to create the world's biggest seed and pesticide firm?

51. Which tableware brand has launched a campaign with the positioning ‘Khane ko banaye khaas’?

52. Which Swiss watch manufacturer has launched a fresh brand campaign with actress Lisa Haydon?

53. Which company has launched a new campaign ‘Home Loan Dilse’?

54. This should be easy. Which beverage brand has launched its latest digital film ‘Hope, the Boat’?

55. Marking another first in the Indian e-commerce industry, which company has announced “India’s first-ever gaming awards”?

56. Which MNC has agreed to buy Soft Machines, a Silicon Valley-based chip-design company founded by an Indian-origin entrepreneur, for nearly $300 million?

57. Noida-based DS Group has entered the ready-to-drink mango beverage market with which brand?

58. Which Italian beauty brand has forayed into India, opening its first store in DLF Mall of India at Noida last week?

59. Which MNC is paying more than $4.3 billion in cash to buy the eye health unit of Abbott Laboratories to boost its vision business?

60. Akshay Kumar can be seen n the television commercial for which hair colour brand?

Please mail your answers on or before next Sunday to rajeevkondapalli@gmail.com with Biz Quizzard 651 as the subject. Answers will be mailed to those who attempt the current edition within the given time.

Happy learning!
rajeev kondapalli