Facebook on mobile devices for free

Facebook can now be accessed through mobile devices for free or without any data charges in forty five countries, including India, on select mobile networks. Facebook, which has over 400 million users worldwide, has tied up with Indian wireless operators -- Videocon and Reliance Communications  -- to make the site available for cell phone users with zero data charges.

For this purpose, the entity has launched a new site ’0.facebook.com’ that includes all key features of Facebook but is optimised for speed. In India, the new site would be available on the networks of Reliance and Videocon. Other countries where the new site would be available include Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Finland, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Hungary and Indonesia.

Maruti Suzuki plans to relaunch Alto with K-series

Maruti Suzuki India is planning to launch a new version of its small car Alto, the highest selling model in India, with a bigger engine. According to industry sources, the company plans to launch the new Alto with a one-litre petrol engine from its latest generation of engine, the K -series.

The Alto is the best selling car model in India averaging about 20,000 units per month. It has sold about 13.5 lakh units since its launch in September 2000. The plan to launch Alto with a new engine is part of MSI's strategy to equip its models with the latest generation K-series engine.

Maruti Suzuki offers two variants of the K-series engines -- 998cc three-cylinder, 'K10B' fitted in A-star, Estilo, and the new WagonR and a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder 'K12M' petrol engine powering Ritz, Swift and Swift Dzire.

Bill Gates will adopt a village in Bihar

Microsoft chief Bill Gates will adopt a village in Bihar during his daylong visit to the state Wednesday. The philanthropist, accompanied by officials of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will visit the state for the first time.

Gates would adopt Gularia village in Khagaria, about 170 km from here, and help improve the socio-economic condition of the people. At present, the village, comprising mainly Mahadalits, considered poorer than dalits, does not have even basic civic amenities like running water, electricity, schools and health centres.

Gates is also scheduled to meet Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the state capital to discuss development issues and changes taking place for the poor.