Current Affairs- 20th May 2014

Facebook Launches Its “I'm A Voter” Button Worldwide

Facebook has announced its plan to launch the “I'm a voter” button worldwide. This button enables Facebook users to show their friends that they have cast a ballot. Over 4 million Indian voters used this button during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Martial Law Declared By Thailand Army

The Thai Army has announced martial law throughout the country to ensure free and fair elections. The move has not been declared to be a coup d'etat yet. The martial law went into effect from 3 am on 19th May, 2014. All TV stations in Thailand are currently being guarded by the army.

Wipro Bags Multi-Year IT Infrastructure Deal

The third largest software services in India, Wipro netted a multi-year IT infrastructure deal from speciality glass and ceramics maker Corning. Wipro will now make the Corning's IT services resilient to factors such as market volatility and enhance its performance and operational efficiency.

Karnataka Power Supply Firm Signs Pact With APGenco

The Electricity Supply Companies of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) have signed a power purchase agreement between them to share the 230 MW power generated from the Priyadarshini Jurala Hydro power project.

Australian Firm Purchased By TATA Global Beverage's UK Arm

TATA Global Beverages has announced that its UK subsidiary has gained 100% stake in equity capital of a company from Australia named Bronski Eleven Pty Ltd for an undisclosed sum. Bronski Eleven is engaged in coffee business under the MAP brand.

USAID Partners With Texas A&M To Battle Coffee Rust

USAID has partnered with Texas A&M to invest $5 million in a campaign against coffee rust. The partnership involves investing in the battle to protect crops from coffee rust. Coffee rust is a disease plaguing Central America's coffee crop and leading to loss of livelihoods.

Google Purchases Divide

Google has just purchased Divide. Divide is a startup that assists companies to manage mobile devices during the course of their work. The deal is linked to Google's efforts to broaden the use of smartphones and tablets on its mobile operating system.

HCL Technologies Nets Rs. 3,000 crore Outsourcing Deal

HCL Technologies has bagged a $500 million IT outsourcing deal from PepsiCo. This is a massive win for the beverage giant. This will boost its infrastructure management services.