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.

Pranav Mistry : The inventor of 'SixthSense' (WUW - Wear Ur World) technology

'SixthSense' is a wearable gestural interface gadget that augments the physical world around us with digital information and lets us use natural hand gestures to interact with that information. By using a camera and a tiny projector mounted in a pendant like wearable device, 'SixthSense' sees what you see and visually augments any surfaces or objects we are interacting with. It projects information onto surfaces, walls, and physical objects around us, and lets us interact with the projected information through natural hand gestures, arm movements, or our interaction with the object itself.

The current prototype system costs approximately $350 to build. Mr. Pranav Mistry a MIT Media Lab student from India is the inventor of 'SixthSense'.


VIDEO: Demonstration of 'SixthSense' / WUW - Wear Ur World by Pranav Mistry at TED Talks Video

VIDEO: Presentation of 'SixthSense' by Ms. Pattie Maes on TED Talks Video

>>> Read more here: http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/sixthsense/


About Mr. Pranav Mistry

Mr. Pranav Mistry is currently working as a Research Assistant and PhD candidate at the MIT Media Lab (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). He is working under Ms. Pattie Maes (Director, Fluid Interfaces Group at MIT Media Lab). Before joining MIT Pranav Mistry worked as a UX Researcher with Microsoft. He received his Master in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT and Master of Design from IIT Bombay. He has completed bachelors degree in Computer Science and Engineering. His is from Palanpur - his hometown - which is situated in northern Gujarat in India.

>>> Web site: http://www.pranavmistry.com/

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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Important Toll Free Numbers in INDIA

Airlines

Indian Airlines -1800 180 1407
Jet Airways - 1800 22 5522
Spice Jet - 1800 180 3333
Air India -- 1800 22 7722
Kingfisher - 1800 180 0101

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Banks

ABN AMRO -1800 11 2224
Canara Bank - 1800 44 6000
Citibank - 1800 44 2265
Corporation Bank - 1800 443 555
Development Credit Bank - 1800 22 5769
HDFC Bank - 1800 227 227
ICICI Bank - 1800 333 499
ICICI Bank NRI - 1800 22 4848
IDBI Bank - 1800 11 6999
Indian Bank - 1800 425 1400
ING Vysya - 1800 44 9900
Kotak Mahindra Bank - 1800 22 6022
Lord Krishna Bank - 1800 11 2300
Punjab National Bank - 1800 122 222
State Bank of India - 1800 44 1955
Syndicate Bank - 1800 44 6655
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Automobiles

Mahindra Scorpio -1800 22 6006
Maruti - 1800 111 515
Tata Motors - 1800 22 5552
Windshield Experts - 1800 11 3636
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Computers/IT

Adrenalin -1800 444 445
AMD - 1800 425 6664
Apple Computers - 1800 444 683
Canon - 1800 333 366
Cisco Systems - 1800 221 777
Compaq - HP - 1800 444 999
Data One Broadband - 1800 424 1800
Dell - 1800 444 026
Epson - 1800 44 0011
eSys - 3970 0011
Genesis Tally Academy - 1800 444 888
HCL - 1800 180 8080
IBM - 1800 443 333
Lexmark - 1800 22 4477
Marshal's Point - 1800 33 4488
Microsoft - 1800 111 100
Microsoft Virus Update - 1901 333 334
Seagate - 1800 180 1104
Symantec - 1800 44 5533
TVS Electronics - 1800 444 566
WeP Peripherals - 1800 44 6446
Wipro - 1800 333 312
Xerox - 1800 180 1225
Zenith - 1800 222 004
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Indian Railway Enquiries

Indian Railway General Enquiry 131
Indian Railway Central Enquiry 131
Indian Railway Reservation 131
Indian Railway Railway Reservation Enquiry 1345,1335,1330
Indian Railway Centralised Railway Enquiry 1330/1/2/3/4/ 5/6/7/8/9
=================================================
Couriers/Packers & Movers

ABT Courier -1800 44 8585
AFL Wizz - 1800 22 9696
Agarwal Packers & Movers - 1800 11 4321
Associated Packers P Ltd - 1800 21 4560
DHL - 1800 111 345
FedEx - 1800 22 6161
Goel Packers & Movers - 1800 11 3456
UPS - 1800 22 7171
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Home Appliances

Aiwa/Sony -1800 11 1188
Anchor Switches - 1800 22 7979
Blue Star - 1800 22 2200
Bose Audio - 1800 11 2673
Bru Coffee Vending Machines - 1800 44 7171
Daikin Air Conditioners - 1800 444 222
DishTV - 1800 12 3474
Faber Chimneys - 1800 21 4595
Godrej - 1800 22 5511
Grundfos Pumps - 1800 33 4555
LG - 1901 180 9999
Philips - 1800 22 4422
Samsung - 1800 113 444
Sanyo - 1800 11 0101
Voltas - 1800 33 4546
WorldSpace Satellite Radio - 1800 44 5432
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Investments/ Finance

CAMS -1800 44 2267
Chola Mutual Fund - 1800 22 2300
Easy IPO's - 3030 5757
Fidelity Investments - 1800 180 8000
Franklin Templeton Fund - 1800 425 4255
J M Morgan Stanley - 1800 22 0004
Kotak Mutual Fund - 1800 222 626
LIC Housing Finance - 1800 44 0005
SBI Mutual Fund - 1800 22 3040
Sharekhan - 1800 22 7500
Tata Mutual Fund - 1800 22 0101
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Travel

Club Mahindra Holidays -1800 33 4539
Cox & Kings - 1800 22 1235
God TV Tours - 1800 442 777
Kerala Tourism - 1800 444 747
Kumarakom Lake Resort - 1800 44 5030
Raj Travels & Tours - 1800 22 9900
Sita Tours - 1800 111 911
SOTC Tours - 1800 22 3344
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Healthcare

Best on Health -1800 11 8899
Dr Batras - 1800 11 6767
GlaxoSmithKline - 1800 22 8797
Johnson & Johnson - 1800 22 8111
Kaya Skin Clinic - 1800 22 5292
LifeCell - 1800 44 5323
Manmar Technologies - 1800 33 4420
Pfizer - 1800 442 442
Roche Accu-Chek - 1800 11 45 46
Rudraksha - 1800 21 4708
Varilux Lenses - 1800 44 8383
VLCC - 1800 33 1262
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Insurance

AMP Sanmar -1800 44 2200
Aviva - 1800 33 2244
Bajaj Allianz - 1800 22 5858
Chola MS General Insurance - 1800 44 5544
HDFC Standard Life - 1800 227 227
LIC - 1800 33 4433
Max New York Life - 1800 33 5577
Royal Sundaram - 1800 33 8899
SBI Life Insurance - 1800 22 9090
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Hotel Reservations

GRT Grand -1800 44 5500
InterContinental Hotels Group - 1800 111 000
Marriott - 1800 22 0044
Sarovar Park Plaza - 1800 111 222
Taj Holidays - 1800 111 825
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Teleshopping

Asian Sky Shop -1800 22 1800
Jaipan Teleshoppe - 1800 11 5225
Tele Brands - 1800 11 8000
VMI Teleshopping - 1800 447 777
WWS Teleshopping - 1800 220 777
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Others

Domino's Pizza -1800 111 123
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Cell Phones

BenQ -1800 22 08 08
Bird CellPhones - 1800 11 7700
Motorola MotoAssist - 1800 11 1211
Nokia - 3030 3838
Sony Ericsson - 3901 1111
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