BPCL-Kochi Refinery's Mega Reactor

The mega reactor weighing 725 MT; 40 M length; 5.3 M diameter and 18 cm shell thickness, imported from China for BPCL-Kochi Refinery's Vaccum Gas Oil Hydro Desulphurisation unit reached BPCL-Kochi Refinery on August 18, 2009. The reactor was built by China Forging Heavy Industries, Dalain under the technical supervision of M/s China Petroleum Technical Development Corporations. Made of alloy stell, the reactor costs Rs.80 crores.

This was the first time Cochin Port Trust was handling such a mega consignment, said to be the biggest single piece of heavy machinery imported to India. From the vessel, the reactor was moved to a special barge, which then passed through inland waterways to reach Irumpanam. From Irumpanam, the reactor was transported to BPCL-Kochi Road in a low bed type trailer with 40 axles and 320 tyres!

Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon
Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon

Photo Credits: Resmi Jaimon

(If interested to use text / photographs in your blog/website; contact me at indian.memoirs@gmail.com as well as give correct credits - ie text & photographs : Resmi Jaimon; along with links to this page.)

Swine Flue (H1N1) - Useful Links

H1N1 death in India touched 14 this morning. Reports state, without medical help it is difficult to identify the difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1.

Proper guidelines can lessen the havoc and educate the public on the basics, the do's and don’ts to maintain hygiene and prevention.

Find links to useful reports / articles / guidelines related to H1N1 - i.e.; symptoms to watch out; do's and don't of prevention from catching Influenza A (H1N1); the risk group and more.

1. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2009/08/11/stories/whoh1n1.pdf - WHO guidelines for prevention and care of A (H1N1), published in The Hindu dated August 11, 2009
2. http://pediatrics.about.com/od/swineflu/a/409_symptoms.htm - Swine flue basics and symptoms
3. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,537301,00.html?test=latestnews?test=latestnews - H1N1: Separating Myth From Fact
4. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/mumbai/H1N1-Facts-On-The-Flu/articleshow/4883411.cms - H1N1: Facts On The Flu

Cybercrime and Cyberbullying - Online NGO for your assistance

The word "cybercrime" sends shivers for many of us. It's one of the major issues for those who use Internet. You often hear about the various cybercrimes hit you. It could be through social networking sites, matrimonial portals, email accounts, hacking banking accounts and so on.

One among the latest cybercrime is the attack on websites including google, facebook and twitter, aimed at one individual. Even then, twitter faded away from the scene for two hours. Facebook said it was ""degraded." These kind of attacks are cause for concern as most of us are members of multiple social networking sites. The cybercrimes, the children undergoes are referred by the name “Cyberbullying.” Cybercrimes could injure a person mentally and emotionally. The victims of severe cases, in some cases, even take their own life.

Dr.K.Jaishankar, criminologist and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Cyber Criminology, and his wife Debarati Halder, an advocate specializing in cyber law launched http://www.cybervictims.edu.tf in July 2009 to help adult cyber crime victims (both men and women) – e.g.: cyber harassment, cyber hate speech and cyber stalking. They will guide you on how to deal with such situation and the legal action you can take. The service comes to you free of cost! So, if you are a cyber victim, you can check out this Indian-based team.

Let us hope more people come forward in giving support to the cyber victims.

I have an article published on "Cyberbullying," in a technology magazine, August 2009 issue. This article talks about the cyber attack on children. If you would like to read the story, contact me via my email at resmi (dot) writer (at) gmail (dot) com, for details.

Tips for Road Travel

All set for a road trip? I have taken several of them since I was six or seven years old. These road journeys were family holiday tours within South India. The longest among my road trips were the three times I took the road journey from Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) to Mumbai (Maharashtra) and vice versa. It is over 12 years since I took such very long road trips – yet I cherish my memories of traveling through different States, terrains and different cultures. I still travel by road – but often restricted to within Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Here are a few pointers to consider for road travel:

Before you begin your road journey:

• Buy a road map and will work as your good companion during your drive.
• Plan your route.
• Identify points where you may want to take a break or stay at a hotel, if the journey is long.
• Talk to your friends and colleagues, who know the route. They may be able to guide you better – in terms of condition of the road etc.
• Ensure your car is in good condition. Servicing your car, before your journey.
• Take along your driving license and documents of your car including insurance.
• Fill your fuel tank, a day before your start your journey.

On Road

• Take break every two or three hours or whenever you feel tired or drowsy. If there are multiple people in the car, who drives, let them take over (if you are not comfortable driving long hours). Better avoid night travel during long journeys.
• If you are taking breaks ie; if you take your break at the end of your first day travel, on your way to your final destination; if time permits, you can visit the nearby park or go shopping at night.
• Try to get a good sleep at night to continue your next day’s long journey.
• Keep a book / notepad. If you aren’t driving alone, and if you have company, you can ask him/her to jot the places, distances, major spots and funny incidents.