294 Government Websites Hacked In January-October

NEW DELHI: The government today said 294 websites belonging to various ministries and government departments were hacked in the January-October 2012 period.

"A total number of 201, 303, 308 and 294 websites belonging to various ministries and departments in the government were hacked during the year 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (till October), respectively," Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. 

Recently, during May-June, 2012, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks were launched against a number of government websites by various hacker groups, he added. 

Deora said the government has taken various steps to improve cyber security in the country. 

"Various proactive and reactive steps have been taken by government to minimise the damage caused by these cyber attacks. These steps include strengthening security of the network infrastructure in the government, immediate actions to recover from the damage caused due to cyber attacks, maintaining disaster recovery sites for continuing business operations etc," he said. 

The government has also established National Watch and Warning System in the form of CERT-In, legal framework in the form of Information Technology Act, 2000 to address issues related to cyber security and capacity development in cyber security and training for system/network administrators, law enforcement and judicial officials. 

"A "Crisis Management Plan for countering cyber attacks and cyber terrorism" is under implementation by all ministries/departments of Central Government, state government and all their organisations and critical sectors," Deora said. 

He added that an annual outlay (2012-13) of Rs 45.2 crore has been provided for cyber security in the budget of Department of Electronics and Information Technology. 

5 of the Best Hotels in Cairns

Cairns is one of the most popular Australian destinations, with visitors flocking to the beaches here to relax and enjoy the white sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters. Only in Cairns will you find such a distinct blend – as if sunny Florida crashed into the Caribbean and exploded into something even more spectacular.

5. Sebel Cairns

The Sebel Cairns, formerly known as the Cairns International, is conveniently located in North Queensland. The atmosphere here is nothing sort of tropical.  Visitors here are only a short walk from the beach but are also only a brief distance from the Cairns Convention Center as well as a number of spectacular shopping centers.

Sebel Cairns boasts 321 elegant hotel rooms, each with stunning views of the city. In one direction you’ll see the beaches and harbor while in the other you’re presented with spectacular views of the mountains.

The hotel restaurants serve an eclectic mix of Japanese, Australian, and other international dishes. There’s little need to venture out of the hotel for a meal, but if you do you’ll find yourself presented with a myriad of local options. Wrap up the day with a dip in the pool or a drink at the bar before retiring to your room for the evening.

4. Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Cairns. Elegance and luxury combined with friendly and attentive service blend together for the perfect vacation experience.

The hotel itself is a short distance from the beaches, Trinity Bay, and the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors also enjoy exploring local shops and Cairns Esplanade while in the area as well.

There are several different restaurants to choose from within the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed delectable cuisine that will leave your mouth watering for more. Choices include the Tamarind Restaurant, Café China, Flinders Bar, and more.

3. Novotel Oasis Cairns Resort

Novotel Oasis Cairns Resort is an excellent destination for both business and leisure travelers. This spectacular hotel is located on five acres of land situated right in the center of Cairns.

If you aren’t taken by the resort’s award-winning gardens, you’ll also enjoy day-trips to the Great Barrier Reef or into the rainforests of the Daintree Region. When you’re finished exploring some of the world’s most beautiful natural treasures, you’ll find that you’re still only a short distance from many of the area’s finest shopping districts.

The Novo Bar and Terrace as well as the Aqua Pool Bar are both incredible places to relax for a drink and a snack with friends and companions. Those looking for something a bit less tropical will enjoy dining in the trendy Mizuna Restaurant.

2. Rydges Esplanade Resort

The Rydges Explanade Resort Cairnes is situated right on the spectacular esplanade and overlooks the sparkling Coral Sea. You’re only a short distance away from the Cairns Convention Center, Trinity Wharf, and a number of other tourist attractions.

Each room is comfortably decorated and supplied with a number of modern amenities. At the end of the day you’ll enjoy the ocean breeze as you relax on your private balcony.

The restaurant here is suitable for guests with all sorts of culinary demands. Those looking to simply relax in solitude will appreciate spending time in the pool or spa.

1. Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

The Southern Cross Atrium Apartments represent a quaint blend of luxury, comfort, and affordability. Only a short walk from the hotel will bring you to the train station (giving you access to the rest of Cairns) or the convention center and shopping districts.

The rooms are decorated elegantly and will leave you feeling as comfortable as you would at home, while the in-house restaurant serves a variety of spectacular dishes you’re sure to enjoy.

Spa services here are simply magnificent and provide a way for busy business or leisure travelers to unwind. You’ll also enjoy the sauna, pool, and a relaxing cocktail at the cozy hotel bar!

There are dozens of incredible hotels and resorts in Cairns to choose from. These represent the best in style, affordability, and amenities. No matter where you end up you’ll have easy access to some of the most incredible natural and man-made attractions in the world. Spend as much time in Cairns as you like. Once you settle in you’ll never want to leave!

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR - 2013

AH! Okay. I did this post a few weeks ago, but somehow the one I saved got deleted. So here's my last minute attempt at doing it again.


1. The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott
OH MY GOODNESS. I've heard nothing but fantastic things about this book and I'm so incredibly lucky to have an e-arc of it. Once I charge my Kindle - this will be the first book I read.

2. Goddess (Starcrossed #3) by Josephine Angelini
Not a favorite series of mine, but I NEED to know how it all ends. Plus - how awesome is that cover?

3. Golden by Jessi Kirby
I've never read anything by this author, but I've heard she's an amazing author so I can't wait. 

4. The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
Again. Never read anything by this author, but she seems like a contemporary must read author, so I'm really looking forward to this one.

5. Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown.
AH. This one looks so freaking incredible and if anyone had an ARC and wanted to let me borrow it - I would probably love them forever.

6. How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
UH. What about this book doesn't sound incredible? There's a road trip and it's supposed to be funny?! AH. 


7. The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher
I have this one on my Kindle as well, so I'm looking forward to it!

8. Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
I actually just finished this one, and it wasn't as amazing as I was expected it to be. More like an enjoyable quick read.

9. Five Summers by Una Lamarche
AH. Summer camp story! <3 font="">

10. Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green.
The synopsis kind of reminds me of Pretty Little Liars - but way more awesome.

11. Our Song by Jordanna Fraiberg
This one looks adorable and I cannot wait.

12. Crush (Crash #3) by Nicole Williams
I still haven't read the second book in this series, but I know I'm going to enjoy it - and I know I want to read the third one! Lucy and Jude are one of my favorite NA couples right now.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities: 2012

The cities are listed from least dangerous to most dangerous. But it is recommended that travelers exercise extreme caution in any cities that find themselves on such a list. You might note that St. Louis, Mo., USA, has fallen off this top ten list. Last year, St. Louis occupied the #3 spot.

10. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is a city torn apart by drug trafficking and an abundance of petty crimes. Robbery is commonplace even in broad daylight, and the police have very little control over criminal activity. Many locals blame the government who is apathetic to these issues, much more protection is needed for many cities in Venezuela because it’s geological position makes it a drug running haven.

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9. Mogadishu, Somalia

The capitol of Somalia is still in turmoil and the outlook for 2012 is not bright. Civil war has torn apart the city (and the country) for two decades and political violence is very easily sparked. Accurate statistical data is almost impossible to obtain because of how belligerent local militias are, but it’s safe to say that Mogadishu is quite dangerous, an essentially lawless city with an abundance of bandits. A huge amount of it’s citizens abandoned the city three years ago leaving behind bombed out shells of buildings, but it remains as violent as ever.

8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

While Rio de Janeiro has some fantastic beaches and beautiful landscapes, you should not be lulled into a false sense of security should you visit. There are many slum/shanty areas where about %20 of the population lives in economic turmoil, and this struggle has given way to an ongoing conflict between drug traffickers and the local police force. Tourists and travelers are advised to stay away from the mountainous regions and poor areas of the city, especially at night. The police are there to protect you, but be aware that bribery is commonplace with them and that you may need some money to get out of a bind.

7. Grozny, Chechnya, Russia

In the mid 1990′s a very destructive conflict began between Chechnya and Russia. Grozny was left in shambles after a barrage of shells, missiles, and dynamite tore the city asunder- there were thousands dead and the toll on the city was massive. While the fighting apparently ended in 2006, it remains a very dangerous place full of crime both organized and petty. It’s especially dangerous for western tourists because of high kidnapping rates.

6. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

The drug cartels in Mexico show no signs of slowing down their business, and Ciudad Juarez is one of the worst affected areas. The drug trafficking groups in Mexico are notoriously violent and stop at absolutely nothing to move their product, they have control over the region and can do pretty much whatever they want. This city has been called one of the most violent places in the world outside of war zones, and the police force is known to be corrupt. The blame for this violence is often attributed to the Mexican government, but others blame the ongoing American war on drugs that facilitates the illegal drug trade.

5. Bogota, Colombia

Bogota’s main problem lies in the drug trade and extremist political groups rebelling against the Colombian government, but fortunately there have been some improvements since the 90′s. The north side of the city is absolutely more safe that the southern regions, it’s advisable to stay in this area and no to wander past the city limits. Bogota is a great tourist destination with lots to see, just be careful and don’t stray too far from safe areas.

4. Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad suffers from a very unstable political climate with many different factions destroying the city in their own way. The infrastructure has been torn apart by bombings and the streets are filled with unpredictable violence. The invasion by the United States in 2003 further escalated violence in the city and it has been a hostile place ever since. A lack of organization and infrastructure further exacerbate tension among Iraqis.

3. Guatemala City, Guatemala

Guatemala as a whole is riddled with crime because of a corrupt government and police force who are not at all equipped to deal with the abundance of criminal activity. The capitol has it the worst, the huge gap between the rich and poor is brought into stark contrast and robbery and violence are commonplace. It’s a shame because it’s such a beautiful city and country, but the corruption runs too deep for the streets to be safe.

2. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

This city in Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world and is considered even more dangerous than areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. Robbery is a rampant problem and almost everyone must carry a weapon of some sort for protection. Even minor disputes are often settled with violence and walking the streets requires extreme caution. Tourists are especially warned, anyone appearing to be a foreigner are specific targets for criminals.

1. Cape Town, South Africa

While Cape Town is a huge tourist attraction and a big city full of things to do, it also has extremely high crime rates and walking down the wrong street at the wrong time can put you in harms way. The disparity between socioeconomic classes is a major factor for criminal activity, and robbery is extremely common. Tourists are advised to do their research and stay in a relatively safe part of the city, don’t walk around unless the streets are well-lit with plenty of people out and be extra careful if you have to use an ATM.

Top 10 Richest People In The World

1.  Carlos Slim Helu

Carlos Slim Helu is the First richest Person in the world has now worth of $74 billion and started his business talent when he was a mere 10 year old selling snacks and soft drinks to the families. Carlos Slim business is the telecommunications. He is the chairman and CEO of Group Carso, the conglomerate having many companies. He also merged his fixed-line telecom company into America Movil, Latin America’s biggest mobile phone company; the slim family stake in that holding accounts for 62% of his net worth.

America's wealthiest still dominate the global ranks, but more new billionaires now come from China, Russia and other developing economies – and Mexico’s Carlos Slim Helú is holding on to the title of world’s richest man.He vastly created billions of money and so does his interests as he armored himself by keeping many bodyguards so as to safeguard the billions of dollars which he earned and also largely helps people who deal with the problems like poverty, illiteracy and also provides medical facility for the poor. He construction conglomerate, Impulsora Del Desarollo y el Empleo, builds roads and energy infrastructure. He finished his graduation and finished the Engineering and worked as a trader for some time in the Mexican Stock Exchange. He had rewarded with this honors by the beating the Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates with the help of added $20.5 billion to his fortune. 

2. Bill Gates:

The second richest Person in the World Bill Gates who dropped out of Harvard University in 1975 went out and started the World’s largest IT Company named Microsoft. , Net worth still up $13 billion in a year as Microsoft shares rose 50% in 12 months, value of investment vechile cascade swelled. The only vision which always Bill gates had is to facilitate every home with one computer. It was in 1986 when Microsoft went out in public with its initial public offer and Bill Gates was at an age of 31 and became the self-made billionaire at that time. In year 2008, He also has investments that include Four Seasons hotels, Televise, Auto Nation. His total net worth is almost $56 billion. Gates holds 70% of his wealth in investment fund Cascade, dabbling in everything from autos to hedge funds to Mexican Coke bottler Femsa; the rest of his wealth is held in Microsoft stock. He is no longer the planet’s richest person, but that’s because he’s given away $30 billion to his foundation.

3.  Warren Buffet:

Warren Buffet Is third richest person in the world who is the favorite Favorite’s investor up to $10 billion on past 12 months on surging Berkshire Hathway shares has net worth of $50 billion increased from $47 billion. . He met value investor Benjamin Graham at Columbia; bought textile firm Berkshire Hathaway 1965, and transformed it into massive holding company: food, insurance, utilities, industrials. Buffett acquired railroad giant Burlington. He too plays a very significant role in the Melinda Gates foundation as till now he has contributed a whopping $ 8 billion to that foundation. The outstanding venerable investor from Berkshire Hathaway has increased 15% over the last year adding $3 billion to his fortune .Warren Buffett lives in the city of Berkshire Hathaway. Currently Warren Buffett is 80 years Old and still helps many people who are very poor and are in search for education and food

 4. Bernard Amault

Bernard is the world fourth richest person who is from France aged 62 ha as current net worth of $ 41 billion and is also a very good friend of the French president Nicolas Sarkozy ,easily got the title of richest European. He is also renowned for “The Lord of Luxe”. He was educated at the great Ecole Polytechnique and joined his father’s construction company at an age of 25. . Fortune surged by $13.5 billion as shares of his luxury good outfit, LVMH, rose by more than half over the past year thanks to strong demand for luxuries like Dom Perpignan champagne, Cognac Hennessy, Tag Heuer watches and Louis Vuitton accessories, particularly in Asian markets like Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City He not only earned the fame as well as the name but also started LVMH group in the 1990s with the Louis Vuitton, Moet and Hennessy brands which is the World’s Luxury brand and constitutes a great leadership position in the Luxury brand.. LVMH is developing upscale Shanghai commercial property, L’Avenue Shanghai, with Macau billionaire Stanley Ho.ion

5. Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison is the fifth richest person in the world who is the simple person with the most number of awards and also other technical recognitions and is also un doubted   founder of the software giant Oracle and also is the CEO of the same. Ellison also is an all-rounder person with a great set of other capabilities like in Sports last year Ellison won the yachting’s America’s Cup. Larry Ellison, the chief of oracle has a fortune that is $11.5 billion bigger than last year by the help of 30% jump in the software company’s shares. In November Oracle won a mud-slinging copyright infringement court battle against German software rival SAP worth $1.3 billion. Larry Ellison has the net worth of $39.5 billion .The executive, supposedly a model for the “Iron Man” movie character Tony Stark, late last year attacked Hewlett Packard and its board for the abrupt and he said unfair sacking of longtime friend Mark Hurd. Ellison then hired him. Database giant bought 57 companies in the past five years. Completed $7.4 billion buyout of Sun Microsystems in January; acquired BEA Systems for $8.5 billion in 2008. Studied physics at U. of Chicago; didn’t graduate. Started Oracle 1977; took public a day before Microsoft in1986.

 6. Lakshmi Mittal:

Lakshmi Mittal is the sixth richest person in the world who is currently a London based tycoon who currently is an age of 60 years and owns the World’s largest steel manufacturer and also in the year 2005 he spent $10 million to promote sporting talent and encourage potential Olympians in his homeland. He helped many in London as well as India by donating money to many company and institutions which helped the poor. The current net worth of the Lakshmi Mittal is $ 31.1 million 1 billion up from $28.7 billion its means he had increased his net worth by $2.9 billion in 2010 due to recovery in steel demand and higher margins and the main source of income is Steel.

7. Amancio Ortega

Amancio Ortega is the world seventh richest person who is basically from Spain. The Chairman of Inditex, Amancio Ortega has net worth of $31 billion up from $25.0 billion had increased $6 billion in a year.Currently, Amancio Ortega is at an age of 74 years and started the clothing business in the late 1960s and started off making dressing gowns in his garage in La Coruna and then at a later stage he started his own company of Zara fashion and is the Chairman of the company. He has the company, which operates under several brand names including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius, has 5,000 stores in 77 countries. The main source of income is the retail.

8. Eike Batista

Eike Batista is eighth richest person in the world, leaving behind Amancio Ortega, Eike Batista interest lies in the mining as well as in the Oil. The man who is the richest man in Brazil and also really struggled hard to end up succeeding in Life as he came from the shadows of the well-known father Batista said that he wants none less than being the richest man on earth. Eike Batista gearing up to take over the world .Eike Batista has the net worth of $30 billion up from $27.0 billion (increased by $4 billion). Mining and Oil become the source of Eike Batista around the globe. Everything about the 53 year old from the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren sports car he keeps as decoration in his parlor to the “X” in the name of all his companies that represents wealth multiplication screams of unashamed ambition. He has a burning ambition to transform Rio into a modern, thriving city. Just before Rio was awarded the 2016 Olympic Games he bought up a nearby marina that will be a hub of the games within a timed deal.

9. Mukesh Ambani:

Mukesh Ambani is the ninth richest person in the world who is a Chemical Engineer by profession and is currently is having an age of 53 years has dropped out of an MBA program which was conducted by the Stanford University and joined the company Reliance in the year 1981 who is born in India. As like one of the champions in the world, Mukesh Ambani will also trying to increase his worth next year by making new efforts of his life. Mukesh Ambani is among the most popular person in the India and also around the globe. Recently at the time of recession when the Prime Minister stated about the big fatty pay outs to the top bosses of the most of the companies, the Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited has announced the pay out to himself to a whopping 2/3rd of his total salary. Mukesh Ambani is running India’s most valuable company, oil and gas conglomerate Reliance Industries. He is also known as the king of Petrochemicals, Oil & Gas in India. Living in the most popular city of India, Mumbai .Currently, Mukesh Ambani the Chairman of Reliance Industries and also has made a house of worth $1 billion named Antilla which is of a height of 27 storey’s. He had just forged a partnership with BP, selling 30% stake in 23 oil blocks in India for $7.2 billion and forming a marketing joint venture .Mukesh Ambani also has an elder brother who is named as Anil Ambani who too is a big business tycoon. The area of trade for Mukesh Ambani is the Retail, financial services with DE Shaw, Oil and Gas. Mukesh Ambani has the net worth of $27 billion down from $29.0 billion (decreased by $2 billion).

10 Christy Walton and family

Christy Walton is the tenth most richest women in the world who is the widow of the John Walton inherited her wealth after the former Green Beret and Vietnam war medic died in an airplane accident near his home Wyoming 2005 and has the son named Sam Walton who owns and operates the Retail King giant Wal Mart. Wal Mart was basically first built in the single dime store in the Arkansas and has now become the World’s largest retailer all across the World with its presence directly or in directly all across the World. Walton and family have the net worth of $26.5 billion up from $22.5 billion. Christy Walton is increasing her worth by the increase of popularity and income of walmart.