Microsoft's new security initiative

Microsoft Corporation has quietly unveiled details about a key new security initiative code named after the Greek goddess of wisdom "Palladium", giving the first glimpse into its plan to deliver on its promise of "Trustworthy Computing".

John Manferdelli, Product Manager for the palladium business unit said the new initiative would give individuals and groups of users greater data security, personal privacy and system integrity. Instead of storing sensitive information such as passwords on software, palladium will also aim to protect information at the hardware level.

Palladium will be the integral part of next version of Windows, which is code-named "Longhorn", which will be intelligent and recognise users and tasks seamlessly and tailor itself to specific situations and needs

-The Times of India - July 4, 2002

Bangalore develops man-portable radar

The Electronics Radar Development Establishment in Bangalore, India has developed a man-portable radar, which can detect human and vehicular infiltration in border areas. This development has coincided with the US offer to India to install electronic sensors to monitor terrorist movements amounting to infiltrations in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

The portable radar, which can be carried on backpacks because of its convenient size, by Army jawans, apart from identifying targets by itself can track and detect a crawling man, a group of people, low flying helicopters to combat vehicles.

-The Times of India - July 4, 2002

UK plans £2 bn n-expansion

Britain is investing more than £2 billion in a project that would enable it to produce a new generation of nuclear weapons, officials admitted on Monday.

A huge expansion plan for the atomic weapons establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire, would provide scientists with the capability to design and produce "mini-nukes" or nuclear warheads for cruise missiles, a spokesperson said.

Steve Pullinger, director of the International Security Information Services said, "The doctrine apparently allows for the pre-emptive use of nuclear weapons to prevent what we perceive to be a threat from chemical and biological weapons".

-Hindustan Times - June 19, 2002