Blueprint on terror

Here's another feather in the IIT's cap. IIT Kanpur will soon set up the country's first internal security centre. Modelled on the United States' department of homeland security that came into such prominence after 9/11, the centre will help to protect the nation from the threat of terror attacks. IIT Kanpur came up with a blueprint for the project and it has just been given the go ahead by the home ministry. The centre, likely to be based in Kanpur, is expected to focus on intelligence and warning, border and transportation security, domestic counter-terrorism, preparedness against modern terror operatives, etc, and will liaise with the government and state and central agencies to give the country an edge in its fight against terror. Way to go, IIT-K!

Fat hope

The fight against terror is one thing. The fight against obesity is quite something else. That's one battle being played out in US schools right now. Concerned about the growing obesity of their kids, parents, doctors and government officials in America are lobbying hard to do away with such school caf' staples as pizzas, burgers, hotdogs, fizzy drinks and french fries. But there's strong opposition to the idea too. The kids are furious. And teachers claim that they are in a better mood to learn if they are offered pizzas and candies!