<B>The New York Times

New detectors aim to prevent nuclear terror</B>

New York City is about to become a laboratory to test ways of strengthening the nation?s defenses against a terror attack by a nuclear device or a radioactive «dirty bomb.»

Starting this spring, the Bush administration will assess new detection machines at a Staten Island port terminal that are designed to screen cargo and automatically distinguish between naturally occurring radiation and critical bomb-building ingredients.

And later this year, the federal government plans to begin setting up an elaborate network of radiation alarms at some bridges, tunnels, roadways and waterways into New York, creating a 50-mile circle around the city. The effort, which could be expanded to other cities if proven successful, is a major shift of focus for the Department of Homeland Security.

As it finishes installing the first generation of radiation scanners at the nation?s ports and land border crossings, the department is trying to find ways to stop a plot that would use a weapon built within the United States. «How do you create deterrence against terrorism?» said Vayl S. Oxford, director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, the Homeland Security agency coordinating the work. «You complicate the ability for the terrorist to do what they want.» But even as the new campaign begins, some members of Congress and antiterrorism experts are raising concerns that the initiative, like previous Homeland Security programs, could prove extraordinarily costly and provide few security gains.

<B>THE TIMES OF INDIA

US, Russia want to soar in Indian skies</B>

Aviation companies from around the world flocked to the ?Aero India? show in India on Wednesday. The five-day event at the Yelahanka air base, located in the outskirts of the technology hub, has drawn 500 companies, including 275 foreign companies, more than ever before, Defence Production Secretary K P Singh said.

Forty-five foreign delegations and 35 air force chiefs are also attending the biennial show, which comes as India is emerging as one of the biggest buyers of military hardware in the global market.

New Delhi has plans to buy 126 fighter jets for its air force, a deal worth $6.5 billion to $10 billion.

The government?s decision to allow foreign and private investment has also encouraged many global companies to explore partnerships with local firms to set up manufacturing and research facilities. It is the first time that US combat aircraft makers Lockheed Martin and Boeing will fly the F-16 and F/A-18 Super Hornet at the air show. Both companies are vying for an Indian Air Force order. But they face stiff competition from the Russian Aircraft Corporation, which manufactures the MiG combat jets and will be showing the MiG-35, the latest fighter jet in Russia?s stable. Other rivals are Sweden?s Gripen and Eurofighter, made by BAE Systems PLC, Europe?s largest defense contractor.

India has never bought American planes for its air force because of its frosty relations with Washington during the Cold War, when New Delhi was viewed as a close ally of the former Soviet Union.

Russian-made MiGs dominate the Indian fleet that also includes French Mirage jets and British Jaguars. Despite improving relations in recent years, India has been reluctant to sign deals with US arms suppliers over fears that Washington could impose sanctions as it did in 1998 after India tested nuclear weapons, choking off vital spare parts and technology.

<B>XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

China?s Hu heads to Mozambique and the Seychelles as Africa tour winds down</B>

Chinese leader Hu Jintao was due to arrive in Mozambique on the last major leg of an African tour after fending off accusations that Beijing is only interested in exploiting the continent?s mineral wealth. Hu was expected to fly into the capital Maputo from neighbouring South Africa for a 24-hour visit which will see him hold talks with his Mozambican counterpart Armando Guebuza as well as local Chinese businessmen and sign a raft of bilateral agreements.

He will then head home on Friday, with a brief stopover in the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean.

Chinese businesses are playing a leading role in the reconstruction of Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony in southeastern Africa devastated by a civil war which raged between 1976-92. Around a third of all ongoing road construction projects are being carried out by Chinese firms which can also take the credit for landmark buildings such as the foreign ministry and the new Joaquim Chissano conference centre.Hu is also expected to visit the parliament in Maputo, part of which has also been built by Chinese contractors.