Indian Navy inducted Russian-Origin Nuclear Submarine INS Chakra

The Indian Navy on 4 April 2012 inducted a Russian-origin nuclear submarine, INS Chakra, into its flotilla. The nuclear submarine has placed India into the elite group of nations which operate nuclear vessel.
The Akula-II class submarine K-152 Nerpa, renamed INS Chakra-II, is on a 10-year lease from Russia at a cost of nearly 1 billion dollar.
Defence minister AK Antony formally inducted the 8000-ton vessel as India is looking forward to strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean region. Apart from India the other nations which possess the capability to operate nuclear vessel includes US, Russia, France, the UK and China.
The induction of INS Chakra in the Indian Navy is strategically very important given the fact that China over the last few years has been aggressively indulged in taking the Indian Ocean Region within its clout. Besides, its growing belligerence in the entire Asia-Pacific region has also been a reason of grave concern for Indian security establishment. The INS Chakra will offer India a defining strategic edge over its conventional rivals China and Pakistan.

China test-launches first 3D television broadcast

China has launched its first three- dimensional television (3D TV) channel on a trial basis coinciding with the New Year, a development considered significant in the booming nation's television industry.

The channel, China 3D TV Trial Channel, is jointly operated by state-run China Central Television (CCTV) and other five local TV stations in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Shenzhen.

People can watch 3D-effect programmes with 3D TV sets and wired high-definition digital TV set-top-boxes.

The channel broadcasts a total of 13.5 hours everyday from 10:30 to 24:00, with 4.5 hours of first broadcast and two rebroadcasts.

The channel will be formally launched during the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year starting January 23.

Programmes of performing arts, sports, cartoons and movies with 3D effects will be broadcast on the channel, CCTV said.

"The launch of the 3D trial channel is a significant step in the development of China's television," said Cai Fuchao, head of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

Cai added that the 3D TV channel can create a demand worth hundreds of billions yuan, if part of China's 500 million TV sets are replaced by 3D ones.

Countries like Japan and South Korea have already launched similar services.