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Defence Notes

	September 29, 2008

Soldier killed in firing by Pakistani troops in Kashmir



An Indian Army soldier was killed on Sept., 21 in firing by Pakistani troops from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, an official said.



The firing, which started at 9.30 a.m. at the Dokri Kalsa post in Poonch, about 220 km from Jammu, was meant to provide cover to infiltrators from across the LoC, Army officials said.



The infiltration bid was foiled, the officials said, requesting anonymity.



Tatong Chiba of the 1 Assam Rifles regiment was killed in the firing. Chiba hailed from Nagaland.





Nat Geo to take viewers inside Indian Navy



After taking viewers to the top of the world in collaboration with the Indian Army and then inside the Indian Air Force, National Geographic Channel returns with "Mission Navy: Lehron ke Sartaj".



Perhaps for the first time in the history of Indian television, "Mission Navy" will showcase the hitherto uncharted world of the Indian Navy, replete with warships, submarines, missiles and much more.



The channel has collaborated with the Navy for its latest mission property and is now all set to embark on a journey on the high seas. Earlier it had filmed "Mission Everest" and "Mission Udaan".



Speaking about the mega series, Nikhil Mirchandani, Managing Director of National Geographic Channel-South Asia, said: "Our mission properties have always showcased exceptional content, encouraging viewers to re-assess the world they live in and expand their thought horizons.



"We are extremely excited to announce the launch of our next mission property, especially since it would take our viewers inside the incredible world of the Indian Navy. Through this unique initiative we are on a nationwide hunt to choose the first lucky Indian to go on an international tour with the Indian Navy."



Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta has welcomed the series. "Facts and details about the Indian Navy are largely unknown to the people of our country. We are, therefore, extremely pleased to welcome the National Geographic Channel cameras aboard our vessels to capture the world of the Indian Navy and present it to audiences," Mehta said.



The series consists of eight visually stunning episodes that provide an insight into the lives of the brave men who patrol and protect the country.



"This particular mission is very special for us at Nat Geo India as it showcases the world of the Indian Navy for the first time on Indian television," said Rajesh Sheshadri, Senior Vice President for Content and Communication at National Geographic Channel-India.



"With strong Indian connect and visually appealing episodes, we are confident that our viewers will appreciate the endeavour," he added.





IAF Vice-Chief praises UAE Air Force pilots



Pilots of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force have come in for high praise from the Vice Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal P.V. Naik, for displaying a high degree of professionalism.



In a statement to the UAE's Emirates News Agency (WAM), Naik said the Indian pilots were highly impressed by the professionalism displayed by the UAE Air Force pilots.



Naik's statement came in the wake of a joint air exercise conducted by the air forces of the two friendly nations earlier this month.



Eight SU-30 MKI aircraft of the IAF engaged in friendly air-to-air combat with six squadrons of the UAE Air Force's F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft in an exercise dubbed Desert Eagle at the Al Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabi.