India's Mars Orbiter Mission successfully entered the red planet's orbit on Wednesday morning. Scientists from the Indian Space and Research Organisation fired the spacecraft's main liquid engine to align it to Mars' orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists for their efforts, as India became the first country to succeed on its first Mars mission. India also joined an elite club of Martian explorers that includes the US, European Space Agency and the former Soviet Union.
Chinese army awaits India's response to flag meet invitation
Senior Indian army commanders held consultations with top government officials on Tuesday to decide whether they would accept the Chinese army's invitation for another flag meeting to resolve the border situation. Meanwhile, the 1,500-strong Indian army contingent at the Chumar sector in Eastern Ladakh, maintained its positions against Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control.
RSS intervenes, brings Shiv Sena and BJP back into negotiations
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh intervened on Tuesday to end the seat-sharing dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. Senior RSS functionaries told the BJP in no uncertain terms that it must continue its alliance with its ideological partner Shiv Sena for October's assembly elections. This move has brought both parties back into negotiations after their stand-off, despite the state BJP unit's desire to sever the alliance.
Man gets mauled to death by white tiger in Delhi Zoo
A 22-year-old man was mauled to death by a white tiger named Vijay at the Delhi Zoo on Tuesday, after he jumped into its enclosure. After an initial swipe, the white tiger killed Maqsood by crushing his neck with a single bite, according to zoo officials. Father of the dead man told police that his son had a psychological problem.
US, allies kill 120 IS and Al-Qaeda militants in air strikes
The United States and its allies in the Arab region conducted air strikes in Syria and killed 120 Islamic State and Al-Qaeda militants on Tuesday. In a separate incident, US forces shot down Al-Qaeda operatives in Syria to thwart an "imminent attack" against Western interests.