Buoyed by the success of their first lunar probe three years back, India's space scientists are planning an ambitious sequel in 2013 that may establish the groundwork for a future robotic mission to Mars. Drawing on Russia's long experience exploring planetary surfaces, including the upcoming mission to the Martian moon Phobos, India's second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, will consist of a domestic spacecraft and rover, with a Russian landing platform that underscores the international aspect of India's budding planetary exploration program.

India’s second-largest budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd. is exploring partnerships with global low-fare carriers as part of its second phase of international expansion. The airline currently serves only two international destinations—Kathmandu, Nepal, from Delhi and Colombo, Sri Lanka, from Chennai—and plans to start flights to 10 more international destinations, including points in South and West Asian countries.

NEW DELHI — India is likely to announce the winner of its $11 billion competition to furnish its air force with 126 combat jets in the next five to six weeks. “The next step is to call vendors and open up the commercial bids. Of the two manufacturers left in the fray for the Medium-Multirole Combat Aircraft [MMRCA], we will [determine the lowest bidder] in the next five to six weeks,” Indian Air Force (IAF) chief P.V. Naik said July 26. As per India’s defense procurement procedures, the lowest bidder wins the deal.