India becomes first country to land near Moon’s south pole

India has made history – joining an elite club by becoming only the fourth nation to land on the Moon and the first to land near its south pole.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a ‘victory cry’ of a new India. It was the country’s second attempt, and came days after a Russian lander crashed into the moon and out of the race to get there first. It allows India to explore uncharted territory scientists believe may hold frozen water, which could prove vital for future missions.