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Mock Drills In India Today: Know Timings, Locations And Answers To All Queries About ‘Operation Abhyas’

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New Delhi: Today, Civil Defence Mock Drills are being conducted in 244 districts nationwide to prepare for potential threats. Public cooperation is encouraged during these exercises, which involve various local authorities and volunteers. ‘Operation Abhyaas’ occurs at 55 locations in Delhi, while Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat also participate with specific drills aimed at enhancing disaster response readiness.

A large-scale mock drill, dubbed Operation Abhyas, will take place on Wednesday, May 7, across 244 locations in India as part of a nationwide preparedness exercise. Initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the drill aims to enhance readiness for potential India-Pakistan conflict amid rising political tensions, particularly following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The simulation will include air raids, blackouts, evacuations, and emergency rescue operations, designed to prepare both citizens and local authorities for possible war scenarios.

Drills are scheduled to commence at 4 PM, with timings varying by location. In Delhi, the drill will last from 4 PM to 7 PM; Jhansi will conduct its session at the Reserve Police Lines; Bareilly will experience a brief blackout; and in Kerala, multiple drills across 14 districts will start at the same time. Additionally, air raid simulations will occur in Visakhapatnam and sirens in Dehradun. This initiative strengthens civil defense capabilities and raises public awareness for emergencies, contributing to the Integrated Response System (IRS) to protect citizens during crises.

The central government has mandated nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7 to prepare states and UTs for potential “hostile attacks,” particularly following the Pahalgam terrorist incident that claimed 26 lives. The drills will occur across over 250 districts in response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, triggered by a shooting in Jammu and Kashmir where terrorists, reportedly linked to Pakistan, attacked tourists.

These mock drills are designed to assess India’s readiness for emergencies such as air raids, blackouts, and evacuations, serving as crucial components of the nation’s passive defence strategy. As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, maintaining optimal Civil Defence preparedness is essential given the current geopolitical landscape.

Despite public concerns, schools, colleges, banks, and government offices will remain open during the drills, ensuring daily routines continue with minimal disruption. Brief blackout drills may occur at select locations to simulate emergency shutdowns aimed at enhancing safety during potential air raids. These measures are crucial for reducing visibility and casualties in real threats.

During the mock drills, several key activities will take place as outlined by the government notice. These include activating Air Raid Warning Sirens, establishing communication links with the Indian Air Force, and manning control rooms. The drills will also involve training civilians and students on civil defense techniques for self-protection during hostile situations. Additionally, civil defense services, including firefighting and rescue operations, will be activated. Other tasks will encompass implementing crash blackout measures, camouflaging essential installations, updating defense plans, and rehearsing evacuation strategies, as well as cleaning bunkers and trenches.

Participants in the drills will include Civil Defence volunteers, Home Guards, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the National Service Scheme (NSS), local police, and students, necessitating cooperation across various agencies, with civilians potentially joining in. However, the public need not be alarmed, as the drills are a pre-scheduled exercise, not an emergency. There is currently no indication that mobile or internet services will be disrupted during the May 7 mock drills, and citizens are encouraged to remain calm and follow authorities’ instructions. The drills primarily aim to evaluate response mechanisms and preparedness for any hostile attacks.

National News

India and Pakistan to stop all firing and military action: MEA

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New Delhi, May 10: A few minutes after US President Donald Trump announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 PM Indian Standard Time, on Saturday.

“The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hrs earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hrs Indian Standard Time today,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a short media briefing.

“Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Director General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” the Foreign Secretary added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan without sharing any details of the negotiations or the ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Rubio also said in a State Department statement that he and Vice-President J D Vance conducted the ceasefire negotiations.

“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social, the social media platform he owns.

“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

Secretary of State Rubio said in a separate statement: “Over the past 48 hours, Vice President Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.

“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” he stated.

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National News

Trump says India and Pakistan ‘agree to full and immediate ceasefire’

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Donald Trump says “India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire”.

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, the US President says: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.

“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

We have not heard this from either India or Pakistan, stay with us for the latest developments.

Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect, Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar says.

He adds: “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Cyber Department warns against fake news circulation amid rising India-Pak tensions

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Mumbai, May 10: The Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber Department, on Saturday issued an advisory warning against the circulation of fake news amid cross-border tensions, asking the citizens to show restraint.

“Spreading false information, knowingly or unknowingly, is a punishable offence under relevant provisions of law. Maharashtra Cyber strongly advises all citizens to exercise restraint and discernment while consuming and sharing information, particularly in relation to matters of national importance. The Government of India maintains official communication channels and verified platforms for issuing statements, updates, and press releases concerning national security and defence matters. Citizens are urged to rely exclusively on these official sources for information and are firmly discouraged from forwarding or amplifying unverified messages, videos, or images that may contribute to social discord or misinformation,” said the advisory.

The department has appealed to all individuals to act responsibly, verify facts from authorised sources, and report any suspicious or misleading content at the earliest opportunity.

“In view of the prevailing cross-border tensions, accurate and timely information concerning developments at the border and adjoining regions holds vital importance for citizens. However, Maharashtra Cyber has observed with concern that amidst the dissemination of critical information, several instances of fake news are being circulated across various digital platforms. This misinformation not only misleads the public but also promotes confusion and unrest within society,” said the advisory.

“A considerable volume of this fake content pertains to alleged army movements, strategic operations, or retaliatory measures from neighbouring countries. Such unverified and misleading content poses a serious risk to national security and may contribute to the escalation of tensions. Unsocial elements appear to be exploiting the sensitivity of the situation by generating and distributing this fake news with the intention of gaining followers, inciting panic, or manipulating public perception,” said the advisory.

Taking cognisance of these developments, Maharashtra Cyber has issued several notices for the removal of such false narratives across social media and communication platforms. The department remains fully committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy information environment and will continue to coordinate with platform operators and enforcement agencies to curb the spread of misinformation.

The Cyber Department’s advisory comes a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warned that the government will take stern action against those spreading fake news on social media.

CM Fadnavis, at the meeting he chaired to review the security arrangement and preparedness amid escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, asked the administration to study the central government’s ‘Union War Book’ in depth and inform everyone about it.

Police cyber cells in every district should monitor social media and identify handles that are helping Pakistan and take action against them. If anyone is helping the enemy or spreading false information, take action against them, he said at the meeting.

Further, Eknath Shinde said, “Spreading fake news on social media is a serious crime. Strict action would be taken against it. We request that people not film, video, and broadcast whatever preparations are being made by the military and coast guard forces, as it is important from a security perspective.”

He announced that the government will initiate strong action against those engaged in spreading fake news on social media.

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