The Union Home Ministry has directed several states to conduct mock drills on 7 May to strengthen civil defence preparedness, government sources said on Monday( 5, May 2024).

• The drills will include the operationalisation of air raid warning sirens and training for civilians and students on how to protect themselves during a hostile attack.
• Other measures include crash blackout procedures, early camouflaging of key installations, and rehearsals of updated evacuation plans.
• Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
• On Sunday, a 30-minute blackout rehearsal was carried out in the Ferozepur Cantonment area under the supervision of the Cantonment Board and Station Commander.