India, May 6 -- In response to growing national security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Home Ministry has directed all states and Union Territories to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7. The directive comes amid what the government describes as "new and complex threats" emerging in the current geopolitical climate, particularly tensions with Pakistan.

A letter issued by the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards outlines a series of measures to be implemented during the drill. These include activating air-raid sirens, clearing bunkers and trenches, educating civilians on protective civil-defence protocols, simulating blackouts, and camouflaging critical infrastructure.

The e...