Following India's military operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, 27 airports across northern, western, and central India have been shut down temporarily as a security measure. This disruption led to the cancellation of over 430 domestic flights on Thursday, with Pakistan also reporting 147 cancellations. Civilian air traffic was suspended over large areas of Indian and Pakistani airspace, forcing rerouting of international flights. Key airports affected include Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jodhpur. The shutdown impacts both civil and military aviation operations amid heightened regional tensions.

On May 7, 2025, India launched 'Operation Abhyaas,' a comprehensive civil defence mock drill across 244 districts, marking the first such exercise since 1971. Initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the drill aimed to assess and enhance emergency preparedness in light of escalating tensions following Operation Sindoor. The exercises included air raid sirens, evacuation protocols, blackout simulations, and emergency response training in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Educational institutions, transportation hubs, and public spaces participated, with citizens advised to prepare emergency kits and limit phone usage during drills. The initiative underscores India's commitment to bolstering civil defence readiness amid current geopolitical challenges.   

Amid heightened tensions following India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, civil defence mock drills were held across 244 districts in India on May 7. The nationwide exercise, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed to prepare civilians for emergency scenarios, including air raids. Activities included blackout drills, air raid siren tests, and evacuation rehearsals. Key locations like IGI Airport, Khan Market in Delhi, and Cross Maidan in Mumbai saw active participation from SDRF, police, and civil defence teams. However, drills in Jammu and Kashmir were called off due to the sensitive security situation. (PC: News18)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Armed Forces for their precision and restraint during Operation Sindoor, stating that only those responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack were targeted. Speaking at the inauguration of 50 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects across India, Singh said the strikes in Pakistan and PoK were measured and focused, avoiding civilian casualties. He emphasized that the action was India’s rightful response to the killing of 26 civilians by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Singh lauded the armed forces for executing the operation with professionalism, sending a strong message against terrorism without escalating the conflict. (PC: News18)

India has released the first visuals of Operation Sindoor, showing precision missile strikes that destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Targets included Bahawalpur, Muridke, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, among others. The Indian Army confirmed the operation was “measured, proportionate, and non-escalatory,” aimed at dismantling decades-old terror infrastructure. Defence officials cited intel of impending attacks, prompting the strike after the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. At a joint press briefing, senior military officials emphasized India’s resolve to bring justice to terror perpetrators. Pakistan condemned the action, vowing retaliation. India maintained the strikes stayed within Indian airspace using stand-off weapons.

On May 7, 2025, India launched its largest civil defence exercise in decades, "Operation Abhyaas," across 244 districts. Coordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the drills commenced at 4 PM, featuring air raid sirens, blackout simulations, and evacuation protocols. In Delhi, 55 locations participated, while Maharashtra mobilized over 10,000 volunteers. The initiative follows India's airstrikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, responding to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The Home Ministry emphasized public preparedness, urging citizens to follow safety protocols during the drills. This nationwide effort underscores India's commitment to enhancing emergency readiness amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: PTI)

In a bold response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, monitored closely by PM Modi, was described as focused and non-escalatory. Bollywood celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, and Riteish Deshmukh, lauded the armed forces, sharing patriotic messages online. The government emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were hit. Additionally, a ban on Pakistani channels and artists in India was announced. A detailed briefing on Operation Sindoor is expected later today. (PC: Masala)

In a historic and symbolic moment, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Their presence underscored India’s tribute to the victims and widows of the Pahalgam terror attack, while highlighting the rising leadership of women in defence forces. Colonel Qureshi, a decorated UN peacekeeper, and Wing Commander Singh, a combat helicopter pilot, exemplify courage and excellence. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the operation was “measured and focused,” targeting infrastructure of terror outfits JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen with precision. (PC: India Today )

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled a planned visit to Kashmir after receiving intelligence about a potential terror threat three days before the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. Kharge questioned why the public wasn't warned if the threat was known. The BJP dismissed the allegation as "irresponsible," accusing Congress of politicizing national security. The controversy adds to tensions following the Pahalgam attack, with the government facing criticism over security lapses and opposition leaders demanding accountability. (PC: ANI)

India will conduct extensive civil defence mock drills on May 7, as part of a nationwide exercise to assess preparedness against potential threats amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the drills will include air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation rehearsals, and coordination with the Indian Air Force. The drills will be held in 259 districts across the country, involving students, government employees, and military personnel. The exercises aim to strengthen emergency response systems and ensure the protection of critical installations like nuclear plants and military bases. (PC: PTI)