In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the Indian government has directed northern and western states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana, to conduct civil defense drills on May 7. These exercises will involve activating air raid sirens, implementing blackouts, and training civilians, including students, on safety protocols. Evacuation rehearsals and camouflaging vital installations are also planned. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Japanese counterpart Nakatani Gen, condemning Pakistan's cross-border terrorism and emphasizing regional security. Japan expressed solidarity with India. These measures aim to bolster civilian preparedness amid heightened tensions along the Line of Control. (PC: PTI & Newsonair)

Tourism in Kashmir faces a severe downturn following a deadly terrorist attack that killed 26 tourists, sparking heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, hotels and houseboats in Indian Kashmir are offering discounts of up to 70% due to massive booking cancellations. Similarly, in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, tourist hotspots like Neelum Valley have been closed amid fears of an Indian military strike, leaving approximately 370 hotels and guesthouses vacant. The tourism industry, a crucial livelihood for thousands in the region, had seen a revival in recent years with more than 3 million tourists visiting Indian Kashmir and 1.5 million visiting Pakistani Kashmir last year. This resurgence followed a period of reduced militancy and a four-year ceasefire. However, the latest hostilities threaten to reverse these gains. Local business owners on both sides, like houseboat operator Yaseen Tuman and checkpoint vendor Musaddiq Hussain, report a devastating economic impact and call for peace between the two nations. Despite fears, some domestic tourists remain undeterred, believing certain areas are still safe to visit. Nonetheless, the tourism sector anticipates a prolonged slump amid rising geopolitical tensions. (PC: Reuters)

In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has directed several states to conduct security mock drills on May 7, the first of its kind since 1971. These drills will include air raid warning sirens, civilian training, and blackout procedures to prepare for potential hostile attacks. The order comes amid ongoing cross-border firing by Pakistan and India's vow for retribution for the deadly attack in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi has met top military officials, signaling India's readiness to take decisive action. (PC: ANI)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, a parliamentary panel on Communications and IT has instructed the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) ministries to outline actions against social media platforms and influencers allegedly working against national interests. Concerned about online entities inciting violence, the panel seeks details on potential bans under the Information Technology Act. The ministries must submit responses by May 8. This move comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (PC: India Today )

After losing her husband, Navy Captain Vinay Narwal, in the Pahalgam terror attack, Himanshi Narwal became a symbol of grief and resilience. But her public appeal for peace, urging against targeting Muslims or Kashmiris, sparked a wave of misogynistic trolling online. Trolls questioned her patriotism, character, and even her right to a government pension. The abuse was so severe that the National Commission for Women intervened. Similar hate was directed at Arathi Menon, another victim’s daughter. Their stories expose the deep-rooted sexism and intolerance women face when they defy public narratives and speak with compassion amid personal tragedy. (PC: India Today)

In response to the escalating Indo-Pak tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Home Ministry has ordered a civil defence mock drill across multiple states on May 7. Border states including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat have been asked to test wartime standard operating procedures (SOPs). The drill includes testing of air raid sirens, training civilians and students in emergency preparedness, implementing crash blackout protocols, camouflaging vital installations, and updating evacuation plans. Officials emphasize the exercise is precautionary and not cause for alarm. The initiative is aimed at educating a generation unfamiliar with wartime realities.

The Indian government has directed states to conduct nationwide civil defence drills on May 7, sources said, marking the first such exercise since 1971. The move follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists. The drills will include blackout protocols, air raid sirens, camouflaging vital infrastructure, and evacuation rehearsals. In Punjab’s Ferozepur, a blackout was already rehearsed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met top defence officials, signalling a potential military response. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and reduced Pakistani diplomatic presence, as border tensions and ceasefire violations persist. (PC: India Today)

Tension gripped the Jharkhand High Court in Ranchi after posters featuring the Pakistan national flag and the Pakistani Army chief were found stuck on the floor in multiple locations, including near the entrance, halls, and even a washroom. The incident reportedly occurred during lunchtime by unidentified individuals. The Registrar General, Manoj Prasad, said he was unaware but promised to investigate promptly. This alarming act comes amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. No formal inquiry has been launched yet, but authorities are assessing if anyone linked to the court was involved. Security on the premises is being reviewed. (PC: Wikimedia Commons)

On Sunday, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian Air Force's preparedness following the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting, held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, focused on potential retaliatory measures. Earlier, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi discussed the northern Arabian Sea's security scenario with the Prime Minister. Defence sources indicated that Indian troop redeployments and weapon readiness had been executed to counter any preemptive or retaliatory actions from Pakistan across various domains. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government's commitment to national security, asserting the armed forces' readiness to deliver a decisive response to any threats. (PC: Mint & The Indian Express)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India's Defence Secretary met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strategize a response. The attack, targeting Hindu tourists, has intensified India-Pakistan tensions, with India attributing the assault to Pakistan-based militants. Consequently, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled Pakistani diplomats, while Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights. Security has been heightened across Jammu and Kashmir, with over half of the tourist sites closed. The Indian military has been granted autonomy to determine retaliatory measures. International actors, including the U.S., have urged both nations to de-escalate. The situation remains volatile, with cross-border skirmishes reported along the Line of Control. (PC: Business Standard)