The Indian Army chief has been given the go-ahead by the government to activate the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or in a support role to the regular army. The government’s decision comes amid the conflict with Pakistan.

Air raid sirens were heard in the national capital today as part of a mock drill amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and two waves of missile and drone attacks from across the border.

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the home ministry has directed states and Union territories to implement civil defence measures under the 1968 Act. This directive follows Pakistani drone and missile strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, retaliating against India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist sites after the Pahalgama attack. Indian air defence systems successfully intercepted most threats.