logo
Gujarat, Rajasthan postpone mock drill scheduled for tomorrow, new dates to be announced

Gujarat, Rajasthan postpone mock drill scheduled for tomorrow, new dates to be announced

Mint28-05-2025
Mock drill: Gujarat and Rajasthan on Wednesday said that the Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield', which was planned to be held on Thursday, has been postponed due to administrative reasons.
The Central government decided to carry out a civil defence exercise 'Operation Shield' in all districts of states and Union territories adjoining the western border — Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Chandigarh.
However, mock drills in Gujarat and Rajasthan have only been postponed.
"It is hereby intimated that the Civil Defence Exercise "Operation Shield", which was planned to be held on 29.05.2025 is hereby postponed due to administrative reasons," said Gujarat and Rajasthan.
'It is requested that necessary directions to all the Controllers of Civil Defence and other stakeholders, may be issued accordingly,' it further added.
The next dates for the civil defense exercise will be issued subsequently.
Earlier, Tina Dabi, District Collector of Barmer, had said that a mock drill would be conducted in four border districts — Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner.
"Stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers like NCC, NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides, to man different services and assist the civil administration in the implementation of various civil defence measures like air raids from enemy aircraft, drones and missile attacks," the official communication said.
Earlier, on May 7, as per the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, a civil defence exercise (Civil Defence Mock Drill) was conducted to check and evaluate the security arrangements of the citizens living in sensitive areas of the country.
Whereas, to avenge the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalagam in which 26 people were killed, Operation Sindoor was carried out by India on May 7 through which the defence forces targeted terror camps at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor led to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jaisalmer youth held on charges of spying for Pakistan, fourth espionage case in 2025
Jaisalmer youth held on charges of spying for Pakistan, fourth espionage case in 2025

New Indian Express

time12 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

Jaisalmer youth held on charges of spying for Pakistan, fourth espionage case in 2025

JAIPUR: Investigation agencies in Rajasthan have arrested a 25-year-old man on charges of espionage in the Army area along the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur road. The suspect, identified as Jeevan Khan, was detained on Tuesday while allegedly speaking on Pakistani phone numbers. Officials said several other Pakistani contacts were saved in his mobile phone. He will be handed over to the Joint Investigation Committee for interrogation. According to sources, Khan had earlier worked at a restaurant in the Army area two to three years ago and had recently returned for work. He had been under surveillance for some time, with his calls and movements closely monitored. On Tuesday, officials intercepted him while he was on a call with a Pakistani number. Following Operation Sindoor, security agencies have stepped up vigilance in Rajasthan's border areas, keeping a close watch on individuals suspected of links with Pakistan. This marks the third espionage arrest since Operation Sindoor and the fourth case reported this year. Earlier this month, the arrest of DRDO guest house manager Mahendra Prasad in Jaisalmer had raised alarm among security agencies. Investigations revealed Prasad was in touch with a Pakistani handler using the name 'Colonel AK Singh' and had shared sensitive information about scientists visiting the Chandan Field Firing Range guest house. He also allegedly provided photographs of the area and details of local activities during Operation Sindoor. He remains in police custody until August 15. Khan's arrest adds to a series of espionage cases uncovered this year in Jaisalmer district. On 26 March, Rajasthan Intelligence arrested Pathan Khan, a resident of Karam Ki Dhani near the Chandan Field Firing Range, under the Official Secrets Act, days before the Pahalgam terror attack. On 28 May, investigators detained Shakoor Khan, a government employee and personal assistant to former Congress minister Saleh Mohammad, on similar charges and formally arrested him on 3 June. With four arrests in less than five months, intelligence and security agencies remain on high alert to prevent further spying attempts in Rajasthan's sensitive border areas.

JeM uses E-wallets to bypass FATF, mini camps to evade Indian military strikes
JeM uses E-wallets to bypass FATF, mini camps to evade Indian military strikes

Economic Times

time12 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

JeM uses E-wallets to bypass FATF, mini camps to evade Indian military strikes

Synopsis Following Operation Sindoor, Jaish-e-Mohammad is employing digital wallets linked to Masood Azhar's family to raise funds, circumventing FATF scrutiny. The terror group aims to establish a vast religious center network, mirroring Lashkar-e-Taiba's strategy, with plans to set up 313 new camps. A significant portion of the raised PKR 3. Agencies New Delhi: Hit hard by India during Operation Sindoor that targeted its headquarters and training camps, Pakistan-based Jaish e Mohamed (JeM) has been trying to raise funds using an elaborate digital wallet network and has been decentralising operations to minimise the impact of further Indian strikes on terror establishments across the tracking the terrorist organisation said that the outfit has drawn up a PKR 3.9-billion plan to establish a vast 'Markaz' or religious centre network that would replicate the modus used by Lashkar-e-Taiba. This includes setting up 313 new camps to make it more difficult for Indian agencies to track terror operations. The money is being raised using digital wallets that are linked to the family members of JeM leader Masood Azar and agencies have identified at least five such wallets with direct links to the proscribed organisation. This approach is being used to avoid scrutiny from international terror watchers like the FATF that has access only to bank records and would not be able to act on contributions made to an elaborate network of family members. Sources said digital wallets like 'EasyPaisa' and 'SadaPay' are being used to collect the funds and these function outside banking networks by allowing wallet-to-wallet and wallet-to-cash transfers. This would make FATF monitoring difficult. Sources added that Azhar's family uses 7 to 8 mobile wallets at any given time and replaces them every four months. After large amounts of money accumulate in the wallets, they are spilt into smaller amounts or are withdrawn as cash. At least 30 new wallets are activated every month. A collection drive for the PKR 3.9 billion plan is currently on, under the garb of creating the Markaz network. Sources however pointed out that by even generous estimates, the total cost of setting up the network would not surpass PKR 1.23 billion. The remaining money is likely to be used for weapon purchases and equipping terrorists aimed at India, with the estimate that this would sustain operations for the next decade.

India will respond decisively whenever terrorism threatens citizens: Govt
India will respond decisively whenever terrorism threatens citizens: Govt

Business Standard

time12 minutes ago

  • Business Standard

India will respond decisively whenever terrorism threatens citizens: Govt

Anticipating future warfare scenarios through "predictive technologies" and creating precise, targeted systems for counter-action are among the three-fold goals when it comes to India's futuristic defence programme, Sudarshan Chakra Mission, the government said on Wednesday. In a broad synopsis of the country's security scenario, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday shared some data and a summary of various defence-related developments in the past 11 years, titled 'Transformation of India's Defence and Internal Security Posture'. "Unlike in the past, India under the present government has become a global force to reckon with, a nation that speaks on issues from a position of strength," it says. The government said India has adopted a "firm and clear approach towards cross-border terrorism", adding that the pattern of action over the last decade reflects this policy. The most recent and defining operation came in May 2025 with Operation Sindoor. In response to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam, "India gave its armed forces full freedom of action", the synopsis says. Using drones and precision munitions, they struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. More than 100 terrorists were eliminated, including individuals linked to the IC814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes through drones and missiles, but Indian counter-drone systems neutralised them, it adds. In his 79th Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Operation Sindoor as "a new normal", making it clear that "India will respond with full force whenever terrorism threatens its citizens," the synopsis says. Beyond immediate responses, the Modi government is preparing for "long-term threats," the government said. In his Independence Day speech, Modi had announced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a futuristic defence programme. "Its goals are threefold -- to ensure the entire system is researched, developed, and manufactured in India; to anticipate future warfare scenarios through predictive technologies; and to create precise, targeted systems for counter-action. By 2035, the aim is to provide a comprehensive national security shield for both strategic and civilian assets," it says. In the last eleven years, India's defence and internal security posture under the government of PM Modi has undergone a "profound transformation", it says. The shift has been marked by "greater clarity of purpose, stronger deterrence, and a sustained drive for self-reliance," the synopsis says. This government has consistently underlined that "national security is non-negotiable", and to ensure this security, India will build its own capacity and preparedness. This has resulted in a "more confident, modern, and proactive approach to challenges, both external and internal". it adds. Firm responses to terrorism, the clear articulation of new normal with Pakistan and futuristic initiatives like the Sudarshan Chakra Mission underscore a "forward-looking security doctrine," the government asserted. India's defence and internal security posture under the Modi government reflects a "decisive shift towards strength, clarity, and self-reliance". With record investments in defence, rapid growth in indigenous production, bold reforms, and the adoption of emerging technologies, India has transitioned from being a major importer to a rising global exporter of defence equipment, it added. "India's defence expenditure has steadily increased under the present government, rising from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 201314 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 202526," the PIB synopsis says. "The focus is no longer only on acquiring weapons but also on building domestic capacity. In 202425, defence production touched a record Rs 1.50 lakh crore, more than triple the 201415 level," it adds. Fighter jets, missile systems, artillery systems, warships, naval vessels, aircraft carriers and a lot more are now being made in India, underlining how strongly "self-reliance and deterrence have become the cornerstone of national security," the government said. Defence exports grew thirty-four times over the last decade, reaching Rs 23,622 crore in 202425. Indian equipment is now exported to over 100 nations, including the United States, France, and Armenia, it said. The synopsis also shared data related to indigenisation efforts. The SRIJAN Portal (2020) enables the industry to locally develop items earlier imported. "To date, over 46,798 items have been listed". And, Positive Indigenisation Lists by DPSUs have identified 5,012 items (across five tranches), "signalling a phased ban on imports", it says. At the same time, progress in internal stability, food and energy security, financial inclusion, and technology innovation demonstrates that Atmanirbharta is "not confined to defence alone" but forms the foundation of a "resilient and confident India prepared to meet both traditional and non-traditional challenges on its path to becoming a global leader", the government asserted. "This tectonic shift reflects the deep resolve of the government to see the country as Viksit Bharat in every sense in the years to come. It also reaffirms that this government does not merely believe in rhetoric, but has actually done, and is continuing to do, what it takes to make India 'Viksit'," it said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store