<h1>Civil defence preparedness: nationwide mock drills to operationalise sirens and test evacuation, communications and control room readiness.</h1> The Union Home Ministry directed states and Union territories to conduct coordinated nationwide mock drills to enhance civil defence preparedness, operationalising air raid sirens, testing evacuation protocols, and maintaining bunkers and trenches. Exercises must involve educational, governmental, health, and transport personnel and uniformed services, test hotline and radio links with the air force, and assess control room functionality. Civil defence districts covering sensitive installations are to be designated by states and included, with drills extending to village levels and follow up remediation of identified gaps.