100 Q&A on India’s War Mock Drill (7 May 2025): Timings, Blackout, Safety & More

by

1. General Overview

  1. Q: What is the 7th May 2025 mock drill about?
    A: A nationwide war preparedness exercise simulating blackouts, cyberattacks, and emergency responses amid India-Pakistan tensions.
  2. Q: Who organized the drill?
    A: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in collaboration with 244 civil defence districts.
  3. Q: Is this linked to real India-Pakistan war threats?
    A: No, it’s a preventive drill to test national readiness.
  4. Q: Who is Abdul Aziz Ghazi?
    A: National Civil Defence Coordinator overseeing the drill.
  5. Q: Which states are prioritized?
    A: Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, and all 244 civil defence districts.

2. Timings & Schedule

  1. Q: What time does the mock drill start on 7th May?
    A: 10:00 AM IST.
  2. Q: When will sirens sound during the drill?
    A: At 12:00 PM (noon) and 6:00 PM.
  3. Q: What is the blackout timing in Punjab?
    A: 7:30 PM–8:30 PM.
  4. Q: How long will the drill last?
    A: Phased activities from 10 AM to 8:30 PM.
  5. Q: Are timings the same across India?
    A: Yes, except region-specific exercises like Punjab’s blackout.

3. Affected Regions

  1. Q: Which cities face blackouts?
    A: Only Punjab; Delhi/Mumbai focus on evacuation drills.
  2. Q: Is Mumbai University part of the drill?
    A: Yes, it will conduct evacuation rehearsals.
  3. Q: Are rural areas included?
    A: Yes, all 244 civil defence districts.
  4. Q: Will airports/railways be disrupted?
    A: No, but traffic diversions may occur.
  5. Q: How to check if my district is part of the drill?
    A: Refer to the MHA’s civil defence districts list.

4. Roles & Agencies

  1. Q: Who is leading the drill?
    A: Abdul Aziz Ghazi and MHA-appointed teams.
  2. Q: Which agencies are involved?
    A: NDRF, police, hospitals, and local authorities.
  3. Q: What is the role of schools?
    A: Conduct evacuation drills from 10 AM–12 PM.
  4. Q: Are businesses required to participate?
    A: Yes, in designated districts.
  5. Q: How are hospitals preparing?
    A: Simulating mass casualty management.

5. Blackout Protocols

  1. Q: What should Punjab residents do during the blackout?
    A: Switch off lights, stay indoors, avoid generators.
  2. Q: Can I use mobile phones during the blackout?
    A: Yes, but minimize screen light.
  3. Q:
… Read more