From school drills to blackouts: What civilians need to know if India faces war with Pakistan

As India braces for its first nationwide civil defence drill in over five decades, security experts stress the need for individual preparedness in the face of rising tensions with Pakistan. A retired US Army colonel shares practical survival tips for air raids and blackouts. Authorities are reviewing civil defence infrastructure and urging citizens to keep emergency supplies ready. The drill, triggered by recent violence, highlights how war preparedness directly affects everyday civilian life—from stockpiling essentials to coping with psychological stress.