Chandigarh

India’s nationwide civil defence exercise, codenamed Operation Shield, has been postponed in several key border states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Scheduled for May 29, 2025, the exercise was designed to enhance readiness against aerial threats and cross-border incursions. Administrative constraints prompted the delay, though coordination efforts among local governments and volunteer forces remain active.

A sweeping wave of blackouts across more than 15 Indian cities on Thursday evening, including Chandigarh, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Srinagar, marked a sharp escalation in Indo-Pak tensions following cross-border drone and missile attacks. Pakistan’s attempted strikes on Indian military installations prompted immediate retaliation and enhanced defensive posturing by Indian forces. Civilian areas were urged to switch off lights and stay indoors amid sirens and emergency alerts.

A sweeping security response was triggered across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on Thursday night following a spike in military activity between India and Pakistan. A series of blackouts were enforced in major districts after drones were sighted and explosions reportedly heard near the border. Sirens echoed across towns like Pathankot and Jalandhar, while civil authorities declared restricted airspace and heightened surveillance.

The Indian government has delayed a crucial meeting scheduled for May 4 with farmer leaders, citing the need for the inclusion of Punjab state government officials. This decision comes after significant tension, with farmer representatives threatening to boycott the talks if Punjab's involvement was confirmed. The dispute stems from the controversial eviction of farmers at border points earlier this year, deepening the divide between the farming community and the Punjab government.

Vodafone Idea (VIL) has expanded its 5G network to Chandigarh and Patna, with plans to bring 5G services to Delhi and Bengaluru by May 2025. This follows a successful 5G launch in Mumbai, where the service has already gained significant traction. With over 70% of eligible users enjoying the new service, VIL is enhancing its market position by offering unlimited 5G data on select plans. The company aims to capture the growing demand for high-speed connectivity, including applications such as streaming, gaming, and cloud services.