Exercise AIKYA: Unifying Disaster Management in India

Exercise AIKYA, a two-day event in Chennai, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in India. The event, was organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Indian Army Southern Command, and Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA).

Event Overview and Objectives

Name: Exercise AIKYA ("Oneness" in Tamil)
Date: Two-day event (specific dates not mentioned)
Location: Chennai, Headquarters of the Dakshin Bharat Area

Organizers:

- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Indian Army Southern Command
- Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA)

Key Objectives:

- Enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities
- Improve coordination among various stakeholders
- Test roles and responsibilities through simulations
- Discuss and integrate new technologies in disaster management
- Review lessons from recent disaster operations

Participants and Scope

Participating States/UTs: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry
Central Ministries involved in disaster management
Armed Forces: Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force
Response Agencies: NDRF, Indian Coast Guard, CRPF, CISF, Railways
Early Warning Agencies: IMD, NRSC, INCOIS, CWC, FSI

Other Key Participants:

- Geographical Survey of India (GSI)
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
- Research institutions: NIDM, NIOT, IIT Madras, Department of Atomic Energy

Notable Attendees:

- Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Member, NDMA
- Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander Southern Command
- Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar, GOC Dakshin Bharat Area
- Piyush Anand, DG, NDRF

Focus Areas:

- Tsunamis, landslides, floods, cyclones, industrial incidents, forest fires
- Recent events in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad, and Andhra Pradesh
- Economic costs of disasters
- Vulnerabilities specific to Peninsular India
- Strategies to improve response times

Key Components and Future Plans

Components of the Exercise:

- Integrated Symposium
- Table Top Exercise (TTEx)
- Simulations of emergency situations
- Discussions on technological advancements and AI in disaster management
- Knowledge exchange and capacity building sessions

Highlighted Success:

- Rapid response during recent Wayanad landslide by Karnataka Kerala Sub Area and Indian Army

Future Plans:

- Similar exercises planned with other commands and institutions
- Collaborations with Army War College, Naval War College, and College of Air Warfare

S-400 Missile System India 2025

India has once again demonstrated its growing technological and strategic might with the effective deployment of the S-400 missile system, India 2025. This state-of-the-art air defence syst

Indian Rupee Fall 2025

The recent Indian Rupee fall 2025 has drawn major attention from economists, traders, and policymakers. Triggered by escalating India-Pakistan tensions under Operation Sindoor, this sharp depre

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the Ministry of Agriculture to start the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025, which is a big project. This Government agricultural awareness ca

Air Defence Activation India

In the wake of rising tensions along India's borders, particularly following Operation Sindoor, India's air defence system has been activated to safeguard its sovereignty. As part of the str

Operation Abhyaas 2025

Operation Abhyaas 2025 is a large-scale civil defence mock drill initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) across Delhi and multiple Indian states. This MHA civil defence operati

India’s Operation Sindoor

The recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 innocent civilians were killed in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, marked a tragic event that shook the nation. In retaliation

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Briefing

Rising as a potent emblem of bravery, skill, and equality in India's defense scene is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer. Her pivotal role in the media briefing on Operation Sindo

50% Reservation Cap Removal

The issue of 50% reservation cap removal has been a topic of ongoing debate in India, especially in light of recent developments regarding the caste census. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

WAVES Summit India 2025

More than 77 nations gathered at the WAVES Summit India, which was a component of the Global Media Dialogue, to talk about the future of the media and entertainment sector. The summit addressed m

Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996

The Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 is among India's most landmark statutes regarding the settlement of disputes, especially those involving business matters. It aims to be a good subst