The Delhi Police on Thursday launched a two-day, multi-agency anti-terrorism drill across the capital to gauge security readiness ahead of India’s 15 August Independence Day celebrations. More than 10 high-footfall sites—including the Kashmere Gate interstate bus terminal, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road and the five-star Claridges Hotel—hosted simulated attacks, evacuations and hostage-rescue operations. National Security Guard commandos rappelled from an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter while police bomb-disposal, fire and medical units practised rapid deployment. Officials said the exercise is intended to validate inter-agency coordination and public-communication protocols, with lessons to be incorporated into the Independence Day security plan. Residents have been asked to remain calm and expect brief traffic diversions during the drills, which conclude on Friday.