India has begun testing a new nationwide disaster alert system that sends emergency messages directly to mobile phones, often accompanied by loud beeps or vibrations. The initiative is being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to improve public safety during emergencies.

The alerts many users are receiving are part of a trial phase, and authorities have clarified that these are test messages that do not require any action.

What is the NDMA alert SMS system

The system is designed to warn citizens about disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, lightning strikes, and even man-made emergencies like gas leaks.

It uses a mix of traditional SMS and Cell Broadcast (CB) technology, which allows alerts to be sent to all mobile phones within a specific geographic area simultaneously.

Unlike regular SMS, which are sent individually, cell broadcast messages are delivered instantly to multiple users at once, making them faster and more effective during critical situations.

Why you may hear loud alert sounds

Many users have reported sudden loud alarm-like sounds when receiving these alerts. This happens because the system is designed to override silent mode on phones to ensure the message gets immediate attention.

Such alerts are especially useful during time-sensitive emergencies when quick response can save lives.

Nationwide testing underway

The government is currently conducting pan-India trials of the system before its official rollout. Citizens across different states may receive these messages multiple times during the testing period.

Officials have urged people not to panic and to ignore the alerts during this phase, as they are only meant to check system performance and reach.

How the system will help in real emergencies

Once fully operational, the system will:

• Deliver alerts in multiple Indian languages
• Reach users instantly, even during network congestion
• Target specific geographic areas for precise warnings
• Work alongside existing disaster platforms like the Sachet portal

The goal is to ensure real-time communication during disasters, reducing response time and improving public safety.

Fresh voting will be conducted in 15 polling stations across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal on May 2, following complaints of irregularities during the recent polling phase.

The Election Commission has declared the earlier voting at these booths void and ordered repolling to ensure fairness in the electoral process.

Where repolling will take place

The repoll will be held in the Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies in South 24 Parganas district. Out of the 15 booths, 11 are located in Magrahat Paschim and 4 in Diamond Harbour.

Polling is scheduled to take place from 7 am to 6 pm.

Why repolling was ordered

The decision comes after complaints related to alleged irregularities, including concerns linked to electronic voting machines (EVMs). Authorities reviewed the situation and decided to nullify the earlier voting in these booths to maintain the integrity of the election.

Background of the election

The repoll follows the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections held on April 29, which covered 142 constituencies. The Election Commission has taken multiple steps during the election process to address complaints and ensure free and fair polling.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has been granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court of India in a case related to his remarks about Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The top court’s decision provides Khera protection from arrest while the investigation continues in the matter, which includes allegations of defamation and forgery.

Case stems from remarks and allegations

The case originates from statements made by Khera during a press conference, where he alleged that the Assam Chief Minister’s wife held multiple foreign passports and had undisclosed assets abroad. These claims were strongly denied by both Sarma and his wife, who described them as false and politically motivated.

Following the remarks, a complaint was filed, leading to an FIR under various provisions, including defamation and related charges.

Legal journey before Supreme Court relief

Khera had earlier faced setbacks in lower courts, including the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the Gauhati High Court. He subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest.

During the proceedings, Khera argued that arrest in the case was unnecessary and would amount to humiliation rather than justice.

What the court’s decision means

The Supreme Court’s order grants interim protection, ensuring that Khera cannot be arrested immediately while legal proceedings continue. The case will now proceed as per law, with investigations and hearings expected to continue in the coming weeks.