Mangaluru (PTI): The Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) conducted the annual bomb threat mock exercise on its premises on Friday.

The exercise was conducted in the staff parking lot of the airport to test the airport's security response system and coordination with diverse stakeholders and agencies in time of crises. The hour-long drill started at 1 pm, involving the airport's diverse stakeholders including airlines, CISF and local police, a release from the MIA said here.

The mock exercise created a scenario where an unidentified bag was found abandoned in the staff parking lot. Independent observers deployed at various critical areas of the exercise noted the response time of stakeholders to the emergency.

The airport security group (ASG) of CISF, which is tasked with maintaining the security of the airport, neutralized the threat in a professional manner with its bomb detection and disposal squad working with clockwork precision.

"The aim of the exercise was to assess the alertness, efficiency, and preparedness of the airport staff. Simulated exercise is also part of efforts to improve safety measures. We were able to successfully conduct the exercise without any inconvenience to the passengers and airport operations," the release said.

The exercise is also reaffirmation of the airport's commitment to its Vision 2025, with the aim of making the public asset as the safest, secure, customer centric and eco-friendly airport, it said.

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More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.

In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.

Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.

According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.

The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.