Delhi is on red alert!
There have been threats of terrorist attacks on (or preceeding) Independence Day - the day on which India gained Independence in 1947 - which is on august the 15th.
All government institutions, major markets, airports, trainstations and major hotels are possible targets, and security has increased dramatically.

As we are staying in a hotel that belongs to an American chain, our hotel is taking serious precautions as well. No cars are allowed to stop or park in front of the entrance, all cars are inspected inside out to check for bombs, and guests have to enter via a metal detector. Every time there is a power cut (which happens app. 10 times a day, if not more) it now makes one wonder if this is perhaps more serious than a temporary blackout. I think we will spend our Independence at at the poolside, far away from the building.
This is the first time I have experienced the terrorist threat this close. It is a comfort to see that here everything is treated very seriously, and the staff comes prepared. Still, against a whacko with a bomb hidden underneath his/her cloth, there is not much one can do. All we can do now is cross our fingers and sit it out....