Thu May 29 03:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article, keeping in mind it’s from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

India planned a civil defense exercise, “Operation Shield,” for May 29, 2025, in states and union territories bordering its western border (Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and Chandigarh). This exercise was intended to strengthen emergency preparedness following a recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and subsequent retaliatory actions by India against terror camps and Pakistani military bases. The exercise included mock drills, blackouts, and evacuation simulations. However, all states except Punjab postponed the exercise due to administrative reasons. Punjab requested a postponement to June 3rd because their civil defense staff were undergoing training, which was accepted by the central government. The operation follows an initial civil defence exercise on May 7th that revealed gaps in preparedness.

**News Article:**

**India Postpones Key Civil Defense Exercise Along Western Border Amid Tensions**

**New Delhi, May 29, 2025** – A large-scale civil defense exercise, “Operation Shield,” planned for today in several states and Union Territories bordering India’s western frontier, has been postponed. The move comes after heightened tensions and skirmishes along the border with Pakistan, following India’s retaliatory strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early May.

The exercise, intended to bolster emergency preparedness, was scheduled to take place in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chandigarh. Authorities cited “administrative reasons” for the postponement. The Punjab government requested a delay to June 3rd, a request granted by the central government, as their civil defense personnel are currently undergoing training with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

“Operation Shield” was designed to simulate various emergency scenarios, including air raid drills, complete blackouts, and the evacuation of families from military stations in the event of drone attacks. Medical teams and blood transportation exercises were also planned.

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the initiative follows a previous civil defense exercise on May 7th that identified critical gaps in the country’s preparedness in vulnerable border regions. Funding for improvements was allocated through the State Disaster Response Force.

The postponement raises questions about the coordination and readiness of civil defense mechanisms in the region, particularly as India remains vigilant against potential cross-border threats. A new date for the postponed exercises is expected to be announced soon, with Punjab now slated to conduct its drill on June 3. The government has stressed its commitment to strengthening civil defense infrastructure and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in border areas.

Read More