Operation Shield 2025

Security boost after Pahalgam attack

Operation Shield 2025 : After the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, India has taken strong steps to improve internal security. With tensions still high along the India-Pakistan western border, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the second edition of a nationwide drill called Operation Shield. This mock drill is scheduled for May 31, 2025, and is meant to strengthen our civil defence systems against hostile threats like drone strikes and surprise attacks.

Purpose of the drill

The main idea behind Operation Shield is to test and train civil defence teams. It’s not just a routine check — it’s a way to uncover loopholes and weaknesses in the current system. The previous drill on May 7 revealed areas needing improvement, and this edition is set to address them. Training responders to act swiftly in case of real emergencies is now more important than ever.

Focused regions on high alert

This large-scale mock drill will take place in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh. These are areas considered sensitive to cross-border threats, making them ideal testing grounds. By practicing in real environments, the preparedness becomes more realistic and hands-on.

Real-life simulation activities

Some intense activities are planned. Air raid sirens will be triggered in cities and towns, warning people as if a real attack is happening. Blackout procedures will be enforced to simulate night attacks, where lights must be turned off to avoid detection. In certain regions, military families will be mock-evacuated to test efficiency.

Medical and emergency response

No drill is complete without testing how quickly medical help can reach. Teams will be deployed to simulate injury responses, move blood units, and manage emergency medical supplies. The goal is to ensure that help reaches within the golden hour — the first 60 minutes after an incident, which is crucial for saving lives.

Oversight by defence and fire services

The drill is not just about theory. It is backed by high-level coordination from the Additional Director General of Civil Defence, and monitored by the Directorate General of Fire Services and Home Guards. This ensures that every activity is conducted with professionalism and accuracy.

Funding under SDRF

In response to the gaps found in the first edition of the drill, the Home Ministry has used its emergency powers to release funds through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). This step shows the seriousness with which the government is approaching civil defence preparedness.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Operation Shield 2025 :

Topic	Details
Name of Drill	Operation Shield 2025
Purpose	Civil defence preparedness against hostile threats
Trigger Event	Pahalgam Terror Attack (26 deaths)
Date of Drill	May 31, 2025
Key States Involved	J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Chandigarh
Organising Body	Ministry of Home Affairs, India
Oversight	Additional DG of Civil Defence, Fire Services Directorate
Emergency Fund Used	State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
Previous Drill Date	May 7, 2025
Example of Static GK	Civil Defence in India was first legally recognized under the Civil Defence Act, 1968

Operation Shield 2025 is a nationwide civil defence mock drill by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
The drill is scheduled for May 31, 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack which caused 26 deaths.
Its primary aim is to strengthen internal security and test civil defence readiness against threats like drone strikes and surprise attacks.
The first edition of Operation Shield was held on May 7, 2025, revealing gaps to be addressed in this second edition.
The drill focuses on high-risk border states: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
Activities include air raid sirens in cities to simulate real attacks and warn civilians.
Blackout procedures will be practiced to mimic night attacks, requiring lights to be turned off.
Mock evacuation of military families will test logistical efficiency and coordination.
Medical teams will simulate rapid response to injuries, ensuring aid within the golden hour (first 60 minutes).
Emergency response includes movement of blood units and management of medical supplies.
The drill is overseen by the Additional Director General of Civil Defence and monitored by the Fire Services Directorate and Home Guards.
The Ministry used the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to finance the drill and improve preparedness.
This exercise helps identify and fix weaknesses in India’s civil defence infrastructure.
Operation Shield enhances coordination among civil defence, fire services, and emergency medical teams.
The drill simulates scenarios that could occur due to ongoing tensions on the India-Pakistan western border.
It is a step towards improving emergency preparedness for both conventional and unconventional threats.
The mock drill is part of India’s broader strategy to protect critical infrastructure and civilian lives.
Public awareness is raised through simulated warnings, preparing citizens for real emergencies.
The drill reinforces the importance of quick decision-making and swift action during crises.
Civil Defence in India was legally recognized under the Civil Defence Act, 1968, forming the legal basis for such drills.