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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Shield: Mock drills in J&K, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chandigarh - Know date, timing, activities & more
Operation Shield date & timing: Security agencies are all set to carry out Operation Shield, a large-scale mock drill, across six states and Union Territories (UTs) in India. This will be the second phase of the Civil Defence Exercise, designed to improve emergency response and public safety in areas near the Pakistan border. Let's take a closer look at the date, timings, participating states, and what will happen during the drill. Operation Shield details Date: 31 May 2025 Timings: 5:00 PM onwards States/UTs: Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chandigarh Purpose: Enhance emergency response and community readiness Involvement: Civil Defence, NCC, NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides Main activities: Evacuation drills, sirens, communication tests, hotline activation When is Operation Shield? Check Date and Timings The mock drill, named Operation Shield, is scheduled to take place on 31 May 2025, starting at 5:00 PM onwards. However, the timings may vary slightly depending on local convenience, as mentioned in a press release issued on 29 May 2025. States and UTs Participating in Operation Shield This mock drill will be conducted across districts close to the India-Pakistan border. The six participating states and UTs include: Punjab Jammu and Kashmir Gujarat Haryana Rajasthan Chandigarh These regions are considered sensitive due to their proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) and are often vulnerable to cross-border threats. The goal of Operation Shield is to strengthen coordination among security forces and improve local response capabilities. Why Operation Shield is Being Conducted Operation Shield is a follow-up to the first Civil Defence Exercise held on 7 May 2025, just before Operation Sindoor – India's military action in response to a terrorist attack. The recent drills aim to enhance alertness, community engagement, and readiness in case of real emergencies. According to Umesh Sharma, Assistant Director General of Civil Defence, all local administrations and stakeholders are encouraged to fully participate and share an action report after the drill is completed. Who Will Be Involved in the Mock Drill A wide range of organisations and volunteers will take part in the drill. Participants include: Civil Defence Wardens Civil Defence Volunteers Youth groups like NCC (National Cadet Corps), NSS (National Service Scheme), NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan), and Bharat Scouts & Guides This collective effort shows the importance of involving the community in national safety and defence measures. Activities Planned During Operation Shield The mock drill will include various simulated emergency scenarios to test the preparedness of all involved. Some of the main activities are: Silent and general recall of Civil Defence volunteers Evacuation drills Emergency communication tests Activation of hotlines between the Air Force and Civil Defence Control Rooms Use of air raid sirens controlled from central hubs These activities aim to ensure that, in the event of a real threat, the response can be quick, organised, and effective. Operation Shield in the Context of Operation Sindoor The timing of Operation Shield is notable, as it comes after Operation Sindoor, India's military strike on April 22, 2025, in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. In that operation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted attacks on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). From May 7 to 10, India witnessed four days of heightened military tension, including shelling and attempted drone attacks by Pakistan. This backdrop further explains why Operation Shield and its mock drills are critical for national preparedness. What to Expect on 31 May Residents living in the above-mentioned states and UTs should not panic on 31 May when they hear air raid sirens or see evacuation exercises in progress. These are part of Operation Shield, a planned mock drill to keep everyone prepared for any emergency. Security agencies urge full cooperation from the public, local officials, and volunteers to ensure the success of the exercise. Stay informed, stay safe. Operation Shield is about strengthening our nation's defence—together. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Operation Shield' mock drill in 5 states on May 31: Check key details
'Operation Shield' mock drill in Punjab, J&K, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan will be held on Saturday from 5 pm; sirens, blackout, evacuation drills planned Security agencies are gearing up to conduct the second phase of the civil defence mock drill named 'Operation Shield', scheduled for Saturday (May 31). This exercise follows the first drill held on May 7, just hours before Operation Sindoor was launched. 'Operation Shield' mock drill: Date and time According to a government press release issued on Thursday, the mock drill will commence at 5 pm on May 31 across several districts bordering Pakistan. The exercise aims to bolster preparedness in vulnerable regions near the Line of Control, particularly in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Mock drill in India: Addressing previous shortcomings The notice highlighted that the first exercise revealed critical gaps in readiness, prompting the need for 'Operation Shield' to address these issues and 'augment the Civil Defence preparedness against the hostile attack'. Umesh Sharma, civil defence assistant director general, said in the release: 'It is requested to plan and organise the Civil Defence Exercise 'Operation Shield' on May 31 at 5 pm onwards (the exact time may be suited as per local convenience) by involving all local administration and stakeholders. An action taken report in this regard may be shared with this directorate.' Who will take part in the mock drill? The drill will involve a range of participants, including civil defence wardens, volunteers from local administration, and youth groups like NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Bharat Scouts & Guides. These participants will help implement key civil defence measures against potential threats such as enemy aircraft, drones, and missile attacks. Key activities during the mock drill During the exercise, authorities will: -Activate hotlines between Air Force and Civil Defence control rooms (RCDCC/ SCDCC/ TCDCCs) -Test air raid sirens and emergency communication networks -Enforce blackout measures in adjoining civilian areas, except for emergency or critical services Why was the mock drill postponed earlier? Although initially planned for Thursday, the drill was deferred due to administrative reasons. The urgency to conduct these exercises follows the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people lost their lives. What to expect during the mock drill? These exercises are designed to identify strengths and weaknesses in emergency responses, simulating scenarios such as coordinated terror strikes and missile attacks. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed participants to rehearse: -Silent recall of volunteers and wardens -Simulated air raids involving enemy drones and aircraft -Activation of air raid sirens and emergency communication systems -Full blackout procedures near vital installations -Mass casualty and evacuation drills, including the movement of 20 civilians from a mock military drone strike site -Blood donation mobilisation to meet potential medical emergencies -Simulated military operations, including the de-induction and redeployment of Border Wing Home Guards alongside Indian Army units Participants will include state disaster response teams, local police, fire services, medical personnel, and civil defence volunteers. Public advisory during mock drills Residents in affected areas are advised to: -Follow official updates and instructions -Remain calm and avoid panic, even during sirens or blackouts -Comply with directions from police, civil defence officials, or authorised volunteers -Steer clear of restricted or cordoned-off areas -Keep an emergency kit ready with water, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies This planned exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure robust emergency preparedness across vulnerable regions.
Mint
7 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
‘Operation Shield' mock drill in THESE 5 states on May 31 - blackout time and other things to know
Security agencies are set to conduct second 'Civil Defence Exercise' tomorrow called Operation Shield, a follow up of the first such activity that took place on May 7, hours before Operation Sindoor. The mock drill is scheduled to be conducted across districts bordering Pakistan on May 31 from 5:00 pm onwards, press release issued on May 29 states. The security drill will take place in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan. It aims to enhance preparedness and awareness in regions located near the Line of Control which are the most vulnerable to cross-border threats. The notice noted that several shortcomings were observed in the previous exercise and this drill is a step to fill the critical gaps and 'augment the Civil Defence preparedness against the hostile attack.' The press release issued by Civil Defence Assistant Director General Umesh Sharma states, "It is requested to plan and organize the Civil Defence Exercise "Operation Shield" on 31.05.2025 at 1700 Hrs onwards (the exact time may be suited as per local convenience) by involving all local administration and stakeholders. An action taken report in this regard may be shared with this directorate." The mock drill will involve 'Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers stakeholders from local administration and youth volunteers like NCC, NSS NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides' in implementation of various Civil Defence measures against enemy aircraft, drones and missile attacks. During the civil defence preparedness activity, there will be 'Activation of Hotlines between Air Force and Civil Defence Control rooms (RCDCC/SCDCC/TCDCCs) and activation of Centrally controlled and operated Air Raid Sirens.' Besides this, complete blackout measures will be imposed in 'adjoining civilian VA/VPs excluding emergency/critical services.' Initially, the mock drills were planned for Thursday but were deferred due to administrative reasons. This security drill to prepare the public comes in the wake of Aprill 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. As per India Today report, similar security drills will be held every month in districts sharing border with Pakistan.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Neemuch district earns record revenue by auctioning mandi plots
Indore: Neemuch district administration managed to generate around 12 times more revenue than the upset value of 248 plots in the new Mandi by selling the assets through auction. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "In first phase of the auction (at additional premises of the Mandi in Dunglawada-Changera area), 157 plots with a total upset value (minimum bid price) of Rs 2.45 crore fetched a total bid amount of Rs 34.75 crore. In the second phase, 91 plots with a total upset value of Rs 2.56 crore fetched a total bid amount of Rs 25.43 crore. As such, in the first and second phases combined, the total upset value for all 248 plots was Rs 5.02 crore, against which a total amount of Rs 60.18 crore was received," mandi secretary Umesh Sharma said. "The revenue generated from this auction will be utilised for modernisation and upgradation of the Mandi, as well as for the development and expansion of facilities for farmers and traders," Collector Himanshu Chandra said.
