India, May 31 -- Civil defence drills or mock drills are being conducted again across several states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir under 'Operation Shield', days after a similar nationwide exercise took place on May 7.

Mock drills aim to test India's readiness for emergency situations such as air raids, blackouts, and evacuations.

Based on the home ministry's directive, to enhance emergency preparedness amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, mock drills have been restarted in several states in India from May 31.

The initiative, named Operation Shield, was supposed to be launched on May 29, but had to be cancelled due to administrative reasons.

The exercises are in...