Bangladesh, May 6 -- For the first time in over half a century, India has ordered widespread civil defense drills as it prepares for potential escalation with Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. The Indian Home Ministry announced on May 5 that several states would conduct comprehensive mock security exercises on May 7, reflecting a growing sense of urgency within the government to enhance preparedness among civilians in the event of a hostile attack.

The civil defense measures are sweeping in scope. They include the use of air raid warning sirens, crash blackouts to conceal targets from aerial threats, and emergency evacuation drills. Civilians, including school students, will be trained on protective protocols desig...