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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran's internet blackout leaves public in dark and creates an uneven picture of the war with Israel
As the war between Israel and Iran hits the one-week mark, Iranians have spent nearly half of the conflict in a near-communication blackout, unable to connect not only with the outside world but also with their neighbors and loved ones across the country. Civilians are left unaware of when and where Israel will strike next, despite Israeli forces issuing warnings through their Persian-language online channels. When the missiles land, disconnected phone and web services mean not knowing for hours or days if their family or friends are among the victims. That's left many scrambling on various social media apps to see what's happening - again, only a glimpse of life able to reach the internet in a nation of over 80 million people. Activists see it as a form of psychological warfare for a nation all-too familiar with state information controls and targeted internet shutdowns during protests and unrest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota RAV4 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) GoSearches | Search Ads Undo "The Iranian regime controls the information sphere really, really tightly," Marwa Fatafta, the Berlin-based policy and advocacy director for digital rights group Access Now, said in an interview with The Associated Press. "We know why the Iranian regime shuts down. It wants to control information. So their goal is quite clear." War with Israel tightens information space Live Events But this time, it's happening during a deadly conflict that erupted on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based group called Human Rights Activists. Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli military estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's multitiered air defenses, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds others wounded. Guidance from Israeli authorities, as well as round-the-clock news broadcasts, flows freely and consistently to Israeli citizens, creating in the last seven days an uneven picture of the death and destruction brought by the war. The Iranian government contended Friday that it was Israel who was "waging a war on truth and human conscience." In a post on X, a social media platform blocked for many of its citizens, Iran's Foreign Ministry asserted Israel banned foreign media from covering missile strikes. The statement added that Iran would organize "global press tours to expose Israel's war crimes " in the country. Iran is one of the world's top jailer of journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and in the best of times, reporters face strict restrictions. Internet-access advocacy group reported on Friday that Iran had been disconnected from the global internet for 36 hours, with its live metrics showing that national connectivity remained at only a few percentage points of normal levels. The group said a handful of users have been able to maintain connectivity through virtual private networks. Few avenues exist to get information Those lucky few have become lifelines for Iranians left in the dark. In recent days, those who have gained access to mobile internet for a limited time describe using that fleeting opportunity to make calls on behalf of others, checking in on elderly parents and grandparents, and locating those who have fled Tehran. The only access to information Iranians do have is limited to websites in the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Iran's state-run television and radio stations offer irregular updates on what's happening inside the country, instead focusing their time on the damage wrought by their strikes on Israel. The lack of information going in or out of Iran is stunning, considering that the advancement of technology in recent decades has only brought far-flung conflicts in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and elsewhere directly to a person's phone anywhere in the world. That direct line has been seen by experts as a powerful tool to shift public opinion about any ongoing conflict and potentially force the international community to take a side. It has also turned into real action from world leaders under public and online pressure to act or use their power to bring an end to the fighting. But Mehdi Yahyanejad, a key figure in promoting internet freedom in Iran, said that the Islamic Republic is seeking to "purport an image" of strength, one that depicts only the narrative that Israel is being destroyed by sophisticated Iranian weapons that include ballistic missiles with multiple warheads. "I think most likely they're just afraid of the internet getting used to cause mass unrest in the next phase of whatever is happening," Yahayanejad said. "I mean, some of it could be, of course, planned by the Israelis through their agents on the ground, and some of this could be just a spontaneous unrest by the population once they figure out that the Iranian government is badly weakened.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
UPSC Pratibha Setu initiative is giving 2nd chance to 10,000+ candidates who didn't make the final list; Here's how it works
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched a new initiative called ' Pratibha Setu ', which allows verified employers , including central government and private organisations, to connect with top candidates who narrowly missed making it to the final merit list of UPSC exams . What Is 'Pratibha Setu'? Previously known as the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), 'Pratibha Setu' offers access to details of non-recommended but willing candidates. These are individuals who cleared all stages of UPSC exams (including interviews) but did not make it to the final list. According to UPSC officials, this new system provides employers with access to candidates who are almost as capable as the selected ones, giving these aspirants another chance to succeed, even outside the traditional government postings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota RAV4 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) GoSearches | Search Ads Undo How Does It Work? UPSC now provides login IDs to registered organisations, allowing them to view candidate details for potential recruitment. Private companies can also sign up through the UPSC portal to access this information. The data includes each candidate's educational qualifications and contact details, making it easier for employers to reach out. Live Events As per the commission, the database includes over 10,000 willing candidates who cleared all exam stages but were not included in the final selection. A Second Chance for UPSC Aspirants The scheme covers non-recommended willing candidates from various UPSC exams, including: Civil Services Examination Indian Forest Service Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Engineering Services Combined Medical Services Indian Economic and Statistical Services Combined Geo-Scientist Exam Combined Defence Services (CDS) The Public Disclosure Scheme was first used in 2018 and started with candidates from the Combined Medical Services Examination 2017. The updated and renamed 'Pratibha Setu' aims to improve employment chances for UPSC aspirants and give organisations access to some of India's brightest talent.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Government employees with disabilities to get 4 per cent reservation in allotment of housing
The Centre will provide 4 per cent reservation for persons with disabilities in the allotment of government housing under the General Pool Residential Accommodation category. The Directorate of Estates under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, which allots accommodation to eligible Central government employees, has issued an office memorandum in this regard. In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said that the "landmark" move is towards inclusive development drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. "Going forward, a reservation of 4 per cent in the allotment of Central government housing will be provided to persons with disabilities, marking a substantial move towards equity, dignity, and accessibility in public services. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota RAV4 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) TheDaddest Undo "This initiative reflects the government's dedication to the empowerment of every citizen and also strengthens the foundation of an inclusive and accessible India," the statement added. In alignment with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Directorate of Estates has issued the office memorandum to ensure fair access to Central government residential accommodations for persons with disabilities. Live Events It also said that Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal has taken a "landmark" step towards inclusive governance .
