Latest World News: Kashmir VPN Ban, Iran Protests Explode, Trump vs Fed Chair Powell – January 12, 2026 World News
Kashmir's VPN Crackdown: Residents Say Two-Month Ban Threatens Jobs, Privacy, and Mental Well-Being
Indian authorities in Kashmir imposed a two-month ban on VPN usage starting December 29, 2025, citing national security risks and potential misuse for unrest. The restriction has sparked widespread concern among residents, particularly IT professionals, journalists, and business owners who rely on VPNs for secure work and accessing restricted content. Many describe it as an additional layer of control in a region long plagued by internet curbs, with police conducting device checks and initiating action against over 100 alleged violators.
In a move that has intensified frustrations in Indian-administered Kashmir, authorities have enforced a blanket two-month prohibition on virtual private networks (VPNs), effective from late December 2025. Officials justify the measure as necessary to counter national security threats, claiming VPNs could be exploited to spread inflammatory content or coordinate disruptive activities.
The directive, issued across multiple districts in the region, highlights concerns over encrypted communications that bypass standard monitoring by internet providers. However, locals argue the ban overlooks legitimate needs and adds unnecessary strain in an area already familiar with digital restrictions.
For Basit Banday, a 27-year-old IT specialist from Pulwama working remotely for a Pune-based firm, the policy has created immediate professional risks. His role involves safeguarding sensitive healthcare data, a task that requires secure VPN connections to access corporate systems and prevent cyber threats. Without it, Banday worries about job loss or being forced to relocate far from home.
The enforcement has been swift and visible. Reports and videos circulating online show security personnel stopping civilians, demanding to inspect phones, and checking for VPN apps. Police have confirmed actions against more than 100 individuals since the ban began, with most released after verification but issued stern warnings.
Kashmir has a long history of internet controls, accounting for nearly half of India's recorded shutdowns since tracking began over a decade ago. Journalists in the area are particularly affected, describing VPNs as a critical safety tool for investigative work in conflict zones.
Legal experts question the ban's validity, noting it may conflict with national IT regulations. Digital rights advocates call the random phone inspections a serious privacy breach and another example of overreach in the region.
One local journalist summed up the sentiment: "It's not just about internet access—it's psychological. Every basic online action now carries risk, making us feel constantly watched and judged."
Trump Offers US 'Help' to Iranian Protesters Amid Escalating Economic Unrest and Internet Blackout
US President Donald Trump publicly stated on January 10, 2026, that Iranians are seeking "freedom" amid widespread protests triggered by the Iranian rial's sharp decline and worsening economic conditions. Posting on Truth Social, he declared the US "stands ready to help." Tehran has blamed the US and Israel for instigating the demonstrations, which began in late December and have spread across cities. Iran imposed a nationwide internet shutdown lasting over 48 hours, with authorities vowing harsh action against "saboteurs."
As anti-government demonstrations continue to ripple through Iran, US President Donald Trump has inserted himself into the crisis, suggesting that the Iranian people are on the cusp of greater freedom and offering American assistance.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump declared: "Iran is looking at freedom, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!"
The remarks follow a day after Trump described Iran as being "in big trouble" due to the growing protests, which erupted on December 28 near Tehran's Grand Bazaar over the plummeting value of the Iranian rial and broader economic hardships. The unrest has since spread to multiple cities, fueled by public frustration with soaring inflation and living costs.
Iranian officials have pointed fingers at external forces, accusing the United States and Israel of orchestrating the protests to destabilize the country. Authorities have issued stark warnings, stating that security forces and the judiciary will show "no tolerance" for those labeled as saboteurs.
In a related development, Iran has enforced a severe nationwide internet blackout, now entering its third day. Monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed that online access remains heavily restricted, effectively isolating the country digitally amid the turmoil.
Trump's comments echo his administration's ongoing criticism of Tehran's leadership, while also cautioning Iranian authorities against violent crackdowns on demonstrators.
As the protests show no signs of abating, Trump's public overture adds a layer of international tension to an already volatile domestic crisis in Iran.
Fed Chair Powell Vows Defiance as Trump Administration Launches Criminal Probe Over Renovation Testimony
US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced on January 12, 2026, that the Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into him, involving subpoenas related to his congressional testimony on the Fed's headquarters renovation. Powell described the probe as political intimidation aimed at undermining the central bank's independence, especially amid President Trump's demands for faster interest rate cuts. He pledged to continue his duties without bowing to pressure, sparking market dips and bipartisan concerns over the Fed's autonomy.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the White House and the US central bank, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell revealed on Sunday that his institution is facing a criminal investigation launched by the Department of Justice. The probe centers on subpoenas issued over Powell's testimony to Congress regarding the costly $2.5 billion overhaul of the Fed's Washington, DC headquarters.
Speaking in a rare public video statement, Powell condemned the move as an attempt to erode the Federal Reserve's independence in determining interest rates. He labeled concerns about the renovation project—as mere "pretexts" for political interference.
Powell, who has led the Fed since 2018, emphasized his commitment to the bank's core goals of stable prices and full employment, insisting he has acted "without fear or favor." He vowed to persist in his role with integrity, framing the standoff as a necessary stand for public service.
The announcement comes amid ongoing friction with President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized Powell for not slashing interest rates aggressively enough and has threatened to dismiss him.
Markets reacted swiftly to the news, with S&P 500 futures dropping over 0.4 percent in early Asian trading and the US dollar weakening slightly against key currencies.
Legal experts note that US law restricts presidential authority to remove a Fed chair only "for cause," typically interpreted as serious misconduct rather than policy disagreements.
Political reactions have highlighted deepening divides, with some lawmakers questioning the Justice Department's impartiality and others accusing the administration of attempting to undermine institutional independence.
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