The Central government on Wednesday banned 118 more Chinese apps, including the very popular PUBG Mobile Lite and PUBG Mobile Nordic Map: Livik, citing their engagement in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country.
The Central government on Wednesday banned 118 more Chinese apps, including the very popular PUBG Mobile Lite and PUBG Mobile Nordic Map: Livik, citing their engagement in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country. This is the second such ban on Chinese apps after video-sharing app TikTok and 48 others were prohibited following the tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China since May this year. Wednesday’s list includes VPN for TikTok which was used to bypass earlier restrictions.
A press release from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said the Centre had invoked its powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act along with provisions of the Information Technology Rules 2009 to proscribe the 118 Chinese apps.
The IT Ministry said it had received numerous complaints regarding the apps’ misuse by stealing and surreptitiously transmitting user data in an unauthorised manner to servers outside India. The apps that have been banned are both mobile and non-mobile. It must be noted that PUBG has 33 million users in India and is very popular among the young.
The IT Ministry press release said,
“The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious apps.. Likewise, there have been similar bipartisan concerns, flagged by various public representatives, both outside and inside the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against apps that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of our citizens.”
In June, the Centre had banned 59 mobile applications, including TikTok, UC Browser and WeChat, citing the same concerns. Wednesday’s decision comes at a time when China has allegedly attempted a further transgression near the southern bank of Pangong Tso, which was thwarted by the Indian Army. India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the People’s Liberation Army in multiple areas including the Galwan Valley.
Here’s the full list of apps banned today:
The Central government on Wednesday banned 118 more Chinese apps, including the very popular PUBG Mobile Lite and PUBG Mobile Nordic Map: Livik, citing their engagement in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country. This is the second such ban on Chinese apps after video-sharing app TikTok and 48 others were prohibited following the tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China since May this year.
A press release from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said the Centre had invoked its powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act along with provisions of the Information Technology Rules 2009 to proscribe the 118 Chinese apps.
The IT Ministry said it had received numerous complaints regarding the apps’ misuse by stealing and surreptitiously transmitting user data in an unauthorised manner to servers outside India. The apps that have been banned are both mobile and non-mobile. It must be noted that PUBG has 33 million users in India and is very popular among the young.
The IT Ministry press release said,
“The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious apps.. Likewise, there have been similar bipartisan concerns, flagged by various public representatives, both outside and inside the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against apps that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of our citizens.”
In June, the Centre had banned 59 mobile applications, including TikTok, UC Browser and WeChat, citing the same concerns. Wednesday’s decision comes at a time when China has allegedly attempted a further transgression near the southern bank of Pangong Tso, which was thwarted by the Indian Army. India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the People’s Liberation Army in multiple areas including the Galwan Valley.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India responsible for any untoward incidents in the state during the upcoming assembly elections, following the transfer of key officials.
Addressing concerns over administrative reshuffles, Banerjee said that changes involving senior bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and home secretary, could affect governance and law and order in the state during a crucial period.
The Trinamool Congress chief also announced candidates for 291 constituencies for the elections scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29.
Criticising the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the transfers were being carried out in a manner that benefits the BJP. She questioned the timing of the decisions and said such actions weaken the state administration at a sensitive time.
She further raised concerns about disaster management and essential services, stating that experienced officials familiar with the state’s situation have been replaced. According to her, this could impact administrative efficiency if any emergency arises before the new government is formed.
Protecting Bengal’s identity
Banerjee emphasised that the election is not merely about forming a government but about safeguarding Bengal’s identity and existence. She accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and attempting to influence the electoral process.
She urged that elections should be conducted peacefully, without external interference, and in line with democratic principles. The chief minister also expressed confidence that her party would return to power with a stronger mandate.
Appealing to voters, she called for support for the Trinamool Congress, asserting that the people of Bengal will ultimately decide the outcome and protect their democratic rights.
The Union government on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court that it is taking diplomatic steps to address disruptions in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, following which the court disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors.
Appearing before the Nagpur bench, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre was actively engaged in international-level negotiations to stabilise LPG supply. However, he noted that specific measures could not be disclosed due to their sensitive nature.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justices Anil S Kilor and Raj D Wakode. The bench accepted the government’s assurances and closed the plea.
Distributors flagged supply disruption in Vidarbha
The petition was filed by six LPG distributors, including Omkar Sales, who raised concerns over disruptions in supply chains across Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. They claimed the situation had led to a significant shortage of LPG for domestic consumers.
The distributors, dependent on Confidence Petroleum India Ltd (CPIL), alleged that despite directives prioritising domestic consumption, LPG was being diverted for export to capitalise on high international prices.
Government cites policy compliance, CPIL denies diversion
The petitioners referred to recent orders issued under the Essential Commodities Act and the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which mandate prioritising household LPG supply during crises.
However, CPIL rejected the allegations, stating it was fulfilling pre-existing export commitments and had not violated any policy norms.
Court had earlier termed issue ‘serious’
During earlier hearings, the court had described the matter as “serious” and of “grave importance”, issuing notices to the Centre and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
On Tuesday, the Centre reiterated that macro-level supply challenges arising from global geopolitical tensions were being handled through diplomatic channels. It also said that any localised supply issues could be resolved by state authorities.
Taking note of these submissions, the bench disposed of the petition.
Om Birla likely to move motion to revoke suspension of 8 opposition MPs today
The Lok Sabha is likely to revoke the suspension of eight opposition MPs today, with a motion expected to be moved by the government following consensus on maintaining discipline.
The suspension of eight opposition Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha is expected to be revoked on Tuesday, with Speaker Om Birla likely to initiate the process, according to sources.
The MPs, including seven from the Congress and one from the CPI(M), were suspended on February 3 for unruly conduct during the first phase of the Budget session after a resolution was adopted by the House.
Motion to be moved in Lok Sabha
Congress leader K Suresh said that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to move a motion around noon seeking revocation of the suspensions.
Although the suspension was initially imposed for the entire session, scheduled to conclude on April 2, opposition parties have consistently demanded reconsideration since the second phase of the session began on March 9.
Agreement on maintaining decorum
At a recent meeting convened by the Speaker, both ruling and opposition sides reportedly agreed on maintaining discipline in the House.
Key understandings include:
No member will enter the well of the House to protest
Papers will not be torn or thrown toward the Chair
MPs will not climb onto officials’ tables
The Lok Sabha Secretariat has also reminded members to keep areas within the Parliament premises obstruction-free to ensure smooth movement.
Speaker raises concern over conduct
Earlier, Om Birla had expressed concern over the use of banners, placards, and inappropriate language by some MPs. In a letter to party leaders, he stressed the need to uphold the dignity and traditions of parliamentary democracy.
He had also indicated that actions like suspension are taken in cases of serious misconduct, such as climbing onto tables during proceedings.
Suspended MPs
The suspended MPs include Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, C Kiran Kumar Reddy, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Prashant Padole, Dean Kuriakose (Congress), and S Venkatesan (CPI-M).
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