Government Removes 42 Harassing Mobile Apps From Google Play Store

The state government announced that it has successfully removed 42 mobile applications from the Google Play Store, which were found to be harassing the public. During discussions on loan apps in the Legislative Council, BJP MLC DS Arun highlighted the issue of online gaming and online money lending apps causing distress to people. He specifically mentioned the negative impact of gaming apps on the education and lives of the youth. Arun also expressed concern over celebrities endorsing these gaming apps, which promotes online gambling among young individuals. Responding on behalf of the Home Minister, Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao stated that the government has taken several measures to combat the issue of such apps. He mentioned that 42 apps have already been removed from the Google Play Store. During the discussion, Arun pointed out that there are still around 800 active apps of concern. Gundurao later explained that since these apps are under the control of the central government, the state alone cannot solve the problem. He mentioned that discussions will be held with the central government regarding this matter.
In another development, Forest and Environment Minister Ishwar Khandre revealed in the council that a significant amount of forest land has been encroached upon in the Bengaluru urban area. Since 1978, out of the total available forest land measuring 16,988.26 acres, 2,284.22 acres have been encroached upon. Among the affected areas, Bangalore Dakshina taluk has the highest encroachment with 1,277.33 acres, followed by Bangalore East with 570 acres and Anekal with 332 acres. Additionally, Bannerghatta division has 587.15 acres under occupation. The government has registered 1,051 cases under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 and is taking action to clear the encroachments.