Over 1,500 gambling sites, apps blocked since 2022: Centre tells Parliament
New Delhi, July 23: The Indian government has blocked 1,524 illegal online gambling websites and mobile applications since 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Responding to a written query raised by TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Minister of State for IT Jitin Prasada said the blocking orders were issued to curb online betting and gambling platforms that violate Indian laws.
By February 2024, 1,410 such platforms had already been blocked, a figure earlier shared in Parliament by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The number has since grown, with more platforms being targeted for violating regulatory and taxation norms.
The crackdown comes amid increasing concerns over offshore gambling websites and apps that operate outside the purview of Indian tax laws and legal frameworks. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), empowered under the Information Technology Act and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, has been taking action against platforms not registered in India, including those operated by foreign entities.
The government has made it mandatory for online gaming platforms — both domestic and international — to register under the IGST Act. All online games involving monetary transactions are now subject to 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
While the Centre has not revealed the names of the blocked platforms or any state-wise details, it maintained that steps are being taken to support state governments and Union Territories by issuing advisories and extending financial support for capacity building among law enforcement agencies.
“The policies of the central government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet for its users,” said Jitin Prasada in his reply.
Several of the blocked platforms had reportedly reached Indian users through digital advertisements, often using surrogate advertising strategies on major platforms like Google and Meta to conceal their gambling nature.
In connection with a money laundering probe into illegal online betting operations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned executives from Google and Meta. They are expected to appear before the agency on July 28 and provide their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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Cong leader Prithviraj Chavan defiant after facing verbal missiles on Op Sindoor remarks
Mumbai (PTI): Despite facing criticism, senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday stood by his controversial comments that India faced a "total defeat" in aerial fight with Pakistan on the first day of Operation Sindoor on May 7.
The former Union minister refused to apologise for his comments on the Indian military operation against terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK in aftermath of massacre of tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April.
Talking to reporters in Pune on Tuesday, Chavan claimed India faced a "total defeat in the aerial fight (with Pakistan) on May 7 which lasted for half-an-hour".
"One may believe this or not. After that the Indian Air Force got grounded and not a single aircraft took flight that day.... be it Gwalior, Bhatinda or Sirsa, there was a possibility of aircraft being shot down, so our complete Air Force was grounded," the former Maharashtra chief minister had said.
Hitting out at Chavan, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused the Congress of speaking the language of Pakistan. He said questioning the military action was akin to demoralising the morale of armed forces.
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"The criticism does not stem from the love of the nation, but love for Pakistan," said the chief leader of the Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the BJP-led NDA.
Chavan, however, remained defiant.
"There is no question of apologising. The Constitution has given me the right to ask questions," the Congress veteran asserted.
Chavan also questioned the need of having a 12-lakh strong Army when future wars will be about aerial combats and missiles. "During Operation Sindoor we saw that there was no movement of the Army even for a kilometre," he had said.
BJP Lok Sabha MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said Chavan's remarks are loaded with sedition.
"He (Chavan) has refused to apologise. The Indian armed forces struck 100 kms inside the Pakistan territory and destroyed 11 air strips (of the Pakistani Air Force). He made remarks that the Indian Army did not even move an inch (during the military operation). This is nothing but a statement full of sedition, a statement of a traitor," Patra said, lashing out at the Congress leader.
The BJP spokesperson maintained the Congress appears to be standing with Chavan and alleged the Opposition party is playing into foreign hands.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should apologise for it, he added.
Union minister Giriraj Singh of the BJP insisted it was not right to devalue the valour of Indian armed forces.
Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh suggested that wherever armed forces are concerned, every Indian should be mindful of statements they make and ensure their comments do not demoralise the military.
Operation Sindoor was a result of "mistakes of politicians", he claimed.
TDP MP Krishna Devraylu said after the poll defeat in Bihar, the Congress is rattled and their leaders have been talking absurdly.
"Chavan's remarks are a prime example of this. This kind of disrespect to our armed forces is not necessary. If the Congress is angry with the NDA, it should show it in a different way and not drag armed forces into it," Devraylu opined.
AAP MP Ashok Mittal said such statements should not be made by any senior politician, especially by someone who has been a former chief minister.
The Indian armed forces registered a strong victory and destroyed terror launchpads in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Mittal added.
