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More than seven thousand 'applications (apps)' and 'websites' (URLs) related to online betting have been shut down.

During the implementation of the government's decision related to governance reforms, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), in coordination with the Internet service providers, blocked websites and apps.

According to NTA Deputy Director, Surya Prasad Lamichhane, internet service providers have been instructed to identify and shut down gambling-related apps and websites that are operating illegally. 

“So far, more than seven thousand such URLs and apps have been closed. In the past week, the NTA has received more than 50 complaints through various means such as telephone, email, and messages regarding online betting, all of which are being addressed and action has been taken,” he said..

Among the one hundred action points on governance reforms approved in the cabinet meeting on March 27, point number 42 is related to shutting down betting-related apps and websites within 24 hours.

In accordance with the same decision, NTA, in coordination with internet service providers, has immediately shut down all identified apps and websites operating online related to betting. 

According to Subsection (4) of Section 125 of the Criminal Code, 2074, no one shall engage in betting or cause others the same. Violating this will result in the confiscation of the stake amount, imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.

Police have arrested 226 people in four days during search operations conducted at various places against illegal activities including hooliganism, illegal brokering, and indecent behavior.

Nepali Police Central Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General of Police Abi Narayan Kafle shared that 226 people were arrested and legal action has been initiated under the campaign April 1.

According to the details made public by the Police Headquarters, 51 people were arrested from Kathmandu Valley, 19 from Koshi Province,  seven from Madhes Province, 23 from Bagmati, two from Gandaki and 11 from Karnali from April 1 to 3.

Similarly, eight people were arrested from Madhes Province, 10 from Gandaki, four from Lumbini and two from Sudurpaschim Province and 62 people were arrested from Kathmandu Valley on April 4.

Spokesperson Kafle said that legal action has been initiated against those arrested and the campaign will continue.

The weather will remain generally cloudy in the mountainous and hilly regions and partly cloudy in the rest of the country today. 

There is a possibility of moderate rain and snowfall with thunder and lightning as well as hail and snowstorm in some places in the hilly and mountainous regions of the country and light rain in a few places in the Tarai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces and the rest of the Tarai regions. 

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, there is also a possibility of windstorms in some places in the Tarai regions of Madhesh, Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.

Later tonight, the weather will be generally cloudy in the mountainous regions of the country, partly cloudy in the hilly regions and mainly clear in the Tarai region. 

There is a possibility of light rain and snowfall with thunder and lightning at a few places in the mountainous areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali Provinces and at one or two places in the mountainous areas of Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces, and hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces. 

There is also a possibility of windstorms at some places in the Tarai areas of Madhesh and Koshi Provinces.

At present there is partial influence of the westerly and local winds in the country. 

Due to the influence, the Himalayan regions of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces are generally cloudy, while other areas are partly cloudy, the Weather Forecasting Division stated. 

This afternoon the Himalayan areas of all provinces as well as the hilly areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces will be mainly cloudy, while other places will be partly cloudy. 

There is a possibility of light rain or snowfall with thunder and lightning in some parts of the Himalayan areas of Gandaki and Karnali Provinces and in one or two locations in the hilly and Himalayan regions of other provinces. 

Additionally, there is a possibility of strong winds in some parts of the Tarai. 

Similarly, tonight, the hilly and Himalayan regions of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces are expected to be generally cloudy, with other areas partly cloudy, the weather forecast bulletin noted. 

Light rain or snowfall with thunder and lightning may occur in one or two locations in the Himalayan areas of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces. 

Moreover, moderate rain or snowfall with thunder and lightning may occur in some hilly and Himalayan areas of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces, and in other provinces' hilly and Himalayan areas.