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The status of Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), a charitable social organization, is currently illegal as it has been failing to provide the necessary documents for registration renewal as requested by the District Administration Office (DAO) in Kathmandu for the past five years. Consequently, in Sept 2020, the Kathmandu DAO ordered the NRCS not to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) until further notice. However, to the surprise of many stakeholders, the Kathmandu DAO has now allowed the NRCS to hold the AGM. This decision has taken stakeholders by surprise. They are concerned that the NRCS is on the verge of dissolution due to the lack of organization registration and the confusion surrounding the AGM. Moreover, questions are being raised about the very existence of the NRCS because of political interference and corruption scandals. Nineteen study committees were formed to investigate irregularities within the NRCS, and sixteen of them have already submitted their reports. These reports have unanimously exposed rampant corruption within the NRCS. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) based in Geneva has also acknowledged that corruption  is rampant with NRCS, posing a challenge to the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality upheld by the Red Cross movement. Since NRCS is a social organization, corruption and irregularities within it do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Nevertheless, cases have been filed with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, and the DAO in Kathmandu. However, these bodies have not been actively investigating and making those responsible accountable. In 2018, a task force formed by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, through the Social Welfare Council, investigated NRCS activities and uncovered irregularities amounting to Rs 16bn over a span of 10 years. Min Bahadur Shrestha, a member of the National Planning Commission at the time, served as the coordinator of the task force. Between 2008/09 and 2018/19, the NRCS received Rs 15.95bn in foreign assistance. The NRCS audit reveals that Rs 15.61bn was spent during the period. However, the NRCS sought spending approvals for only Rs 2.86bn from the Social Welfare Council. Over the course of 10 years, the NRCS spent over Rs 15bn without seeking approval from the council. Another study committee, led by Laxmi Koirala in 2018, also identified irregularities and corruption within the NRCS. The committee recommended dissolving the working committee of the NRCS and making the office-bearers and members ineligible to hold office for a certain period. Ten years ago, the CIAA instructed the police to recover approximately Rs 20m from office-bearers and members for irregularities in procuring materials for the blood transfusion center. Similarly, a study conducted by the Kathmandu DAO revealed embezzlement of Rs 19.3m during the procurement of land to build a warehouse in Bhaktapur. The land was bought for Rs 63m. Although 84 aana of land was purchased, NRCS records show a shortfall of 4 aana. Furthermore, another committee, led by Mohan Raman Bhattarai, suggested the regulation of organizations like the NRCS. The State Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives also engaged in a serious discussion concerning the NRCS and issued instructions for necessary actions. Between 2014 and 2020, five other study committees were formed, but the government failed to take any action to implement their study reports. Same general secretary for 35 years! Devratna Dhakhwa served as the General Secretary for a long period of 35 years, four months and 14 days. He was associated with the NRCS from 1986 until 2020. Similarly, Dr Jaya Narayan Giri held the position for 18 years, five months and 29 days, assuming the post in 1963 and continuing until 1982. The position of Chairman has also been occupied by individuals for an extended period. Princess Princep Shah chaired the organization for 18 years, eight months and 20 days. Helen Shah succeeded her and held the post of chairperson for seven years, nine months, and 26 days. Ramesh Kumar Sharma served as the chairman for 16 years, three months and 26 days, while Sanjiv Thapa held the position for 13 years, one month and 27 days between 2007 and 2020. Although no longer in the NRCS executive committee, Thapa remains an influential figure within the organization. His close aide, Umesh Prasad Dhakal, currently serves as the executive director. Study reports indicate various irregularities have been orchestrated under his involvement. Despite efforts by the NRCS executive committee to remove him from his position, he continues to hold it due to pressure from certain interest groups. Same leadership in districts for four decades Nepotism has become a hallmark of the NRCS. The central office is filled with relatives of the district chairpersons and other influential figures. The same situation prevails in district chapters, where individuals have held positions for decades. For instance, Rajendra Singh Khadka has been the chairperson of the Bara chapter of NRCS since 1982. Rajendra Man Talchabhadel has been the district chairman of Sindhupalchowk since 1984. The involvement of the same individuals for an extended period has led to the misuse of NRCS resources. Office-bearers have been using NRCS cars for personal purposes, and some have been using NRCS funds to pay the salaries of their drivers and maids. The NRCS administration, led by the executive director, paid Rs 30m to Lama Construction for the construction of the Central Blood Transfusion Center building at Exhibition Road. Since the administration is not allowed to issue checks exceeding Rs 2m, it bypassed the rule by issuing 15 checks of Rs 2m each.

In what augurs well for the Nepali tourism industry, the number of tourist arrivals has reached 476,507 in the first half of 2023. The tourist arrival has surged by 97.79 percent in the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. With healthy growth in tourist arrivals from the start of this year, tourism entrepreneurs are expecting 1m international visitors in the country by the end of 2023. While tourist arrivals have improved significantly compared to the last three years, the number is yet to touch the pre-Covid level. Nepal had received 573,658 tourists in the first six months of 2019. The arrival of foreigners in the first six months of 2023 is 83.06  percent compared to the same period in 2019. According to the latest statistics from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal welcomed 72,250 foreign visitors in June. The tourist footfall in June 2023 is 96.48 percent compared to June 2019 when 74,883 foreigners visited Nepal. Nepal welcomed 55,074 international visitors in Jan, 73,255 in Feb, 99,426 in March, 98,773 in April, and 77,703 in May. Nepal received the highest number of tourists from India, the US, and China in June. According to NTB, 38,845 Indian tourists and 8,470 US visitors came to Nepal in June. The country welcomed 4,343 tourists from China, 2,402 tourists from Bangladesh, 1,992 from the United Kingdom, 1,639 from Australia, 1,079 from Malaysia, and 8,88 from South Korea. With the easing of travel restrictions and China reponing outbound travel for its citizens, Nepali tourism entrepreneurs are pinning high hopes for 2023. NTB on its 24th anniversary announced that it aims to attract at least one million foreign tourists in 2023. In 2022, tourist arrivals reached over 600,000 without any significant contribution from China. Only 9,595 Chinese tourists visited Nepal in 2022. Tour operators say they are receiving increasing fresh inquiries from major source markets including China. While the FITs (free independent travelers) have already started coming to Nepal, group travelers from the northern neighbor arrived in the second week of April, the first group tour from China after the Covid-19 pandemic. The arrival of 180 Chinese trekkers in Nepal on April 13 has rekindled hopes for Nepal’s tourism sector. They were the first of four batches of nearly 8,00 Chinese trekkers to visit Nepal to trek on the Poon Hill trail located some 270 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This visit has come after China included Nepal on a second list of 40 destinations for group tours that Chinese nationals could visit starting from March 15. After the northern neighbor allowed its citizens to visit Nepal, NTB and Nepali travel trade entrepreneurs are visiting various Chinese cities to promote Nepal tourism. Travel trade entrepreneurs say that a significant contribution of Chinese tourists would be required if Nepal wants to meet the target of one million visitors in 2023.

The National Examinations Board (NEB) has reached the final stage to publish the results of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). Recording results in the computer is underway after answer sheet checking, re-checking and tallying, said the Board Chairperson Dr Mahashram Sharma. "Work is ongoing with the target of publishing results in the first week of July. Only technical work remains," he said. SEE started on March 31, 2023. A total of 485,396 students from 12,083 schools (both community and private) attended the exams from 2,037 examination centers across the country. The examinees included 242,712 girls and 242,674 boys.    

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 21. 32 points to close at 2,075. 97 points on Monday. Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 4. 17 points to close at 386. 35 points. A total of 9,418,952-unit shares of 276 companies were traded for Rs 4. 05 billion. Meanwhile, CYC Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited and BPW Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited were the top gainers today with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Laxmi Equity Fund was the top loser with its price dropped by 8. 95 percent. At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 03 trillion.

Two more persons have been arrested in connection with the Lalita Niwas land grab case. A team of Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) apprehended Ramesh Kumar Pokharel and Dev Narayan Maharjan today. The CIB had detained three persons on Sunday. Baburaja Maharjan, Ghaman Kumar Karki and Shivaji Bhattarai were nabbed for their alleged involvement in the case. Earlier on June 27, a team of CIB had arrested seven persons including former election commissioner Sudhir Sah, Bhatbhateni Supermarket Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung, former employees of Land Revenue Office Dharma Prasad Gautam, Gopal Karki, Kaladhar Deuja, Surendra Man Kapali and Hupendr Mani KC in connection with the Lalita Niwas land grab case. Among the arrestees, Deuja, Kapali and KC were released on the same day as they obtained a stay order from the court. They are accused of forging government documents with the intent of transferring the 143 ropani land of Lalita Niwas to private ownership.        

The final agreement on a long-term electricity trade deal between Nepal and India could be realized within this fiscal year. According to Energy Ministry officials, preparations are being made to sign the final agreement within Ashad (mid-July). The draft of the final agreement on long-term electricity trade between Nepal and India has also reached the Indian cabinet. Once the agreement is endorsed by the Indian cabinet, the final agreement on long-term electricity trade between India and Nepal will be signed, according to Energy Ministry officials. “Once the draft is endorsed by the Indian cabinet, the final agreement will be signed,” said Madhu Bhetuwal, spokesperson at the Energy Ministry. “The final draft has already been approved by our cabinet.” Nepal and India were supposed to sign the final agreement in the third week of June in New Delhi. While Energy Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire did travel to New Delhi, the signing did not take place. Energy Ministry officials said the final deal signing was delayed as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was busy on an abroad visit. The signing of the agreement, according to the Energy Ministry will most probably take place in Kathmandu. Energy Secretary Ghimire and his Indian counterpart Alok Kumar will sign the final agreement. Nepal and India had signed an initial agreement between Nepal and India at the energy secretary level on June 2 in New Delhi. During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s India visit, the southern neighbor agreed to buy 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal in the next 10 years. Nepal has been requesting the southern neighbor for a long-term power trade deal arguing that an inter-government agreement would lock in the market and end the unpredictability of the Indian market’s availability for electricity from Nepal in the long run. According to Bhetuwal, the agreement is an umbrella agreement that will pave the way for power trading agencies in Nepal and India such as Nepal Electricity Authority and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) to enter into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).  The NEA and NVVN will sign a separate agreement for commercial deals. The long-term power deal has become of paramount importance for Nepal with the country's electricity generation capacity gradually increasing. If the market for Nepali electricity is not ensured, the country faces the risk of electricity spillage every year, especially during the wet season.  In the rainy season last year, the country’s electricity spillage reached as high as 800 MW during the festive period in October and November. The country’s generation capacity has already reached nearly 2,700 MW which requires more exports to India to avoid spillage in the rainy season when power plants start generating power at their full capacity. According to NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, the country is expected to produce surplus energy of 1,000 MW in this wet season. The country’s power generation capacity is rising along with the completion of one after another power projects. The country’s power generation capacity is expected to rise to 2,853 MW by the end of the current fiscal year, according to NEA. The projected peak domestic demand for power in the current fiscal year is 2,036 MW. By the end of the next fiscal year 2023/24, the country’s electricity generation capacity is expected to rise further to 4,507 MW and to 5,251 MW by the end of fiscal 2024/25. Nepal exported power worth over Rs 11bn in the last wet season.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that there is a need for a peaceful revolution to ensure good governance, justice and prosperity. Speaking at a program organized on Monday to mark the 12th anniversary of GP Koirala Memorial College as well as the 100th birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, PM Dahal argued that the anomalies, anarchy irregularities and the threat to democracy could not be mitigated through general reforms. Hence, he acknowledged the need for a peaceful revolution. "At the time when democracy was facing threat, it was imperative to instill confidence in the people in the political parties having a long history. For this, I acknowledge the need for collaboration with the Nepali Congress and I am working towards strengthening the current coalition," observed the Head of the Government. He added: "The then insurgent Maoists came to peaceful struggle through the dialogues between the then Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala and I. The Federal Democratic Republic was established at the behest of the joint people's movement. It is our common responsibility to protect the democracy and republican system," said PM Dahal, also Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Center). Furthermore, he said that it is necessary to bring about positive changes in the lives of people by devoting oneself to nation-building with self-analysis rather than spreading hate-speech through social media. In this context, PM Dahal expressed his confidence that late Koirala's high level of courage and strong willpower would inspire one and all for that. "Koirala would always remain the source of inspiration to me throughout my life. He was my guardian. My faith and trust towards him will ever remain intact." Stating that the education sector was a decisive factor in nation-building, he said that the incumbent government is preparing to introduce the University Act.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud is leaving for Azerbaijan on Tuesday. He is leaving for Azerbaijan to participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (CoB NAM) being convened under the theme of "NAM: United and steadfast in confronting emerging challenges" on July 3-6 in Baku, reads a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Saud is scheduled to address the conference on Wednesday. During the visit, the foreign minister is scheduled to call on high dignitaries of the Government of Azerbaijan as well as meet with participating heads of delegation from various countries on the margins of the meeting, the statement reads The foreign minister will return to Kathmandu on July 8, 2023.