KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

RSP Introduces “Training and Testing” System for Local Election Candidates

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to implement a “training and testing” system to ensure qualified and ideologically clear candidates for upcoming local elections. Under the system, aspiring candidates must pass two internal stages: the “Candidate Club” and the “Leadership Academy.” The Candidate Club will register and evaluate members based on public image and social contributions, while the Leadership Academy will provide training on governance, constitution, development planning, and party policies. Only those who pass the final assessment will be eligible to receive an election ticket.

Education Ministry to Hold Talks on School Enrollment and Fees

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is set to hold discussions with local governments and stakeholders regarding effective coordination in school sector reforms, as well as disputes over student enrollment and school fees. According to the ministry, the meeting will be held on Monday at the ministry with participation from mayors of Kathmandu Valley municipalities. The discussions aim to address confusion over student admissions, fee structures beyond prescribed standards, the annual academic calendar, and future strategies.

Prachanda Calls for Communist Unity

Coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the dream of revolution has not yet been fully achieved. Speaking at  a program in Rukum, Prachanda said all communist forces must unite to complete the revolutionary goal. He said efforts are underway to move forward on the path of socialism through a new political journey and that the party was formed to bring different communist groups together. Prachanda added that remaining communist factions would also be unified in the future.

Land Screening Begins for Landless Settlers

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation has started land screening for the landless settlers. The process is assisted by the Soil-Archiving Management System (SAMS). It aims to find out whether those presenting them as landless quarters own land in any parts of the country. The Ministry has stated that the examination is based on various policies, rules and procedures and the government is committed to making it transparent and effective.

Illegal Structures Demolished Along Dhobikhola Corridor

The government has used bulldozers to demolish structures built on encroached public land in the Dhobikhola area of Kathmandu Metropolitan City–10. The demolition drive was carried out on Saturday and Sunday, targeting structures constructed on illegally occupied land. A large number of personnel from the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and municipal police were mobilized during the operation. A seven-storey building built by encroaching on public land along the Dhobikhola was also demolished.

Narayangadh–Muglin Road Fully Reopens After Landslides

The Narayangadh–Muglin road, disrupted by landslides, has been fully reopened. Traffic was affected this morning after rainfall triggered landslides at two points, Tuin Khola and Pani Dhara, blocking the highway with rocks and debris. After a landslide at around 5:45 am, the Tuin Khola section operated on a one-way basis for a time. A dozer was brought from Bharatpur to clear the debris and restore two-way traffic. The blockage at Pani Dhara had been cleared earlier in the morning.

Dalit Community Launches Protest Against PM Balen Shah

Members of the Dalit community have launched a protest in Kathmandu, expressing strong anger toward Prime Minister Balen Shah. The protest was organized with the demand that justice be ensured for Shreekrishna Bishwakarma of Sindhuli. Demonstrators said that even after attempts were made to meet the victims’ family, they were not granted the opportunity, which led to increased criticism of the Prime Minister and the staging of the protest. On Sunday, participants gathered at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu and voiced their grievances against the Prime Minister.

Gagan Thapa Calls for Protection of Free and Fearless Media

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has emphasized that a free and fearless press is a cornerstone of democracy, while warning that journalism is becoming increasingly challenging in today’s changing environment. In a message shared on social media on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Thapa expressed respect for journalists who continue to pursue the truth despite facing pressure and insecurity. He stressed that press freedom is not directed against any individual or institution but is essential to protect citizens’ right to information.

Press Freedom Vital for Democracy, Says NHRC Member Duwadi

National Human Rights Commission member Manoj Duwadi has said that democracy and human rights cannot be imagined without press freedom and freedom of expression. Speaking at a demonstration program organized on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Duwadi noted that Nepal faces a situation where press freedom must be defended not just as a celebration, but as a movement for protecting rightsHe described freedom of expression as the most powerful tool of human rights.

UML Moves to Fully Digitize Membership System

Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) has decided to shift its membership management to a digital system in a bid to modernize and make the organization more technology-friendly. During a special meeting held at the party’s central office on Sunday, the organization department demonstrated the new digital platform, announcing that both membership distribution and renewal processes will now be conducted online. The discussion was attended by top leaders including the vice chairperson, general secretary, and representatives of affiliated organizations.

Kailash–Mansarovar Pilgrimage Season Begins via Rasuwagadhi Border

The annual pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Lake Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash has begun this season through the Nepal–China border at Rasuwagadhi. According to the Immigration Office in Timure, around 300 pilgrims have already departed for Mansarovar via the Kerung (Gyirong) border point this year. Acting Chief Meghnath Sharma said pilgrims this season include citizens from India, Russia, and the United Kingdom as well. Last year, a total of 11,381 pilgrims travelled to Mansarovar and Kailash through the Rasuwagadhi route, immigration records show.

Government Vows Action Against Violence, Justice for Victims

Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens has expressed serious concern over rising incidents of violence reported in the media, reaffirming its commitment to punish perpetrators and ensure justice for victims. In a press statement, the ministry said that physical, mental, sexual, and economic violence against women and girls constitutes a grave violation of human rights. Spokesperson Chakra Bahadur Budha stated that the ministry has intensified awareness campaigns alongside protection and rehabilitation efforts.

Strong Civic Vigilance Needed to Protect Press Freedom, Says Nepal Bar Chief

Nepal Bar Association President Prof. Bijay Prasad Mishra has stressed the need for strong civic vigilance to safeguard press freedom and democracy. Addressing a demonstration in the capital on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, he said press freedom remains under threat globally and emphasized that the current generation must continue to struggle for its protection. Mishra recalled that press freedom was achieved through great sacrifices by previous generations.

Applications Open for Miss Nepal 2026 Pageant

Applications have been opened for Miss Nepal 2026, organizers announced. The event organizer, The Hidden Treasure, said interested candidates can apply for one month. Contestants will be selected based on international standards this year as well. Applicants must be between 18 and 27 years of age and should not exceed 27 years by December 31, 2026. Only those born after January 1, 2000 are eligible. Minimum height requirement is 5 feet 3 inches without heels. Candidates must be unmarried and have never been married before. Nepali citizenship or passport is mandatory, and the minimum educational qualification required is Plus Two or equivalent.

Nepathya to Perform in Auckland on May 10

Popular folk-rock band Nepathya is set to perform in Auckland on May 10 at the Due Drop Event Center, marking its second New Zealand tour after 2017. The band will depart this Monday, just weeks after returning from Canada, continuing its global musical journey. Organizer Roshan Bhattarai said ticket bookings are rapid, with strong interest from the Nepali diaspora. The band, led by Amrit Gurung, sees the tour as a tribute to cultural ties and figures like Edmund Hillary, while also honoring the growing Nepali community in New Zealand.

Over 100  Cultural Officials to Lose Posts After New Ordinance

President Ramchandra Paudel has issued the “Special Provision on Removal of Public Office Holders Ordinance, 2026”, under which 1,534 officials across regulatory bodies and state institutions will be removed from their posts. The ordinance will amend 110 laws and take effect after publication in the gazette. In the cultural sector alone, 112 officials from bodies including the Film Censor Board, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, and Nepal Academy of Music and Drama will be affected. This includes three members of the film censor board and dozens of office bearers appointed under various academy laws, effectively vacating multiple key positions.

Nikita Chandak’s Web Series ‘Glory’ Starts Streaming on Netflix

KATHMANDU: Former Miss Nepal and actress Nikita Chandak has appeared in a key role in the web series Glory, which began streaming on Netflix from Friday. The Atomic Films production, based on mystery and revenge, has already started gaining attention on social media, with viewers sharing clips and reactions. Chandak plays “Surbina,” a mother character linked to a central family storyline, and has expressed happiness about sharing screen space with actors like Ashutosh Rana and Subinder Vicky. She also thanked director Karan Anshuman. Chandak, Miss Nepal 2017 and former Miss World contestant, began her acting career in Sanglo and was last seen in the Nepali film Rajaganj, which premiered at Venice.

Nepali–Hindi Action Drama ‘Kumbh’ Set for Release on May 29

Upcoming action-drama film Kumbh is set to hit theatres on May 29, releasing simultaneously in Nepali and Hindi languages. The production team has also unveiled the film’s teaser, showcasing key action and dramatic sequences. Directed by Randhir Shrestha, the film features actors including Ashok Aryan, Sunil Thapa, Sushil Pokharel, Rohit Rumba, Srishti Khadka, Afsana Thapa, along with South Indian actor Surendra Thakur. The film, produced under A Ross Production, was shot across Nepal and parts of South India, blending action and romance with a mix of new and experienced performers.

All NSC Board Members Removed After New Ordinance

Board members of National Sports Council have been removed following the issuance of the “Special Provision on Removal of Public Office Holders Ordinance, 2026” by President Ramchandra Paudel on the government’s recommendation. A total of 23 politically appointed officials in the council were among 1,594 public office holders dismissed under the ordinance, which also amends multiple laws. The changes come under the Public Office Holders Removal Ordinance 2026 framework, affecting various state bodies.

Jagan  Gurung Elected Gandaki Province Taekwondo Association President

Jagan Bahadur Gurung has been elected as the president of the Gandaki Province Taekwondo Association. The association’s 5th general assembly and 2nd convention held in Pokhara on Sunday unanimously selected a new working committee under Gurung’s leadership. Laxmi Kshetri Pandey and Ramesh Paudel have been elected vice-presidents, while Gangabahadur Gurung has been chosen as treasurer. Other members of the committee include Indraman Khatri, Bikash Bogati, Diksha Gurung, Hariram Sapkota, Kul Bahadur Tamang (Dorje), Yograj Adhikari, Shivraj Wagle, Rekhamaya Gurung, Krishna Maharjan, Michael Karmacharya, Suraj Dhakal, and Ramila Gurung.

Floods in Kenya Kill At Least 10 People Amid Heavy Rains

At least 10 people have been killed in Kenya due to sudden flooding triggered by continuous heavy rainfall this week, police confirmed. According to the National Police Service, most of the casualties were reported in the eastern region of the country, where floods have blocked roads and displaced a large number of residents, severely affecting local communities. In a statement, police said 10 deaths have been confirmed so far, including seven fatalities in the eastern region alone.

Trump Reviews Iran Peace Plan as Tensions Rise in Middle East

US President Donald Trump said he will soon review a 14-point proposal sent by Iran but expressed doubt over reaching a deal. The plan reportedly calls for guarantees of non-aggression, lifting of a naval blockade, and ending conflicts across multiple fronts including Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it is prepared for a possible return to war with the US, saying hostilities are likely due to lack of trust in agreements. Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon, including attacks on Yaroun, pushing the death toll since March 2 to 2,659.

China Moves to Block US Sanctions on Iranian Oil Refiners

China has issued an injunction against US sanctions targeting five Chinese refiners accused of purchasing Iranian oil. The US Treasury had barred the firms from the US financial system and warned penalties for any business ties. China’s Commerce Ministry called the sanctions unlawful and a violation of international norms, saying they restrict legitimate trade between Chinese companies and third countries.

US Approves $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Amid Iran Conflict

The United States has approved USD 8.6 billion in arms sales to Middle Eastern allies amid escalating conflict involving Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used emergency powers to fast-track the deals without congressional review. The move comes as Israel and Gulf states face ongoing missile and drone attacks from Iran since late February, straining their air defense systems and depleting weapons stockpiles.