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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on December 1 approved the Nepali authorities’ request for a four-month extension of the country’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

The extension, which runs until May 11, 2026, is to provide sufficient time for the completion of the seventh review of the program.

The IMF Executive Board approved the 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for Nepal on January 12, 2022, providing access to SDR 282.42 million—equivalent to 180 percent of the country’s quota—reads a statement issued by the International Monetary Fund. 

The IMF Executive Board on May 1, 2023 approved an extension of the ECF arrangement until January 11, 2026, along with a rephasing of the program’s disbursements, according to IMF Country Report No. 23/158.

The Executive Board’s decision was taken on a lapse-of-time basis.

The Executive Board takes the decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

On the occasion of the historic 40th anniversary of the SAARC Charter, the Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar and Madam Taslima Sarwar hosted a Diplomatic Reception in Kathmandu today.

Rt. Hon'ble Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Vice President of Nepal, graced the function with his presence as the Chief Guest.

The reception was attended by the high dignitaries of Nepal, Ambassadors and Representatives of the Embassies of the Member States, Observer States, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations in Kathmandu, representatives of business community and civil society, editors and reporters of media houses and people from all walks of life​​​​​​​.

Heads of States/Governments as well as the Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member States issued dedicatory messages on 08 December 2025 to commemorate this momentous day.

In their special messages, the Heads of State/Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs have underscored the importance of SAARC as a shared platform to foster mutual understanding, collaboration and solidarity in order to build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia.

Reaffirming their commitment to the ideals and founding objectives as articulated in the Charter, the Leaders also acknowledged the imperatives of concerted efforts and meaningful action to harness economic potentials, achieve sustained and equitable development, and to address the shared challenges confronting the region bound by history, culture and destiny.

Addressing today’s function, Ambassador Sarwar briefly reflected on the journey SAARC has made so far. With its focus on institutional strengthening and norm setting in priority areas to the implementation of programs in the first forty years, to now aiming for global outreach, SAARC has made tremendous progress in both scope and substance, he said.

It may be mentioned that the Heads of State/Government of seven South Asian countries launched SAARC by adopting its Charter at the First Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 08 December 1985. Since then, 08 December is observed as the SAARC Charter Day every year across the South Asia.

Human Rights Day is being celebrated across the world today. Nepal is also marking the Day, organizing various activities across the country.

The Day is observed, commemorating the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a seminal document on human rights with landmark resolution. The UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

The United Nations notes, "UDHR enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."

The theme for this year's Human Rights Day is 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials'. 

UDHR is the most translated document in the world- currently available in 577 languages, from Abkhaz to Zulu, the UN added.

On this occasion, President Ram Chandra Paudel, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki and various political leaders have extended messages.

In the messages, they have reminded Nepal's constitution recognizing various rights and freedoms aligning with the UDHR. Commitment to protection and promotion of human rights is reiterated by them.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) marked its historic 40th anniversary of the adoption of its charter on Monday, commemorating four decades since South Asian leaders endorsed the document during the first SAARC Summit in Dhaka on December 8, 1985.

The day has since been observed annually as SAARC Charter Day.

On the occasion, the Heads of State/Government and Foreign Ministers of SAARC Member States issued dedicatory special messages highlighting the importance of SAARC as a shared platform to foster mutual understanding, collaboration and solidarity in order to build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated South Asia.

Reaffirming their commitment to the ideals and founding objectives as articulated in the Charter, the leaders also acknowledged the imperatives of concerted efforts and meaningful action to harness economic potentials, achieve sustained and equitable development, and to address the shared challenges confronting the region bound by history, culture and destiny.

In addition, the leaders conveyed their felicitations and greetings to the peoples and Governments of the Member States on the occasion of the Charter Day.

In his message, Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar, extended gratitude to the esteemed Member States, Observer States, Development Partners, Diplomatic Missions, regional and international organizations for their invaluable cooperation and support to SAARC through all these years. He also wished for their continued goodwill and steadfast support in the years to come as well.

SAARC has journeyed far, Secretary General said, recounting briefly the journey of SAARC from its focus on institutional strengthening and norm setting in priority areas to the implementation of programs across an array of sectors with a view to materialize the collective aspirations of the people of South Asia. He also hailed the Charter Day as an important occasion to reflect on the past accomplishments and to forge renewed commitment to reinvigorate the SAARC process.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the adoption of SAARC Charter, the Secretary General of SAARC and his spouse will host a diplomatic reception in Kathmandu in the evening of December 9, 2025.