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The International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s Executive Board has decided to extend the timeline of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement implemented for Nepal by an additional two months. 

According to the press release issued by the IMF on Wednesday, the program would continue up to  July 11, 2026 with the extension. 

The timeline has been extended to allow sufficient time for the completion of the seventh and final review of the ECF arrangement, the IMF informed. 

The 38-month IMF arrangement for Nepal was approved on January 12,  2022. 

Under this program, Nepal obtained access equal to 180 percent of its 'Special Drawing Rights' (SDR) quota, amounting to 282,42 million US dollars. 

According to the IMF, two additional months were added to provide sufficient time for the seventh and final review under the IMF program. 

Nepal has committed, through the IMF program, to maintaining financial stability, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, improving public financial management, and advancing economic reform programmes.

Two Indian trekkers, who were stuck due to snowfall in the course of trekking to Mustang, have been safely rescued.  

A joint team of Nepal Army and Nepal Police rescued them on Wednesday night. They were heading towards Mustang from Manang. 

A heavy snowfall took place in the Muktinath and Thorang La Pass area on Wednesday. 

Phanik Tony (29) and Mitra Bindu (30) of Kerala in India, were stranded after they were unable to locate the trail at Chisapani of Baragung Muktichhetra-2.  

A trekker Mitra Bindu had informed the District Police Office, Mustang, about their condition. 

The joint team had safely rescued the Indian trekkers from Drum Camp in the lower area of Thorang Pass, said Lieutenant Colonel at the Indra Baks Battalion, Gaurav Dhoj Khand.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) surged by 6. 94 points to close at 2, 718. 16 points on Thursday. 

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 0. 95 points to close at 464. 08 points.

A total of 6,684,007-unit shares of 334 companies were traded for Rs 1. 54 billion.

Meanwhile, Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SWBBL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 12. 19 percent.

Similarly, Forward Microfinance Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (FOWAD) was the top loser as its price fell by 13. 24 points. 

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 63 trillion.

The Second South Asia Trade Fair 2026 BS kicked off in Bhrikutimandap on Thursday.  

The fair has the participation of business groups representing Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan and Afghanistan. 

The business expo, which will run until May 11, aims to provide a common platform for exploring industrial, trade and service related opportunities in South Asia. 

The event was jointly inaugurated by ambassadors of various nations to Nepal and the business community. Managed by the Introduction Trade Shows Nepal, the fair has been organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Commence, and the Export Promotion Bureau in Bangladesh, with the support from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Bhutan. 

The regional fair features pavilions from various nations.  It is expected to attract over 5,000 people from the business community and over 100,000 locals, promoting the exportable goods and encouraging business communities.

 Cottage and handicraft items, indigenous foods, ready-made garments, beauty products, furniture, agricultural products, IT related goods and services, domestic appliances and electrical vehicles are available at the fair, according to fair coordinator Suman Maharjan.

The event is expected to help promote products and services, assess  market potential, expand  buyer-supplier  collaboration and strengthen  regional and trans-national trade relations among the participating countries. 

Two people in a serious condition who were evacuated from a cruise ship with a confirmed outbreak of deadly hantavirus have arrived in the Netherlands for treatment, operator Oceanwide Expeditions has said, BBC reported. 

A third passenger in a stable condition was on board an evacuation flight that has been delayed, the operator added.

The MV Hondius is now sailing towards Spain's Canary Islands after being anchored for three days near Cape Verde, an archipelago nation off the West African coast.

Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Md. Golam Sarwar paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.

During the meeting held at Foreign Minister Khanal's office today, they discussed the issues of strengthening regional cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Dhading district on Thursday. 

The epicenter of the earthquake was at Charangephedi in Dhading, the Department of Mines and Geology confirmed. 

The tremor was felt in Dhading and adjoining districts as well, said Dr Lok Bijay Adhikari, Chief of National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, Dr Lok Bijay Adhikari. 

No damage or casualties have been reported from the quake.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 800 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday. 

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 298, 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 296, 800 per tola on Tuesday. 

Similarly, the price of silver, however, has dropped by Rs 105 and is being traded at Rs 5, 155 per tola today.