Politics
Parliament Backs MNT 42.9 Billion Budget Shift to Welfare and Student Fees
Published: 2026-10-08
Parliamentary committees have backed proposals to reallocate MNT 42.9 billion in the 2026 budget revision, which reports said was expected to receive final approval this week. The money would be shifted from previously approved spending rather than new revenue. The proposals include moving funds from energy-sector major repairs and equipment upgrades to support benefits for people with disabilities and children requiring permanent care. Attached reports differ on that amount, citing MNT 13.9 billion and MNT 13.8 billion. They also give differing accounts of reallocations from food-supply stabilization subsidies, while agreeing that the changes would support social assistance and student tuition. More than 3,500 students could receive tuition support through the Education Loan Fund. Several benefits would rise to MNT 600,000 monthly, and the care allowance to MNT 370,000.
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Public Service Workers Set for 50% Pay Rise Under Budget Revision
Published: 2026-10-08
The government has included a 50% pay increase for public service-sector employees in the 2026 budget revision, with MNT 170.1 billion allocated for the increase from November 1. The measure covers workers across public service fields. The government has also included further salary increases in the 2027 budget laws: public administrative employees and public special-service employees are each scheduled to receive 20% increases in the second quarter, while public service employees would receive an additional 10%. The planned 2027 increases are budgeted at MNT 888.1 billion. The announcement separates the immediate 2026 public-service adjustment from the later planned increases for administrative, special-service and public-service employees.
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Published: 2026-10-08
Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt established a task force on October 8 to develop policy, legal measures and financing for “Eco Households” in ger districts. Led by MP G. Luvsanjamts, it will propose support for home insulation, energy-efficient housing, renewable electricity and heat, smoke-free heating, and independent sanitation systems that do not pollute soil. The group must also define eligibility and support conditions, assess expanded access to mortgages for detached homes, and propose longer, lower-interest green loans for the 2027 state budget. It will present recommendations during Parliament’s autumn session and may submit draft legislation. Its mandate also covers options for businesses to use independent energy sources and replace steam and low-pressure boilers with smokeless technology.
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DP Lawmakers Allege Ministers Spent Funds Before Parliament Approved Budget Revision
Published: 2026-10-08
DP lawmakers Kh. Temuujin and S. Tsenguun alleged that ministers spent money included in Mongolia’s 2026 budget revision before Parliament approved it, during the party’s October 8 briefing. Tsenguun said MPs had proposed removing MNT 23 billion in administrative spending from the revision, but ministers argued the amount could not be cut because it had already been spent. The lawmakers also questioned proposed and existing spending for the New Kharkhorum City council office, citing MNT 1.5 billion in the revision and MNT 7.4 billion discussed for 2027. Temuujin said spending funds without parliamentary authorization could violate the Criminal Code’s provision on improper use of budget funds. The lawmakers said they plan to submit legislation during the autumn session requiring detailed state-budget spending information to be publicly disclosed.
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Bill Proposes Open Parliamentary Selection for Anti-Corruption Agency Chief
Published: 2026-10-08
MP Ch. Lodoisambuu has introduced a bill that would replace the prime minister’s power to nominate the head of the Independent Authority Against Corruption with an open parliamentary selection process. Under the current system, in force since 2021, Parliament appoints the agency head for a six-year term following a nomination by the prime minister. The proposed amendments would require Parliament’s Legal Standing Committee to run a transparent, competitive process and present at least five candidates. Parliament would hold appointment hearings and select the chief by secret ballot and majority vote. The bill would also provide for Parliament to appoint the deputy chief on the recommendation of the agency head. The government discussed its opinion on the draft at its October 7 meeting.
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Specialists Begin Training for New Family and Child Courts
Published: 2026-10-08
Initial training has begun for specialists who will work in dedicated family and child courts before the Law on Family Case Proceedings takes effect on November 1. The 14-day program is designed to establish a system in which trained professionals assess family and child circumstances and support judges’ decisions. Specialists will conduct individual and joint interviews with children when needed, analyze cases and prepare reports. In criminal cases involving adolescents, they will examine a child’s situation and factors connected to the alleged offense, then provide courts with professional findings. Chief Justice Ts. Tsogt said the initiative would build both staffing and a professional culture for protecting family and child rights. A Japanese Justice Ministry professor also presented on protecting children’s best interests in family-court proceedings.
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Economy
Fuel Import Duties Waived at Three Border Crossings Through 2028
Published: 2026-10-08
The government has approved a zero customs-duty rate for AI-92 gasoline and diesel imported through the Zamiin-Uud, Bulgan and Shiveekhuren border crossings. The measure will apply from October 21, 2026, through December 31, 2028. It follows an August decision that temporarily removed customs duties on all fuel imports until February 1, 2027, intended to prevent petroleum-product shortages. The new resolution differentiates duty rates at selected crossings in line with regional-development and economic-priority policies. Prime Ministerial instructions also call on relevant officials to accelerate border clearance, transport and unloading of petroleum products, reduce tank-wagon fees, promptly process qualifying permit applications, and ensure uninterrupted supplies of raw materials needed for production.
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Coal and Copper Drive $6.5 Billion Trade Surplus in First Nine Months
Published: 2026-10-08
Mongolia’s foreign trade turnover reached USD 25.9 billion in the first nine months of 2026, with imports reported at USD 9.7 billion. Attached reports differ on exports, citing either USD 16.1 billion or USD 16.2 billion, and on the surplus, citing USD 6.5 billion or USD 6.6 billion. The reports say growth in exports was led by mining products: coal exports rose 40.9% to 82.3 million tonnes, copper concentrate exports increased 20.5% to 1.98 million tonnes, and iron ore exports rose 4.1% to 6.75 million tonnes. One report puts copper ore and concentrate revenue at USD 7 billion and 43.7% of export revenue, while coal revenue was USD 5.9 billion. Fuel and several food imports also increased.
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Parliament Committee to Review Inflation Inquiry and 2027 Budget Bills
Published: 2026-10-08
Parliament’s Economic Standing Committee is scheduled to meet on October 8 to consider a response from the Governor of the Bank of Mongolia to an inquiry by MP J. Bayarmaa on rising inflation and the effectiveness of monetary policy. Its agenda also includes the second reading of four 2027 budget bills submitted by the government on August 31: the state budget, National Wealth Fund budget, Social Insurance Fund budget, and Health Insurance Fund budget. The committee will send its presentation on the bills to the Budget Standing Committee. The session combines discussion of monetary-policy questions with the government’s proposed fiscal plans for 2027, including the National Wealth Fund, Social Insurance Fund, and Health Insurance Fund budgets.
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Ulaanbaatar Mayor Proposes Halving Local Tax for Most Businesses
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdavaa said he is submitting a proposal to the Citizens’ Representatives Khural to cut the city’s 2 percent local tax by half for most businesses. The proposed reduction would exclude businesses selling alcohol or tobacco and bars and entertainment venues. Purevdavaa linked the proposal to rising fuel costs and inflation, describing it as state support for companies operating in the capital. He said the measure would provide a combined MNT 8 billion in tax relief. The proposal follows an August 6 decision by the city assembly to abolish 103 types of permits previously required for business operations. The mayor said he is submitting the tax-reduction proposal to the Citizens’ Representatives Khural.
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Parliament Speaker Calls for Action on High-Cost Digital Loans
Published: 2026-10-08
Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt instructed Financial Regulatory Commission leaders on October 8 to promptly present policy solutions to lower loan rates, address overlapping borrowing through multiple apps, and stop additional fees charged alongside high interest. He said roughly 700 submissions through E-Mongolia’s “Parliament Is Listening” channel largely concerned economic pressure and expensive borrowing. Figures cited at the meeting put average bank interest at 1.5 percent per month, or about 18 percent annually; non-bank financial institution interest at 3.7 percent per month and 40 percent annually; and digital-loan interest at 4.1 percent per month, or about 50 percent annually. He also called for timely credit-data updates and cooperation with Parliament’s Economic Standing Committee on required legal changes.
“People are taking high-interest digital loans and falling under debt pressure.” - S. Byambatsogt (urug.mn)
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Development Bank Confirms Baataarsuren and Enkhjin in Senior Posts
Published: 2026-10-08
The Development Bank of Mongolia’s board of directors confirmed S. Baataarsuren as chief executive officer and A. Enkhjin as first deputy chief executive officer for business at its October 8 meeting. Both had previously served in the roles on an acting basis. The bank said the positions were filled through an open selection process, with applications accepted until August 26 and candidates evaluated under applicable legislation. Baataarsuren has 19 years of experience in banking and finance, specializing in risk management and institutional governance. His previous roles include posts at Zoos Bank, the Bank of Mongolia, the Development Bank and the Deposit Insurance Corporation. Enkhjin has 22 years of experience in banking and finance, specializing in foreign-reserve management, financial markets and investment. Enkhjin led the Bank of Mongolia’s Financial Markets Department from 2018 to 2026.
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Industrial Output Jumps 56.3% in First Eight Months
Published: 2026-10-08
Preliminary results put industrial output at MNT 49.9 trillion in the first eight months of 2026, MNT 18 trillion above the same period a year earlier. The source reported this as a 56.3% increase. Mining and quarrying output rose by MNT 17 trillion to MNT 42 trillion, while manufacturing output increased by MNT 759.3 billion; the source reported respective growth rates of 68.2% and 15%. It attributed mining growth to higher metal-ore extraction and hard- and brown-coal extraction. Industrial-product sales reached MNT 55.7 trillion, up MNT 20.9 trillion, with mining sales accounting for MNT 20 trillion of that increase. Overseas industrial sales totaled MNT 43.1 trillion, including MNT 42.2 trillion from mining and quarrying.
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Diplomacy
Women Parliamentarians From More Than 20 Countries to Meet in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar will host a global forum of women parliamentarians on October 12-13 under the patronage of President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh. Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are organizing the meeting under the theme “From Representation to Influence in Decision-Making.” Delegates from more than 20 countries will discuss ways to turn women’s representation in legislatures into greater influence over policy decisions, strengthen gender equality in lawmaking, and support women political leaders. President Khurelsukh and Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt are scheduled to address the opening, while Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg will chair the plenary session. The program includes five thematic sessions and concludes with a summary of discussions.
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Infrastructure
Oyu Tolgoi Dividend Plan Targets Power-Supply Projects
Published: 2026-10-08
The government says amendments to the Oyu Tolgoi Shareholders’ Agreement, signed after 17 years, could reduce interest and management-fee costs by an estimated USD 8.4 billion. Officials say Mongolia’s future benefit would increase by USD 4 billion and that the country is expected to receive its first Oyu Tolgoi dividend in 2027. Of a planned MNT 3 trillion dividend allocation, MNT 2 trillion is proposed for energy investment and MNT 1 trillion for the Savings/Accumulation Fund. The 2027 budget proposal includes funding for Thermal Power Plant No. 4 expansion, upgrades at Thermal Power Plant No. 3, a 300 MW Thermal Power Plant No. 6, heating plants in nine provinces, and transmission-network upgrades including the Erdeneburen-Myangad and Choibalsan-Baruun-Urt lines.
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Government Starts Oil Exploration at 15 Sites to Supply Refinery
Published: 2026-10-08
The government has begun oil exploration at 15 locations to establish a stable crude supply for the refinery under construction, and says the sites will be protected by the Internal Troops. Prime Minister N. Uchral appointed Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources B. Munkhtamir to lead a working group that will meet monthly to resolve construction and supply issues. The refinery project had stalled at just over 20% completion because of financing and legal issues, but is now about 60% complete after financing arrangements, tax and fee exemptions, and a planned industrial and technology park designation. The refinery is targeted to enter operation in 2028 and is expected to meet 50-55% of domestic fuel demand. Officials are also addressing worker housing, grid connections, future distribution and logistics, and specialist training.
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Fuel Emergency Task Force Moves to Speed Delivery of 134 Rail Wagons From Russia
Published: 2026-10-08
Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources B. Munkhtamir will lead the Fuel Emergency Task Force, which has ordered faster transport and receipt of 134 fuel rail wagons supplied from Russia. The task force discussed fuel procurement, distribution, petrol-station operations and traffic congestion, and instructed agencies to accelerate supply in Ulaanbaatar and provincial areas. The Anti-Monopoly Agency was tasked with monitoring stations that have temporarily suspended operations and determining the reasons. Officials also plan measures to reduce queues outside petrol stations along major central Ulaanbaatar roads, including adjustments to operating hours and faster distribution. Minister G. Damdinyam directed officials to examine a real-time digital system for petrol stations that would show where fuel is being dispensed and monitor stock and remaining reserves. The system is intended to improve supply coordination and public information.
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Ulaanbaatar Plans Electric Heat-Storage Pilot for Up to 10,000 Ger-District Homes
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar plans to test electric heat-storage technology in 6,000 to 10,000 ger-district households this winter as it seeks a lower-cost alternative to gas heating. Mayor B. Purevdagva said the city uses about 2,170 MW of electricity at peak times and about 1,000 MW overnight, while facing a 170 MW shortfall. Officials are considering 5-10 MW small battery-storage units to manage heating demand and are calculating whether electric heating could eventually serve 219,000 households. Last winter, the city supplied gas stoves to 5,000 households in Bayangol and Chingeltei districts. Each stove cost MNT 6.5 million, while the city provides MNT 900,000 per household for one winter and households must subsequently buy fuel themselves. The city considers that model too expensive for long-term expansion.
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Yarmag Road Prepares Dedicated Bus Lane for Trial Operation
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar’s Road Development Agency says the first lane on the Yarmag road in Khan-Uul District is ready for a trial in which it will be reserved for public buses. During the summer, the city installed road signs, lane markings and camera systems along the route, where traffic congestion is frequent. The agency asked other motorists to keep the first lane clear so buses can operate without obstruction. The measure forms part of a broader plan to create a dedicated public-transport lane on Chinggis Avenue. The city approved MNT 10.2 billion from its 2025-2026 budget for expansion and renovation work on the Yarmag Bridge-to-Enkh Taivny Bridge U-turn route. A first-lane bus-only arrangement already operates on Enkh Taivny Avenue, the city’s central road.
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Government Prepares Tender for 450 MW Tavan Tolgoi Power Plant
Published: 2026-10-08
Economy and Development Minister J. Enkhbayar told Parliament’s Economic Standing Committee on October 8 that the government is preparing to submit and launch next week a selection process for the 450 MW Tavan Tolgoi thermal power plant. The project would use a public-private partnership: state-owned Tavan Tolgoi company would invest up to 30 percent, while private investors would provide the remaining 70 percent. The selected company would build and operate the plant before transferring it fully to the state. A 2023 tender was delayed after the two participating companies entered a court dispute. Enkhbayar said bidders will be assessed on how quickly they can complete the plant and return it to state ownership. The government also backed PPP investment agreements for planned 600 MW, 660 MW and 660 MW power plants at Buuruljuut, Bayang and Shivee-Ovoo.
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Engels Street Lanes to Close for Repairs on October 10-11
Published: 2026-10-08
The Ulaanbaatar Road Development Department will close lanes on Engels Street in Khoroo 3, Khan-Uul District, for partial road repairs and upgrades on October 10 and 11. The affected section is the road by the School of Mechanical Engineering. Eastbound traffic will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on October 10, while westbound traffic will be closed during the same hours on October 11. The work is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on October 10 and conclude at 10:00 p.m. on October 11. Authorities asked drivers and residents to use alternative routes while crews carry out the work.
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Ulaanbaatar Railway Carries 25.8 Million Tonnes in First Nine Months
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar Railway transported 25.8 million tonnes of freight in the first nine months of 2026, 1.5 million tonnes more than in the same period a year earlier. The railway reported carrying 3.2 million tonnes of import freight, 9.5 million tonnes of export freight and 8.8 million tonnes of domestic freight. It also reported that these categories were respectively 17.4%, 11% and 2.7% higher than a year earlier. Transit freight totaled 4.3 million tonnes; the railway reported this was 3.4% lower year on year. Ulaanbaatar Railway said its freight volumes have grown strongly for four consecutive years. The figures were released by the railway company and reported by two news outlets.
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Cable-Car Fare of MNT 1,500-2,000 Planned for Yarmag-Kharkhorin Route
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar is conducting economic calculations for a planned fare of MNT 1,500-2,000 on the cable-car route between Yarmag and Kharkhorin Market, Mayor B. Purevdavaa said. The system is undergoing load testing with sand and water rather than passengers. Subject to acceptance by the state commission, the city plans to begin service from December 15. The 4.2-kilometer line will use 98 cabins, each with capacity for 10 passengers, and will connect two stations through 19 support towers. The trip is expected to take about 11 minutes, with capacity of roughly 2,300 passengers per hour in each direction. The city may study extending the line from Kharkhorin Market to central Ulaanbaatar if passenger satisfaction is high.
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City Expands Road-Safety Partnership to Address Moped Risks
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar’s Governor’s Office and the Partnership for Healthy Cities will expand cooperation on road-safety measures, responding to rising crashes and injuries involving mopeds and similar vehicles. City officials say such vehicles are increasingly used across sidewalks, bicycle lanes and roads, often at excessive speed or without protective equipment. The partners plan to strengthen traffic-safety measures and promote a safer urban environment for residents, particularly children and young people. The Partnership for Healthy Cities is a network of more than 70 cities working to prevent non-communicable diseases and injuries.
“Road-safety laws, infrastructure, and public knowledge, attitudes and behavior are vital to preventing traffic crashes and injuries.” - Juhi Gautam (ikon.mn)
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Society
Bear Attack in Ulaanbaatar District Kills One and Injures Another
Published: 2026-10-08
A bear entered a ger occupied by two people in Uliastai’s Burkhant Valley, Khoroo 35 of Bayanzurkh District, shortly after 1 a.m. on October 8. Police said one man died and a woman sustained serious facial and head injuries; she was taken to the National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics, where officials later described her condition as serious but stable. City emergency, police and environmental authorities deployed search teams, traps and thermal drones in the wooded area. The Environment and Climate Change Ministry authorized action against an adult bear posing an immediate threat while excluding cubs and mothers with cubs. Authorities later said they neutralized a roughly six-year-old male bear, and specialists were to determine whether it was the animal involved in the attack.
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Three-Year-Old Burned by Low-Hanging Live Wire in Songinokhairkhan
Published: 2026-10-08
A three-year-old child was burned after touching a live wire hanging near the entrance to a household compound in Khoroo 36 of Songinokhairkhan District, Ulaanbaatar. The child had been playing outside when the incident occurred. According to an unofficial source cited in the report, the child’s hand was burned and the child is receiving medical care. Specialists subsequently secured the energized wire and pulled it back to the utility pole. The report urged residents to notify relevant authorities when energized central-grid wires sag or are within reach of people. It also called on parents and caregivers to strengthen supervision of young children around electrical hazards.
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Ulaanbaatar to Relocate Remains From 8.5-Hectare Cemetery Section
Published: 2026-10-08
Ulaanbaatar’s Mayor’s Office will partially clear a designated 8.5-hectare section of Sambalkhundev Cemetery in Khailaast under a program intended to support safer, healthier living conditions. Families with relatives buried in the area must check the municipal database at ubcemetery.gov.mn or contact Ulaanbaatar Buyan LLC by October 16, 2026, to confirm their information. Relocation decisions will take account of families’ requests. If officials cannot contact a family by the deadline, they will perform the required rites, cremate the remains and place the ashes in the communal stupa at the cemetery’s memorial and remembrance garden. The city lists 72100101 for further information.
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Environment
Authorities Order Travel Limits in Areas Where Bears Have Been Reported
Published: 2026-10-08
The Environment and Climate Change Ministry has directed local authorities to restrict travel, tourism, nut and berry gathering, logging and public events in forest areas assessed as high risk for bear encounters. The instructions followed a fatal bear attack and apply to provinces, Ulaanbaatar environmental agencies and protected-area administrations. Authorities must compile all bear sightings from the past 30 days by soum, bag and coordinates, designate places with fresh tracks, scat, food remains or livestock carcasses as risk zones, and alert residents immediately. Joint patrols involving rangers, police and emergency services are to increase evening and nighttime monitoring at locations with repeated sightings. Officials also ordered the removal of exposed food waste and animal carcasses near homes, herder camps, tourist facilities and dumps, which can attract bears.
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Government Funds Bear-Response Equipment and Issues 27 Culling Permits
Published: 2026-10-08
Authorities have recorded 754 bear-related reports in 11 provinces, Ulaanbaatar and protected areas in 2026, with more than 80 percent involving cubs or female bears with cubs. The Environment and Climate Change Ministry says MNT 1.8 billion from reserve funds has been obtained for bear-response measures. Dart guns are planned for delivery to 12 provinces; officials said the equipment had previously been used mainly by international organizations and researchers. Authorities have issued 27 permits for authorized environmental officers to shoot bears under police oversight when necessary to protect people or property. Sources differ on whether the permits cover eight provinces alone or eight provinces and Ulaanbaatar. Six bears have been culled. Permits do not authorize shooting cubs or mothers with cubs, and a national bear count has begun with the Institute of Biology.
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Mining Ministry Begins Work to Adopt Global Tailings Management Standard
Published: 2026-10-08
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has formed a working group to examine adoption of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, or GISTM, for mining tailings facilities and dams. Mongolia already has national regulations, construction and engineering rules, and environmental standards, but their technical conditions, requirements and monitoring systems do not meet international practice. The ministry has begun work to update or localize the international tailings-management standard in accordance with domestic laws, rules and procedures. Officials say introducing GISTM could strengthen safety for mine workers, protect ecosystems, reduce economic and financial risks, improve corporate governance, and build technical and engineering capacity. The working group is conducting implementation assessments and monitoring work at the ministry and major mining companies. Inadequate technical requirements and monitoring systems can put lives and health at risk and worsen environmental pollution.
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Government Funds Domestic Production of 1.5 Million Goat Pox Vaccine Doses
Published: 2026-10-08
The government has allocated MNT 1.5 billion from its reserve fund to produce and stockpile vaccines for goat pox, a highly contagious animal disease. The funding covers product evaluation, quality assurance, manufacturing and supply costs. State-owned Biocombinat will use the allocation to manufacture 1.5 million doses within two months. Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Minister Ts. Iderbat said the move will enable domestic vaccine production, improve availability and strengthen preparedness for preventive measures against the disease. The reported decision concerns vaccine production and stockpiling for prevention and use when necessary. The ministry said the funding is intended to support vaccine manufacturing and establish reserves for preventive use and situations where the vaccine is needed.
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Eastern Steppe Fire Fully Extinguished After Three Incidents Reported
Published: 2026-10-08
Mongolia recorded three steppe fires on October 7, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. Firefighters fully extinguished fires in Asgat and Munkhkhhaan soums of Sukhbaatar Province, while initially containing a third fire in Choibalsan soum, Dornod Province. The Dornod fire broke out in Avdar Kharaat in Khukh Nuur bag, about 50 km north of the provincial center and 120 km northeast of the soum center. Emergency personnel, professional response units and local residents brought it under control at 8 p.m. on October 7, then fully extinguished it at 7 a.m. on October 8. Across the first three responses, provincial emergency departments, border units, local professional teams and residents deployed personnel and equipment to suppress the fires.
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About 67% of Grain Has Been Harvested
Published: 2026-10-08
Representatives of the State Harvest Commission reported that, as of October 6, farmers had harvested 338,500 tonnes of grain from 243,300 hectares. They also reported 134,300 tonnes of potatoes from 10,700 hectares and more than 276,000 tonnes of vegetables and fodder crops from a total of 83,000 hectares. The source reported that roughly 67% of grain and 83% of potatoes had been harvested. Mongolia planted 580,400 hectares this year and preliminary estimates project 555,300 tonnes across grain, potatoes, vegetables, fodder and oil crops. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry said 52,600 tonnes of wheat had been stored, while more than 25,300 people and about 3,200 combines, tractors and other machines were working in fields.
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Provinces Set Livestock Marketing Plans Ahead of Winter
Published: 2026-10-08
Officials in Uvs, Omnogovi and Khovd outlined preparations for the 2026-2027 winter, including plans to bring livestock into economic circulation while managing pasture capacity. Uvs plans to bring 20% of its herd into economic circulation, with herders’ hay and feed preparation at 84% and soum emergency reserves at 45%. Omnogovi, which counted 2.3 million head of livestock, plans to bring about 500,000 animals into economic circulation and has postponed provincial competitions until November 1 under quarantine measures linked to livestock disease in neighboring provinces. Khovd expects 3.6 million animals to winter in the province; with 12.7% of its pasture area over capacity, it plans to direct about 500,000 animals into economic circulation, including 200,000 for food needs and 300,000 for market sales.
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Health
Published: 2026-10-08
The World Health Organization has requested additional information from Russian authorities after a laboratory employee at the Siberian and Far Eastern Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk died on October 2 following severe pneumonia of unknown cause. Initial media reports suggested possible pneumonic plague exposure, but Russia’s health regulator, Rospotrebnadzor, said no recent plague cases had been recorded in Irkutsk Oblast and tests of contacts found no highly dangerous pathogens. Russian officials also rejected reports of a second suspected case. Mongolia’s Health Ministry, Customs General Administration and public-health agencies completed a rapid risk assessment and classified the risk to Mongolia as low while ordering continued surveillance and stronger checks at border crossings. Mongolia’s Embassy in Russia advised people travelling in or planning travel to Irkutsk Oblast to observe health and safety precautions and seek medical care for unusual symptoms.
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Parents Caring for Young Children With Flu to Receive Paid Leave or Remote Work
Published: 2026-10-08
From November 1, 2026 through March 2027, parents and guardians caring for children aged six or younger with influenza or influenza-like illness may receive up to five paid working days of leave or work remotely. Health Minister E. Batshugar said managers of public institutions have been directed to provide the arrangements, while private-sector and nongovernmental employers have been urged to adopt flexible measures. The policy is intended to reduce transmission and prevent severe illness. During epidemiological week 39, 46.5 cases per 10,000 people were recorded, exceeding the level seen at the same time in each of the previous three years. Children under 15 accounted for 78.3% of cases, and children under six made up about 60% of hospital admissions. Nationwide school and kindergarten screenings began on October 1.
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Breast Cancer Deaths Exceed 100 a Year as Screening Campaign Begins
Published: 2026-10-08
More than 100 people die from breast cancer annually, with 515 deaths recorded over the past five years, according to figures cited during Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities in October. The National Statistics Office reported that 2,882 people had been diagnosed with the disease by the end of 2025, and incidence has continued to rise in recent years. The National Cancer Center warned that many women are diagnosed at a late stage, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. It advised seeking medical attention for new lumps or hardening in the breast or armpit, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, and unusual or bloody nipple discharge. The campaign also encourages preventive examinations and mammography and ultrasound screening every two years.
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