Mongolia News Summary for August 04, 2024
The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.
Today's Stories
Diplomacy
- Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council J. Batbayasgalan Meets with Deputy Chairman of Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Hong
- Deputy Chairman of Seoul City Council Received with Delegates
Infrastructure
Society
Environment
- Be cautious of flood danger as heavy rain is expected in the eastern part of the country
- It will be 21 degrees warm in Ulaanbaatar with light rain
Innovation
Health
- Summary: Measles case detected, administrative center to be built in Kuwait Valley
- Intermed Hospital Organized an International Conference "Mongolia and Taiwan Joint Symposium on Thoracic Disorders" in Collaboration with the Taiwan Association of Thoracic Surgeons
Sports
- PARIS 2024: Cyclist S.Jambaljamts to Compete in Mass Start Race Today
- PARIS 2024: Mongolia's Judo Team Competition Concludes
- State Champion S.Sukhbat to Wrestle in National, Buryat, and Inner Mongolian Wrestling
- Judo Mixed Team Loses to Israel, Ending Their Tournament
- US basketball team spends $15 million in Paris
- Teddy Riner: Getting Closer to His Idol Tadahiro Nomura
Arts
Diplomacy
Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council J. Batbayasgalan Meets with Deputy Chairman of Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Hong
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council J. Batbayasgalan received Wang Hong, Deputy Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and other officials including Li Fuyin, Deputy Chairman of the Social and Legal Affairs Committee, Yang Qingbai, Deputy Director of the Research Department, and Liu Ke, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
At the beginning of the meeting, Wang Hong said, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia, as well as the 10th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. The relationship between cities plays an important role in expanding cooperation in infrastructure, health, culture, education, science, and technology. We are ready to support major investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and social sectors, and to cooperate in the digital economy." He also noted that the two cities have successfully organized many cultural events in the past. "By expanding cooperation aimed at young students and the elderly of both countries, we are confident that it will strengthen mutual understanding and expand beneficial economic and social relations."
In response, Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council J. Batbayasgalan said, "I support your proposal and will try to officially implement it. We express our readiness to expand and develop mutually beneficial socio-economic cooperation in the future. We are ready to exchange experiences and strengthen friendly relations through an official visit soon. I wish all the best and good health to all the citizens of Beijing."
The meeting was attended by D. Ikhbayar, Head of the Mongolian People's Party group in the Ulaanbaatar City Council, B. Erdenesukh, Head of the Democratic Party group, Council Members T. Battsog, G. Gangamurun, L. Otgonbaatar, B. Batbiamba, Secretary of the Ulaanbaatar City Council and Head of the Working Office, and other officials.
Deputy Chairman of Seoul City Council Received with Delegates
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
During the 6th Northeast Asian Mayors' Conference, Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council J. Batbayasgalan received delegates led by Lee Jong-wan, Deputy Chairman of the Seoul City Council of the Republic of Korea.
J. Batbayasgalan, Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council, said, "Seoul and Ulaanbaatar have continued their multifaceted cooperation for 27 years since establishing friendly relations in 1997. I am grateful that the relations between the two countries are actively progressing, and official mutual visits are very effective. I am confident that the two cities will serve as a bridge to expand our cooperation and introduce advanced technology from South Korea."
Lee Jong-wan, Deputy Chairman of the Seoul City Council, said, "We have been actively cooperating in many sectors over the past period. I would like to emphasize that Mongolia's vast steppes are very popular with our citizens and have become one of the places they want to visit. The cooperation between the two councils in the areas of disaster protection and disaster risk reduction has been effective. We are interested in working together in the future on housing programs, waste management, and environmental sectors to create a safe and comfortable living environment for citizens. We have high-capacity technology and skilled human resources related to urban development and redevelopment. Let's continue to exchange experiences and work together in many sectors."
By expanding cooperation, opportunities will open up to work together on solving many issues facing the capital, including sustainable development, infrastructure, and urban redevelopment, as well as tourism. The meeting was attended by D. Ikhbayar, Head of the MPP Group in the Ulaanbaatar City Council, B. Erdenesukh, Head of the Democratic Party Group, Council Members T. Battsog, G. Gangamurun, L. Otgonbaatar, B. Batbyamba, Secretary of the Ulaanbaatar City Council and Head of the Working Office, and other officials.
Infrastructure
Section of Ulaanbaatar-Choyr Highway Damaged, Vehicles Redirected to Temporary Road
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Due to heavy rain yesterday, the approaching embankment of the 12-meter bridge located at 258 km on the A0102 Ulaanbaatar-Choyr highway has been narrowed by flood waters.
The road maintenance company "Polaris Road Engineering" LLC is taking prompt measures at the site and has created a temporary road near the bridge to allow vehicles to pass through.
Warning
Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in whole or in part in any form!
Society
Program for "Danshig Naadam - Khüree Tsam 2024" Festival
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The "Danshig Naadam - Khüree Tsam 2024" festival is being held today and tomorrow, August 3rd and 4th, at Khui Doloon Khudag.
The Danshig Naadam began today with the Tsam dance ceremony and will continue with horse races for older horses and ambling horses.
The wrestling competition of the festival will start at 15:30.
Here is the program for the "Danshig Naadam - Khüree Tsam 2024" festival.
Warning
Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in whole or in part in any form!
India: Death toll surpasses 150
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Rescue operations continue for the fourth day after heavy rains caused landslides and building collapses, trapping hundreds of people in the southern Indian state of Kerala last Wednesday, officials said.
Authorities have reported that the death toll has exceeded 150, with most victims having drowned. They also announced that at least two landslides occurred early Tuesday in the northeastern part of the state's Wayanad district, suggesting that the death toll is likely to rise.
Rescuers are struggling to reach survivors due to ongoing torrential rains, power shortages, damaged bridges, and roads blocked by fallen trees, creating dire conditions.
"There are many people with dislocations or fractures. We're also seeing a lot of cases of mud in the lungs," said emergency doctor Narayanan. He also reported that many people still need to be rescued, including a village with over 400 residents where rescue operations have become impossible, and bodies remain buried under the rubble.
According to CNN Weather, Kerala state received a total of 150 mm (6 inches) of rainfall, with some areas experiencing nearly 250 mm (10 inches) of rain within 24 hours.
Environment
Be cautious of flood danger as heavy rain is expected in the eastern part of the country
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Heavy rain with thunder and lightning will continue today in the eastern part of the country, so please be cautious of the dangers of lightning, gusty winds, and possible flooding.
As of August 2, water levels in rivers originating from the Khuvsgul mountains such as Eg and Shishkhed, rivers flowing from behind the Khangai range like Ider, Khanuiy, Chuluut, Orkhon, and those on the southern slope like Ongi, Taats, Tui, Tsagaanturuut, as well as rivers on the western slope of the Khentii range like Tuul, Kharaa, and Kherlen on the eastern slope, and Khalkh originating from the Greater Khingan range have increased by 10-80 cm compared to the previous day.
Rivers such as Tuul (Bosgo Bridge-Ulaanbaatar-Altanbulag), Kharaa (Darkhan), Eg, Onon (Binder), Kherlen (middle and lower sections), Khalkh (Yalaltbag), Ulz, Orkhon, Ongi, and Khogshin Orkhon are flooding 10-40 cm above flood level. The Tuul (Lun), Khurkh, Balj, Onon, Ulz (Dashbalbar) and Kherlen rivers around Baganuur district are severely flooding 10-50 cm above the dangerous flood level.
Additionally, the Khovd and Buyant rivers originating from the Altai mountains, and the Kharkhiraa river in the Uvs Lake basin are 5-15 cm above flood level.
Tomorrow, August 3, the water level of the Tuul River near Ulaanbaatar is expected to rise by 5 cm, the Chuluut River near Undurulaan soum by 35 cm, the Orkhon River near Ulziit-Kharkhorin soum by 10-25 cm, and the Kherlen River near Baganuur district and Undurkhaan city by 5-10 cm.
As there will be rain in most areas of the central and eastern provinces in the coming days, the water levels in these river basins, which are already full of water, may rise sharply in a short time and overflow. There is also a risk of flash floods in dry ravines and gullies. Therefore, we strongly advise herders and traveling citizens not to camp or stay overnight in mountain valleys, river basins, or areas prone to flash floods, and to be cautious of flood dangers.
It will be 21 degrees warm in Ulaanbaatar with light rain
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
It will be cloudy in the eastern half of the country and partly cloudy in other areas. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in the eastern parts of central and gobi provinces, as well as in most parts of the eastern provinces.
The wind will shift from southwest to northwest in the southeastern part of the country, and from northwest in other areas at 5-10 meters per second, temporarily intensifying before the rain.
Temperatures will be +18...+23 degrees in the mountainous areas of Khangai, Khuvsgul, and Khentii, around the source of the Zavkhan River, Khurenbelchir area, and in the valleys of Eg, Uur, Orkhon, Selenge, Kharaa, Yeroo, Tuul, Terelj, Onon, and Ulz rivers. It will be +28...+33 degrees in the Great Lakes Depression, the eastern Mongolian plains, and the southeastern parts of the Gobi region. Other areas will see temperatures of +23...+28 degrees.
Innovation
Police warn that apps using artificial intelligence to modify photos may be potential online scams
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The police have issued a warning about cybercrime fraud.
The frequency of online fraud worldwide is constantly evolving and increasing. Cybercrime fraud encompasses a wide range of activities, including phishing, personal information theft, and credit card fraud. These incidents occur daily, causing harm to individuals and businesses globally.
In the first seven months of 2023, 8,674 crimes were registered with the police, of which 1,274 were Facebook account hacking cases, accounting for 14.6%. In the first seven months of 2024, out of 7,601 registered crimes, 1,145 were Facebook account hacking cases, accounting for 15.0%.
The best way for citizens to prevent cybercrime fraud is to enhance their knowledge and information about it. One of the most common types of cybercrime fraud occurring in Mongolia is thoroughly studying a person's personal information, hacking their Facebook account, and then asking for money from their close contacts.
Games that use artificial intelligence to modify your photos have become very popular in the Facebook digital environment. These games are attention-grabbing in a fun and teasing way, and they don't require you to log in with your own account. However, if you play them, you risk losing your Facebook account.
The age, gender, and education of people who are becoming victims of this type of crime are irrelevant. These citizens are becoming victims of this type of crime because they spend a lot of time in the internet environment.
Health
Summary: Measles case detected, administrative center to be built in Kuwait Valley
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
News.mn summarizes the notable events of the past week.
At today's regular cabinet meeting, Minister of Mongolia R. Erdeneburin and Governor of Ulaanbaatar Kh. Nyambaatar briefed on the issues discussed and resolved. At the cabinet meeting, L. Munkhzul, who had been working as the head of the General Authority for Social Insurance, was appointed as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
Minister of Mongolia R. Erdeneburin:
-I gave a presentation on major projects to be included in the joint government agreement at the cabinet meeting. The political decision of the joint government is that it is necessary to implement the 20-minute city concept to reduce traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar.
The main approach is that it is absolutely necessary to move state organizations in Ulaanbaatar to the south side of Bogd Mountain, and a specific project was presented.
These projects are not something that is suddenly being discussed. These are projects that were calculated and studied during the previous government. Building a 900-meter steel cable-stayed bridge called "Forward-Looking Mongolia". Build the Bogd Khan Mountain tunnel beyond the bridge. This tunnel will be 5.6 kilometers long with a six-lane road and will move the central government administrative center to the Kuwait Valley. Implement a light rail project in connection with the metro as part of the Khushig Valley development. We presented a major project to start the Tuul expressway and new ring road.
Governor of Ulaanbaatar Kh. Nyambaatar:
-A project presentation was made to include in the joint government's action program to reduce traffic congestion and concentration in Ulaanbaatar. Five interrelated projects were presented to move central government administrative organizations inside the Big and Small Circles of Ulaanbaatar to the south of Bogd Mountain and create a flow towards New Zuunmod city.
An open international tender will be announced for the Tuul Expressway, which has been budgeted, through a public-private partnership. Announce a consulting service tender related to building a ring expressway that originates from the Tuul Expressway and circles around the Big Circle. Include related funding in this year's state budget amendment.
The Forward-Looking Bridge originates from the Tuul Expressway.
The unified administrative center of the state will be built in the Kuwait Valley area, which is south of Bogd Mountain, or in the 14th khoroo of Khan-Uul district, with the dual purpose of expanding the new settlement area.
A meeting of the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Parliament was held. In connection with the death of a 21-year-old man who was detained in Detention Center 461, issues related to human rights violations were discussed at this subcommittee meeting.
In addition to law enforcement officials, representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) participated in the Human Rights Subcommittee meeting.
The chair of the meeting announced that there was a need to hear 11 types of information at this meeting. First, a 21-year-old man who was allegedly tortured filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Agency. He died while in detention. Second, the issue of citizens being investigated by the police being victimized. There was a serious incident in Selenge recently related to torture. Is there any information on this issue? How is the protection of witnesses and victims being carried out? The NHRC report has repeatedly raised the issue of torture. We will hear information about the measures being taken. When the police provide information, there have been complaints from victims that they are violating the law by defaming others and infringing on their rights. We will hear information about how they are in terms of human rights sensitivity and law enforcement. The issue of being tortured while in detention has been raised. Have measures been taken regarding previous cases, is the recent incident true?
Issues of torture have arisen in connection with investigative work and criminal investigators. What is the legal environment like, what are the rooms like? Did the recent incident happen in an interrogation room or outside?
What is the situation with detention without a court decision? There are operations being carried out without court permission, we will receive information on improving the law.
Members of the Democratic Party caucus in parliament held a briefing regarding human rights violations related to torture and abuse.
Member of Parliament J. Bayarmaa:
Mongolia's new Constitution states that it will build a humane and compassionate society. It guarantees the right to life. The Constitution also prohibits torture and inhumane treatment of people. Unfortunately, issues of risking people's lives and being subjected to various forms of violence and oppression continue to occur in law enforcement agencies that have a duty to protect citizens' lives, in violation of this provision related to fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution and other legislation. Evidence that it is spreading is that a 21-year-old young man lost his life last week.
The Ministry of Health provided information as a measles case was confirmed.
A citizen with a suspected case of measles was isolated at the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on July 30. The isolated citizen is a 47-year-old male who traveled to the USA and Kazakhstan (from June 25, 2024 to July 20, 2024) and arrived in Ulaanbaatar from Almaty. His test results confirmed it was measles. The risk assessment determined it to be medium risk, shifting to the first level of activation.
Intermed Hospital Organized an International Conference "Mongolia and Taiwan Joint Symposium on Thoracic Disorders" in Collaboration with the Taiwan Association of Thoracic Surgeons
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
As part of Intermed Hospital's 10th anniversary, Intermed Hospital, the Mongolian Association of Thoracic Surgery, and the Taiwan Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery successfully organized an international conference titled "Mongolia and Taiwan Joint Symposium on Thoracic Disorders" on August 3, 2024.
Opening the symposium, Professor Jang-Ming Lee, Head of the Department of Surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital, President of the Taiwan Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Thoracic Emergency Care, Esophageal Diseases, and Education Foundation, said: "Ten years ago, I came to Mongolia at the invitation of Intermed Hospital. Today, I am here again, participating in the conference to expand our cooperation. I am very happy to be on this journey of collaboration in the field of thoracic pathology, developing platforms, exchanging experiences, and sharing practices that are changing with the times, especially in the area of education."
For our country, as the system of diagnosis, treatment, and early detection prevention of thoracic diseases is developing, there is an urgent need to train specialized thoracic physicians and medical staff, update and implement international standards and clinical guidelines, and adapt them to local conditions. In this regard, this conference is significant in contributing to and supporting the mutual exchange of experiences and development with doctors and medical institutions working in the field of thoracic disease treatment.
About 200 doctors and specialists in the fields of thoracic diseases, pulmonology, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy participated in this conference, with 18 presentations from both foreign and domestic speakers.
During the conference, the leaders of three major associations in the field of thoracic pathology - the Mongolian Association of Thoracic Surgery, the Taiwan Thoracic and Esophageal Disease Education Foundation, and the Tainan Fucheng Association of Thoracic Pathology - signed a "Cooperation Agreement" to expand collaboration in this area.
Sports
PARIS 2024: Cyclist S.Jambaljamts to Compete in Mass Start Race Today
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
S.Jambaljamts, one of our two athletes participating in the Olympic cycling event, will compete in the mass start race today, August 3rd, at 17:00.
He participated in the time trial race on July 28th, finishing the course in 40:19.93 seconds, ranking 28th out of 34 cyclists.
Warning
Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in full or in part in any form!
PARIS 2024: Mongolia's Judo Team Competition Concludes
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The mixed team judo event has been included in the program since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Each team consists of three male and three female judokas, with men competing in -73kg, -90kg, and +90kg categories, and women in -57kg, -70kg, and +70kg categories.
The Mongolian team was drawn into Group C. The Mongolian team included:
Women - 57 kg: International Master L. Sosorbaram - 70 kg: Honored Athlete of Mongolia L. Enkhriilen + 70 kg: International Master A. Adiyasuren
Men - 73 kg: Honored Athlete of Mongolia Yo. Baskhuu - 90 kg: International Master B. Erdenebaatar + 90 kg: International Master B. Gonchigsuren
In the team competition, the Mongolian athletes lost to the Israeli team with a score of 4:3, concluding their tournament.
Our judokas were matched against the Israeli team in the first round. They initially lost three consecutive matches, putting them in a difficult position, but won the last three matches in a row, resulting in a 3:3 tie. A draw was then held to determine the weight class for an additional match, which fell on the men's -90 kg category. B. Erdenebaatar competed against Israel's Sagi Muki in this weight class. After extending the time, the Israeli judoka scored a wazari, securing victory for his team.
State Champion S.Sukhbat to Wrestle in National, Buryat, and Inner Mongolian Wrestling
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The "Khüree Tsam Danshig Naadam - 2024" festival will feature national wrestling, Buryat wrestling, and Inner Mongolian wrestling competitions. Among the state-titled wrestlers, state champion S.Sukhbat from Khashaat soum of Arkhangai aimag has registered to compete in all three wrestling styles. It is reported that wrestlers from Inner Mongolia and Buryatia have arrived to participate in this year's competitions.
The competitions will begin today at 14:00 at Khui Doloon Khudag.
For the National Wrestling competition of the "Khüree Tsam Danshig Naadam - 2024" festival, 252 wrestlers have registered, including state champions and other titled wrestlers.
For the Buryat 64-wrestler competition of the "Khüree Tsam Danshig Naadam - 2024" festival, 107 wrestlers have registered, including several state champions and titled wrestlers.
For the Inner Mongolian 64-wrestler competition of the "Khüree Tsam Danshig Naadam - 2024" festival, 93 wrestlers have registered, including several state champions and titled wrestlers.
Judo Mixed Team Loses to Israel, Ending Their Tournament
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The Mongolian judo mixed team lost to the Israeli team in the first round with a score of 3-4, ending their Olympic journey. The match started with Israel leading 3-0, but L. Enkhrilen, A. Adiyasuren, and B. Erdenebayar won their matches consecutively, forcing a decisive seventh match. The draw for the seventh match fell on the -90 kg category, where B. Erdenebayar had to face Israel's Sagi Muki again. Unfortunately, this time Sagi Muki prevailed, and the Israeli national team advanced to the next stage to face France.
L. Sosorbaram, Yo. Baskhuu, and B. Gonchigsuren were unable to secure victories.
The Mongolian team and athletes aiming for the Paris Olympics will make their next attempt for medals today (08/03/2024).
US basketball team spends $15 million in Paris
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Since NBA players were allowed to participate in the Olympics starting in 1992, the US national team has attracted a lot of attention. They have also never stayed in the Olympic Village. In that sense, they are staying outside the athletes' village this year as well. According to Justin Birnbow of Forbes magazine, the US basketball team has rented a luxury 800-room hotel in central Paris. In addition to the athletes, the hotel accommodates the athletes' families, support staff, assistants, and NBA representatives.
The hotel expenses amount to over $15 million. In contrast, the US fencing team of 20 people has expenses of $300,000-400,000.
Teddy Riner: Getting Closer to His Idol Tadahiro Nomura
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The final matches of the individual heavyweight judo category at the Paris Olympics took place yesterday. As predicted, Teddy Riner lived up to his people's expectations by winning the gold medal, becoming an Olympic champion for the third time. Before the Olympics began, the French Judo Federation had set a goal of winning four gold medals at the home games, but in the end, it was Teddy Riner who brought them their first gold medal.
After winning the gold medal, Teddy Riner said, "People told me that if I win my third gold medal, it will go down in the history of this sport. Today, I got closer to my idol Tadahiro Nomura. I am happy and proud for my country and for myself. It's really amazing to have done this in my home country."
The famous Japanese champion Nomura won three Olympic gold medals in the men's -60 kg category between 1996 and 2004.
When asked if he would participate in the next Olympics in 2028, Teddy Riner replied, "I hope to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But first, I need to rest."
Arts
PHOTO: Tsam dancers artistically demonstrate the suppression and destruction of evil enemies and demons through body movements
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam 2024" festival, organized at Khui Doloon Khudag, began with the Tsam dance ceremony.
The Danshig Naadam originated in 1639 when Undur Gegeen Zanabazar was enthroned as the religious leader of the Mongolian people and the first Bogd Javzandamba Khutagt. It is a major religious and cultural event in Mongolia. Tsam, which is part of the dance science of the five minor sciences of Buddhism, is the main feature of the Danshig Naadam.
During the Tsam, over 120 dancers transformed into various characters, including the Vajrapani Buddha, the White Old Man, and the lords of the four mountains surrounding the capital city: Garuda, Pig, Dog, and Blue Old Man. They adorn themselves with elaborate costumes, intricate craftsmanship, ornate decorations, and props. Through hand, foot, and body movements, they express inner meditation and artistically demonstrate the suppression and destruction of evil enemies and demons.
We bring you a photo report from the Tsam dance ceremony of the "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam 2024" festival.
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