Mongolia News Summary for August 07, 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

Politics

• Case of 12 customs officers from border military unit, Zamyn-Uud, and Gashuunsukhait accused of taking bribes transferred to court
• B.Enkhbold: The provision for arresting people without court permission on the grounds of urgent cases has been removed from the law
• Movement of people to be stopped from August 12 due to local elections
• President
• The Anti-Corruption Agency has examined 29 complaints and reports related to conflicts of interest

Economy

• Economy
• SXCoal: Mongolian coal prices are falling as demand from end users in China weakens
• Number of Foreign Workers in Mongolia Increased by 4.4%
• Asian Battery Metals: Copper-Gold Mineralization Discovered in the Northern Part of the "Yambat" Project
• Iron ore price rises 1.9% to $108 per ton as China's economic outlook improves
• Railway freight transportation increased by 23.3% to 24.9 million tons in January-July compared to the same period last year
• $72.5 million supplied today
• The Confluence of Negative Financial and Geopolitical Indicators Has Created Turbulence in the Stock Market
• Number of Foreign Workers in Mongolia Has Increased
• Public Companies Begin Presenting Semi-Annual Reports

Diplomacy

• Representatives of Major Chinese Companies to Visit
• AsiaNikkei: Mongolia and Japan to Reach Broad Agreement in Defense Sector

Infrastructure

• H.Nyambaatar: If we don't restrict car imports, we won't solve traffic congestion

Society

• Schedule for Disbursement of Child Money, Pensions, and Benefits This Month
• Child allowance to be paid on the 20th of this month
• Please Register Your Migration Before August 12
• LAW: Consuming alcohol in the presence of children will be considered as putting children at risk
• S. Tsedensodnom: Rent payments will be provided to citizens until the apartment affected by the explosion is repaired or rebuilt
• WARNING: Three People Herding Livestock Struck by Lightning, Two Dead

Environment

• Microorganisms that cause intestinal bacilli detected in the section where the Dund River flows into the Tuul River

Innovation

• Primary school students to use "Eduten" system in mathematics lessons
• Cooperation with South Korea on Drone Development

Health

• News Guide: Measles Vaccination Campaign
• Advice: Measles Spreads Faster Than COVID, Can Be Fatal
• As of the first seven months of this year, 42,386 herders have paid their own health insurance premiums

Arts

• "Nomad" Festival to be Organized from August 16-18 to Promote Intangible Cultural Heritage

Politics

Case of 12 customs officers from border military unit, Zamyn-Uud, and Gashuunsukhait accused of taking bribes transferred to court

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Prosecutor's Office supervised 38,501 criminal investigation cases and 2,469 preliminary investigation cases from July 29 to August 2, 2024. They issued a total of 397 written instructions to investigators and officials authorized to register violation cases to perform specific actions, and transferred 177 criminal cases to court with indictments.

The cases with indictments include:

• 76 cases against physical integrity
• 44 cases against property rights
• 41 cases against traffic safety and vehicle operation regulations
• Seven cases against human sexual freedom and inviolability
• Four cases of corruption and abuse of office
• Three cases against the environment
• One case each against the right to life and illegal use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

Some of the cases transferred to court include:

B.Enkhbold: The provision for arresting people without court permission on the grounds of urgent cases has been removed from the law

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The draft law on amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code was discussed and approved by the unified session of the State Great Khural on January 16, 2024.

The amendments to this law came into effect on August 1. In connection with this, the National Human Rights Commission organized a discussion on the topic "Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law, concepts, preparatory work, and impact" last June.

During this time, let's share the information provided by B.Enkhbold, a member of the NHRC, about what notable provisions are in the amendments to this law.

He said, "UN experts and the NHRC report concluded that there are violations of the right to inviolable freedom, including violations of human rights during arrest without court permission, detention, and preventive measures.

In particular, the fact that 98-99 percent of arrests are carried out without court permission is a major human rights violation.

With the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the previously existing "arrest in urgent cases" procedure has been prohibited, and regulations on how arrested persons can restore their rights have been introduced.

There are two different concepts here. First, the arrest procedure without court permission, and the other is the preventive measure of detention. Both of these concepts restrict human rights and confine a person to a specific space.

Therefore, in accordance with UN recommendations and international treaties and conventions, all grounds for so-called urgent cases that are currently in effect have been very specifically and precisely legislated and removed.

So, according to the Criminal Procedure Code, which will come into effect on August 1, arrest without court permission will be carried out only when there is a real objective situation that is proven by evidence.

This procedure will be continuously monitored by the court within 24 hours. In connection with this, the regulation that the court will work continuously until 06:00-22:00 has been included."

He continued, "Previously, there was no provision in the law for a person arrested without court permission to say, 'I was illegally arrested, I will file a complaint with the court about this.'

In case of illegal detention for 48 hours, it is possible to file a complaint with the court. The law now includes a provision for the court to examine and discuss this in the usual manner and issue a conclusion as to whether the arrest procedure complied with the law or not.

If the court issues a conclusion that it did not comply with the law, the provision has been included that the person has the right to claim compensation for the damage caused.

Also, the law stipulates that a lawyer must be involved during the arrest procedure, detention, and preventive measures, and if not available, an appointed lawyer must be involved.

As a result, the grounds for officials implementing the law to arbitrarily detain and imprison people have been limited. Subsequently, a system has been established where every case of arrest is necessarily reviewed by the court.

In addition, if the arrested person does not file a complaint, the prosecutor of the place where the procedure was carried out will submit the relevant materials to the court within 30 days. The court will review it within 30 days, transitioning to a good system."

Regarding how urgent cases are reflected in the amendments that will take effect from August 1, he said, "The previous law included a provision for urgent cases.

An urgent case is a condition and opportunity that can include anything. Therefore, the fact that about 60 percent of arrest procedures were carried out on the grounds of urgent cases has been removed.

Also, arrests were made six months or a year later on the grounds that a witness or victim had pointed someone out. The current law has introduced a provision for when a witness or victim directly points someone out. If a witness or victim does not immediately point someone out, they will be detained with court permission.

One of the main restrictions on arrest without court permission is that it can only be implemented for crimes punishable by imprisonment, as stated in the law.

Under the previous law, because the arrest procedure was used in urgent cases for all crimes, a situation arose where everyone could be arrested."

Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in full or in part in any form!

Movement of people to be stopped from August 12 due to local elections

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The regular elections for Citizens' Representative Khurals of aimags, the capital city, soums, and districts for 2024 will be held on October 11, 2024. In connection with this, according to Article 24.1 of the Law on Elections of Citizens' Representative Khurals of aimags, the capital city, soums, and districts, which states "The movement of citizens from one administrative unit to another shall be stopped 60 days before the voting day and resumed from the day after the voting day," the movement of citizens will be stopped starting from August 12, 2024. Therefore, citizens are requested to complete their movement registration before the aforementioned date.

President

Published: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

President U.Khurelsukh received the Ambassador of the French Republic

President Viola Amherd of the Swiss Confederation will pay a state visit to Mongolia

The President will attend the opening ceremony of the "Paris 2024" Summer Olympic Games

The journalists of iToim.mn information site are a professional team with 3-20 years of experience in the field of journalism, who aim to localize a new style of digital journalism in Mongolia that summarizes the positions of independent and professional experts from their sources, and delivers conclusions about the truth and causes of events to the public.

The Anti-Corruption Agency has examined 29 complaints and reports related to conflicts of interest

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Monitoring, Inspection and Analysis Department of the Anti-Corruption Agency reviewed and processed 263 out of 350 preliminary personal interest declarations of citizens nominated for public office positions from July 29 to August 2, 2024. Currently, preliminary declarations of 87 nominees are under review.

In addition, during the past week, 29 complaints and reports related to corruption and conflicts of interest of public officials were received from citizens, businesses, and organizations, of which 8 complaints and reports have been reviewed and resolved.

The monitoring inspection found that an executive officer "B" of the "Eastern Region Energy System" state-owned company violated the prohibitions and restrictions stipulated in the Law on Regulating Public and Private Interests in Public Service and Preventing Conflicts of Interest. As a result, an official letter was sent to the authorized organization and officials to impose accountability.

The Monitoring, Inspection and Analysis Department of the Anti-Corruption Agency reviewed and processed 263 out of 350 preliminary personal interest declarations of citizens nominated for public office positions from July 29 to August 2, 2024. Currently, preliminary declarations of 87 nominees are under review.

In addition, during the past week, 29 complaints and reports related to corruption and conflicts of interest of public officials were received from citizens, businesses, and organizations, of which 8 complaints and reports have been reviewed and resolved.

The monitoring inspection found that an executive officer "B" of the "Eastern Region Energy System" state-owned company violated the prohibitions and restrictions stipulated in the Law on Regulating Public and Private Interests in Public Service and Preventing Conflicts of Interest. As a result, an official letter was sent to the authorized organization and officials to impose accountability.

Economy

Economy

Published: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Has Mongolia been able to open its doors to investors?

Economy Consumer goods and services prices have increased by 3.2-8.9 percent

The CEO of ETT JSC will be appointed soon

SXCoal: Mongolian coal prices are falling as demand from end users in China weakens

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: bloombergtv.mn

SXCoal reports that as the domestic coking coal market in China weakens and end-user purchases decline, the price of imported coking coal at major ports importing coal from Mongolia tends to decrease.

At the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port, the price of Mongolian grade V raw coal has decreased by 20-30 yuan to 1250-1280 yuan per ton, while the price of grade III washed coking coal fluctuates around 1460-1480 yuan.

SXCoal also highlighted that the cost of transporting coal from the Tsagaan Khad settlement area to the Gantsmod port has been decreasing for eight consecutive days, from 115 yuan per ton to 110 yuan.

The impact of price declines is also observed in coal exchange trading. For instance, on July 31, Energy Resource company made a transaction to sell 19,200 tons of grade III coking coal at 1170 yuan per ton. This is 10 yuan per ton lower than the company's last transaction and the lowest-priced transaction since the end of May.

As steel prices continue to fall and losses increase, Chinese steel mills are requesting a reduction in coke prices. SXCoal emphasizes that this is causing coke producers to lose interest in purchasing raw materials such as Mongolian coal.

Number of Foreign Workers in Mongolia Increased by 4.4%

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

As of the second quarter of 2024, 15,600 foreign citizens are employed in Mongolia.

This represents an increase of 4.4% compared to the same period last year and a 92.6% increase from the first quarter. According to statistics, only 1,200 of the foreign workers in Mongolia are women, while the rest are men.

Classifying the working foreign citizens by country, 71.1% are from China. Meanwhile, India accounts for 7.6% and Vietnam for 3.9%. Additionally, citizens from Turkey, Russia, the Philippines, South Korea, and the USA make up 1.5-2.7% each.

Comparing them by age group, those aged 35-39 are the most numerous with 2,700 people, while 151 foreign citizens under the age of 20 are working in our country.

Of the total workforce, 47% work in mining, 16.1% in construction, 8.9% in manufacturing, 7.1% in retail and auto repair, 5.3% in electricity, gas, and air conditioning, 4.7% in education, while 6.7% work in international organizations and permanent representative offices.

As for Mongolian citizens working abroad, 265 people were placed in foreign jobs in the second quarter of 2024, which is an 18.2% decrease from the previous quarter.

Asian Battery Metals: Copper-Gold Mineralization Discovered in the Northern Part of the "Yambat" Project

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: bloombergtv.mn

Asian Battery Metals, a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, has released the results of geophysical surveys for its copper and nickel "Oval" or "Yambat" project. During the course of its research, the company has identified four additional exploration target points in the "Yambat" project area.

In addition to the "Oval" or "Yambat" project, they have discovered potential magmatic copper and nickel deposits outside the project area. They also emphasized the discovery of copper-gold mineralization in the northern part of the project. Specifically, they have named a new type of mineralization discovered in a 30-meter wide, 400-meter long andesite rock as "Copper Ridge".

Asian Battery Metals reports that the 2500-meter drilling program for the "Yambat" project is currently at 1320 meters, or 66% completion.

Iron ore price rises 1.9% to $108 per ton as China's economic outlook improves

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: bloombergtv.mn

Iron ore prices have reached their highest level in the past two weeks as China's economic outlook has relatively improved. Specifically, iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange rose 1.97 percent to $108.6 per ton. In other words, this is the highest single-day increase since July 22.

Analysts highlight that China's service sector has shown growth for the 19th consecutive month, signaling a recovery in the country's economy.

Last week, as part of efforts to boost market confidence, the country began implementing policies to improve the quality of goods and services. The financial information website "Hexun Futures" reported that demand for construction materials and the ore market are expected to recover.

Railway freight transportation increased by 23.3% to 24.9 million tons in January-July compared to the same period last year

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: bloombergtv.mn

According to the Ministry of Road and Transport, a total of 24.9 million tons of cargo was transported by rail in the first seven months of the year, which is a 23.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

In July alone, 3.4 million tons of cargo were transported, which is an 11.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this, domestic cargo reached 1.7 million tons, increasing by 16.1% from July of the previous year; import cargo reached 357.9 thousand tons, up by 5.1% from the same period last year; and export cargo reached 957.3 thousand tons, up by 13.2% from the previous year. However, transit cargo decreased by 2.4% to 445.6 thousand tons.

Cumulatively, in the first seven months of the year, import cargo transported by rail reached 2.2 million tons, increasing by 9.3% from the previous year, while export cargo transportation decreased by 2.4% to 6.4 million tons. Ulaanbaatar Railway transported 18.8 million tons, or 75.6% of the total cargo.

Regarding passenger transportation, a total of 1.2 million people traveled by rail since the beginning of the year, which is a 10.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Of these, 21 thousand passengers traveled internationally, an increase of 94.2%, while 1.1 million passengers traveled domestically, a decrease of 11% compared to the same period last year.

In July, 190.6 thousand passengers traveled by rail, which is an 11.7% decrease compared to the same period last year, as highlighted by the ministry. However, international travel saw 5.8 thousand passengers, doubling from the previous year, while domestic travel decreased by 13.2% to 184.8 thousand passengers compared to the same period last year.

The report emphasized that the increase in domestic train ticket prices, as well as people opting to travel by car, were the main factors contributing to the decrease in the number of railway passengers.

$72.5 million supplied today

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Central Bank of Mongolia supplied $72.5 million to commercial banks at different exchange rates today through a regular foreign currency auction. Prior to this:

• On August 1, $51.0 million was also supplied to commercial banks.
• From July 25-30, a total of $123 million was supplied.

The Confluence of Negative Financial and Geopolitical Indicators Has Created Turbulence in the Stock Market

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Industry professionals noted that it was Black Monday in the international stock market. Therefore, we asked Financial Analyst G. Batjargal to clarify some points on this matter.

• Information has been circulating about high volatility in the international stock market. What do you see as the reasons and conditions for this?
• Many factors have contributed to the volatility in the international stock market. For instance, from 2002-2003, investors began investing in technology companies. As a result, the stocks of major companies like Meta and Facebook have risen significantly. Investor expectations in this sector for the first half of this year did not meet the expected profit levels based on financial indicators. In other words, the performance was lower than expected. Secondly, geopolitical tensions are having an impact. For example, we can mention the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel's special operation to eliminate Hamas's Finance Minister and leader has increased the risk of Iran striking Israel. While countries like the USA and other Western nations have expressed readiness to stand with and assist Israel, on the other side, Russia has expressed its stance with Iran. And yesterday, Russia's Defense Minister made a state visit to Iran.

Additionally, due to the coup in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister fled the country by helicopter to India. These and other unfavorable financial and political conditions coinciding at one time are causing declines in the international stock market.

• Can we consider that the volatility in the stock market has led to major investors selling their stocks?
• Generally, yes. For example, the world-famous 93-year-old investor Warren Buffett has sold 50% of his Apple stock and is taking $277 billion in cash. Of course, he made this decision based on calculations and research indicating unfavorable conditions. Some analysts are linking this to the poor unemployment rate in the USA. Similarly, the combination of geopolitical and financial unfavorable news is alarming stock market investors. Panicked investors selling their stocks in large quantities is in turn affecting stock prices to fall. Some analysts conclude that this phenomenon is a natural occurrence, as it was certain that there would be a decline in the stock market that had been continuously rising since Covid.

They view that a certain degree of decline in market indicators that have been continuously rising is the market's own adjustment. If this situation persists for a long time and conditions worsen, the risk of consequences is high.

However, if it doesn't last long and the stock market volatility stabilizes in a few days, the situation should continue normally.

• Besides the volatility in technology company stock prices, what other types of products' prices were affected by this volatility? Is there a risk that this phenomenon will have any impact on Mongolia?
• Gold and silver prices didn't fluctuate as much, but they swung about 20 percent. Bitcoin prices fell by a high percentage, while oil prices fell by 1-2 percent. One or two shocks in the international stock market are unlikely to directly affect Mongolia. However, if it continues for a long time, it will certainly have an impact. Although it's true that the ongoing events are geographically far from Mongolia, the world has become flat in terms of finance, economy, and geopolitics, so at the very least, the amount of foreign investment will decrease.

Furthermore, it will affect the prices of gold, copper, and coal, which are Mongolia's main export commodities. Also, if international tensions continue to deepen, we can't rule out the impact on Mongolia. Since the stock market itself has a certain degree of volatility, many things will depend on how long this volatility lasts.

Number of Foreign Workers in Mongolia Has Increased

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

As of the second quarter of 2024, 15,600 foreign citizens are working in Mongolia. This represents a 4.4% increase compared to the same period last year and a 92.6% increase from the first quarter.

Among the foreign workers in Mongolia, 14,400 are men and 1,200 are women.

The breakdown of foreign workers by country of origin is as follows:

• China: 71.1%
• India: 7.6%
• Vietnam: 3.9%
• Turkey: 2.7%
• Russia: 2.1%
• Philippines: 1.9%
• South Korea: 1.7%
• USA: 1.5%
• Other countries: 7.5%

In terms of age groups, those aged 35-39 are the most numerous with 2,700 people, while those under 20 are the least numerous with 151 people.

By sector, 47% work in mining and quarrying, 16.1% in construction, 8.9% in manufacturing, 7.1% in retail trade and vehicle repair services, 5.3% in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning, 4.7% in education, and 6.7% in international organizations and representative offices.

Compared to the previous quarter, the number of foreign workers in the construction sector increased the most, with an additional 2,200 people (2.7 times more).

Meanwhile, 265 Mongolian citizens were placed for work abroad in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 18.2% from the previous quarter.

Public Companies Begin Presenting Semi-Annual Reports

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Public companies listed in categories I and II of the Mongolian Stock Exchange will be publicly presenting their semi-annual operational reports for the first half of 2024 throughout this August.

This activity is organized annually by the Mongolian Stock Exchange, allowing citizens and the public to openly review the semi-annual reports of public companies. This provides an opportunity to receive valuable information that helps determine the key financial indicators, highlights of events, news, and future trends of the capital market for these companies.

The report presentation activities began on August 5th at 14:00 with "Premium Nexus" JSC. According to the schedule, public companies listed in categories I and II will broadcast live through the official Facebook page of the Mongolian Stock Exchange. The live broadcasts are prepared to be received by representatives of securities companies, researchers and analysts, investors, and citizens interested in the capital market.

Diplomacy

Representatives of Major Chinese Companies to Visit

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia, a business representative organization, has announced two collaborative business meetings to be held this August.

One of these is the trade, economic, and investment business meeting between Mongolia and China's Liaoning Province. At this business meeting, to be held on August 13 in Ulaanbaatar, representatives from major Chinese companies such as "SANY" and "TBEA" in energy, animal husbandry, heavy machinery, and equipment, as well as representatives from the "Shi Liu" group, Jinzhou Port, and leadership from over 20 companies will be visiting Mongolia to participate.

The second event is a meeting with business entrepreneurs from Chuncheon City, South Korea.

AsiaNikkei: Mongolia and Japan to Reach Broad Agreement in Defense Sector

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to make an official visit to Mongolia in late August 2024 and reach a broad agreement with Mongolian President U. Khurelsukh on the transfer of defense technology, according to a report by "AsiaNikkei".

This agreement will open the way for Japanese defense sector exports to Mongolia. The two countries are planning to sign the agreement by this fall and will discuss specific exports.

Japan plans to make shipments to Mongolia later this fiscal year under the framework of official security assistance. During a summit meeting in November 2022, Kishida and U. Khurelsukh announced that they would support defense-related cooperation to improve their countries' political and security cooperation.

At the upcoming summit between the two countries, leaders are expected to discuss responses to the war in Ukraine and North Korea's nuclear and missile development. Mongolia relies heavily on economic relations with its neighbors China and Russia, but has continued to develop partnerships with other leading countries. "AsiaNikkei" emphasized that Ulaanbaatar aims to deepen its defense relations with Japan in connection with the increasing military strength of Beijing and Moscow.

Infrastructure

H.Nyambaatar: If we don't restrict car imports, we won't solve traffic congestion

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

H.Nyambaatar, the Governor of Ulaanbaatar city, stated, "If we don't make the decision to restrict car imports, it will be impossible to solve the traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar city. As of July this year, 87,000 vehicles have been imported into Mongolia. The Parliament and Government need to make a decision on this issue."

According to information from the General Customs Office, as of June 10, 2024, 52,392 passenger cars were imported in the first six months of this year, which is a 93.3% increase compared to the same period last year. 12,484 cargo vehicles were imported, which is a 44.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

As of today, there are 1,280,199 registered vehicles nationwide, of which 756,037 are registered in the capital.

In order to reduce congestion, the capital city had earlier this year discussed and decided at the Citizens' Representatives' Meeting to set an upper limit on the number of vehicle registration plates to be issued in Ulaanbaatar. The Citizens' Representatives' Meeting specified that the upper limit of vehicle registration plates to be issued in the capital should be 730,000. However, this limit has already been exceeded.

Based on numerical data from the National Statistics Office from 2012-2021, it is estimated that by 2025, about 840,000 vehicles will be registered in Ulaanbaatar, 1.1 million by 2030, 1.5 million by 2035, and over 2 million by 2040.

Meanwhile, the total length of the road network in Ulaanbaatar is 1213 km.

If car imports continue at this rate, it is projected that by 2040, the speed of cars on Ulaanbaatar's roads will be 0 km/h, meaning there will be all-day traffic jams.

In the areas where traffic congestion is most severe, around the main roundabouts, 198-233 thousand vehicles participate in traffic daily. The length of roads in this central area is 62 km. Taking into account the speed of vehicles, driver reaction time, full stop distance, and vehicle length, it is calculated that 85,783 vehicles can participate in traffic at a speed of 25 km/h.

However, if 157,000 vehicles participate in traffic, cars will only be able to move at speeds of 9-24 km/h, according to officials.

To reduce congestion, the capital has started to implement metro and cable car projects, making decisions and announcing international tenders to start work. The Governor of Ulaanbaatar city has announced that the metro will be operational by 2028. However, officials have repeatedly stated that if the number of imported vehicles continues to increase at the current rate each year, even building a metro and widening roads will not be enough to reduce congestion.

The Governor of Ulaanbaatar city does not have the authority to make a decision to restrict car imports. By law, a draft law needs to be developed, discussed, and approved by the Parliament for such a decision to take effect.

In the past, the issue of restricting the import of vehicles with high mileage has been raised at the parliamentary level, but it was opposed by citizens and no law was passed. However, the big problem of congestion may well lead to such decisions being made in the future.

Society

Schedule for Disbursement of Child Money, Pensions, and Benefits This Month

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The General Office of Labor and Welfare Services has announced the August schedule for disbursing social welfare pensions, benefits, discounts, and assistance.

• Social welfare pensions will be distributed on August 15 and 26 • Care allowances will be distributed on August 15 and 26 • Livelihood support cash benefits will be distributed on August 15 and 26 • Special case cash benefits will be distributed on August 26 • Support and discounts for senior citizens and people with disabilities will be distributed on August 15 and 26 • Discounts and assistance for honored senior citizens will be distributed on August 15 and 26 • Community-based welfare services will be provided on August 15 and 26 • Food and nutrition support services will be provided on August 15

Child allowance to be paid on the 20th of this month

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The schedule for the payment of child allowance, social welfare pensions, and benefits for August has been released.

Child allowance and benefits for parents, single mothers with multiple children, and single fathers will be paid on the 20th of this month. Pensions, care allowances, and age benefits will be paid on the 15th and 26th of this month.

Additionally, food and nutrition support will be provided on the 15th of this month. This support has been provided since 2009 to dependent children, single elderly people without relatives, the elderly who require constant care, single people without caregivers, people with disabilities who have lost more than 70% of their working capacity, and children aged 0-18 who are completely blind or have mental illnesses.

Please Register Your Migration Before August 12

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The regular elections for the Citizens' Representative Khurals of aimags, the capital city, soums, and districts for 2024 will be held on October 11, 2024.

Please register your migration before August 12

LAW: Consuming alcohol in the presence of children will be considered as putting children at risk

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The General Education Agency provided information about the revised Child Protection Law, which will come into effect on September 1 this year.

Child Protection Law (revised version) Chapter Three, Article 22. Child protection in family and social environments

22.1. In raising, nurturing, and protecting their children, parents shall use positive, non-violent disciplinary methods appropriate to the child's age, physical, and mental characteristics, and provide advice to the child.

22.3. Parents shall assess the risks in the child's living environment and eliminate risks to create a child-friendly environment within the family.

22.2. Parents shall take measures to protect children's rights and prevent and protect them from crime, violations, violence, and peer bullying.

22.4. Parents are prohibited from abusing their rights related to children, neglecting children, treating them inappropriately, using corporal punishment, or humiliating them.

22.5. Parents are prohibited from allowing their children to work, except as permitted by law, or employing them in household production or services that may endanger the child's mental and physical development, life, or health.

22.6. Parents are prohibited from transmitting or posting information, audio, audio-visual, visual recordings, or photographs that negatively affect the child's rights and dignity to others or on digital platforms.

22.7. Parents have the right to request child protection services as specified in this law, receive advice and information, and participate and cooperate in child protection services, except in cases where it negatively affects the child's rights and legitimate interests.

22.8. Consuming alcoholic beverages in the presence of a child, or entering the child's living, studying environment, or residence while under the influence of alcohol, may be considered as putting the child at risk.

22.9. This article applies equally to the child's guardian and caregiver.

S. Tsedensodnom: Rent payments will be provided to citizens until the apartment affected by the explosion is repaired or rebuilt

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

In January, a small gas transport vehicle exploded in front of the Dunjingarav shopping center in the 26th khoroo of Bayanzurkh district, causing many citizens to lose their lives and property. One of those affected was the residents of Building 207. To this day, 218 residents from 63 households of that building are living in rented accommodations. A joint working group from law enforcement agencies is working to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage. A preliminary conclusion has been reached that it would be more appropriate to rebuild the building affected by the explosion rather than repair it.

We asked S. Tsedensodnom, the head of the Ulaanbaatar City Investment Agency, about the issue of demolishing or repairing the building.

• It's been quite some time since the explosion. What stage is the work related to Building 207 at?
• Regarding the issue of Building 207 affected by the explosion, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar issued an order on June 10 to establish a working group to develop a task assignment for the building construction. The working group hired a professional advisory team and obtained a laboratory conclusion on how carbon dioxide affected the concrete and rebar of the building. Although the conclusion stated that there was a possibility of penetration from the 1st to 6th floors, we were informed that it could be neutralized. We completed related tasks on July 26 and met with the residents on July 30. We presented two conditions. The repair work would cost 4.2 billion tugriks from the budget allocated by the State Emergency Commission, plus an additional 2.6 billion to replace all windows, doors, floors, and interior finishes, totaling 6.9 billion tugriks for repairs alone. Additionally, calculations were made on how to make the building earthquake-resistant and what reinforcements would be needed. Although the exact budget for this has not been approved, it is estimated to be around 2-3 billion tugriks. So, the total budget for restoration and repair comes to about 10 billion tugriks. If we calculate building at 2.5 million tugriks per square meter, it also comes to 10 billion. The cost of repairing or demolishing and rebuilding is almost the same. We suggested to the residents that rebuilding would be more effective in terms of efficiency. Initially, the State Emergency Commission and the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development can provide a budget of 2.6 billion tugriks for demolition. We calculated and presented to the residents a total budget of 12.6 billion tugriks for demolition and rebuilding.
• How long have you estimated it would take to demolish and rebuild the building, or to repair it?
• It will follow the legal timeframe. There are Mongolian construction regulations and rules for building demolition activities. Article 2.1 of these regulations states that buildings can be demolished if they have become unusable due to natural or other factors, if professional organizations have determined that they can no longer be used and there is a risk of accidents, if it has been determined that reinforcement and strengthening would be economically inefficient based on technical conclusions, or if the owner has decided to demolish the building. Because the cost of reinforcing and repairing the building is almost the same as rebuilding it, we suggested to the residents that demolishing and rebuilding would be more beneficial in terms of market value and worth. We think that even if we reinforce the old building, it might not be economically favorable for the residents.
• Both demolishing and rebuilding, or reinforcing and repairing will take a long time. Will you continue to provide rent money to the residents during this period?
• According to the decision made by the State Emergency Commission, we will continue to cover the residents' rental expenses. The city will be responsible for all incurred costs. First and foremost, we will address the urgent issues faced by the residents. After the court's decision is fully issued, we will claim the expenses from the party responsible for causing the damage to ensure the state incurs no losses. The residents have requested to be kept informed about the company that will demolish and rebuild the building, as well as the timeline for the work to be completed.

The residents are currently living in rented accommodations, with the rental period ending on September 30. If the building is demolished and rebuilt, the residents will continue to live in rented accommodations. The city will continue to pay the residents' rent until the building is fully completed and ready for use.

WARNING: Three People Herding Livestock Struck by Lightning, Two Dead

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Three people herding livestock were struck by lightning around 09:00 on July 30 in an area called Undur Khokh-Uul's Ar Bel in Myangad soum of Khovd aimag.

As a result, two children died and one person was taken to the hospital. According to the information, when the doctor from the Myangad soum Health Center arrived at 11:30 on July 30, two 17-year-old boys had died from lightning strikes, and a 25-year-old man was in critical condition and was transferred to the Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Khovd aimag, as reported by the soum governor to the aimag Emergency Department.

The emergency service received information about this tragic incident at 09:35 on August 5.

Advice to follow during thunderstorms:

• Do not store flammable substances in open containers
• Avoid staying on high mountain peaks, in the middle of flat areas, or on bare rocks
• Turn off radios, televisions, and mobile phones
• Wear nylon or polyester clothing during thunderstorms
• Do not hold stick-shaped objects above your head
• Even if lightning strikes a car, it won't penetrate inside. Therefore, always close the windows and sit away from the roof and windows
• As soon as you hear thunder, dismount from your horse and sit down
• Sit at least four meters away from trees
• Stay away from electric poles
• Quickly remove the chimney of the ger, cover the roof, and cover the TV antenna with tarpaulin or cloth

Source: National Emergency Management Agency

Environment

Microorganisms that cause intestinal bacilli detected in the section where the Dund River flows into the Tuul River

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Most parts of Mongolia are experiencing abundant rainfall, and the water levels of major rivers have reached dangerous levels. There is also an increased risk of waterborne infectious diseases due to the high risk of flooding. The Water Authority has been constantly warning about the dangers of rivers and flood waters.

The Water Authority also regularly takes samples and analyzes water from rivers and standing water after heavy rainfall in Ulaanbaatar. After heavy rains in May, June, and July in Ulaanbaatar, samples taken from the Tuul and Dund rivers flowing through the city revealed pathogenic microorganisms that cause intestinal infectious diseases in excess of permissible levels.

In particular, when the Water Control Laboratory of the Water Authority took samples from the flows under the bridges of the Tuul River and Dund River in the settlement area of Ulaanbaatar and analyzed them:

• The ammonium content, which determines pollution, exceeded the maximum permissible level of the standard requirement by 1.4 times
• Chemical oxygen demand by 3.34-29.33 times
• Biochemical oxygen demand by 4.28-37.6 times
• At the point where the Dund River flows into the Tuul River, the nickel content exceeded the maximum permissible level of the standard by 3.65 times
• Cadmium content by 6.42 times
• Lead content by 10.37 times
• Cobalt content by 2.23 times
• Arsenic content by 6.9 times

Intestinal bacilli, heat-resistant intestinal group bacilli (Coliforms organisms, Thermotolerant coliform organisms and E.coli), and pathogenic intestinal group microorganisms - Salmonella, Shigella (Pathogenic organisms - Salmonella, Shigella) were detected in the river water at the Yarmag Bridge on the Tuul River, Tuul River-Terelj, and where the Dund River flows into the Tuul River. Intestinal bacilli are known to affect the digestive system, cause meningitis and other diseases.

After the recent heavy rainfall, samples were taken from standing water on building roofs and at bus stops. While the standing water on roofs showed normal levels of pollution, samples from standing water at bus stops revealed high levels of microorganisms that cause intestinal bacilli.

According to preliminary conclusions, during the heavy rainfall in July, the overflow of pit latrines in ger districts mixed with street and city river water, causing massive pollution.

Therefore, the Water Authority has submitted a proposal to the State Emergency Commission and the Capital Emergency Commission to prohibit people from entering river water in urban areas. They warned that the water around Ulaanbaatar has reached a level that poses a serious threat to human and animal health.

Innovation

Primary school students to use "Eduten" system in mathematics lessons

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Less than a month remains until the start of the new school year. The General Education Agency has provided information about the curriculum and plans for the 2024-2025 academic year. Specifically:

• A total of 276,198 students in grades 2-5 of general education schools will use the Eduten digital system in their mathematics lessons.
• 264,518 students will be involved in the Pearson English comprehensive program, including 206,478 students from grades 5-7 in state-owned general education schools, 36,623 students from grades 3-4 in 100 pilot schools, and 21,417 students from grades 8-11 in 38 general education schools.
• In the 2024-2025 academic year, 8,605 students advancing to the 2nd year of vocational education will be included in the competency-based training program "Developing Personal Skills Based on Entrepreneurship" (ESEL).
• For the 2024-2025 academic year, an admission quota of 170 students has been approved for the Pearson BTEC Information Technology program at seven polytechnic colleges. Upon successful completion of the three-year program, students will have the opportunity to directly enroll in over 300 universities worldwide.
• In the 2024-2025 academic year, students can enroll in five engineering programs under the Kosen program in Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, and Umnugovi provinces. Local students can start studying at the age of 15 in a five-year comprehensive program and graduate with an associate engineering degree at the age of 20.
• The curriculum and program for specialized high schools in mathematics, natural sciences, and professional fields will be implemented.

According to Order A/06 of the Minister of Education dated July 25, 2024, "On approving the composition of the team to develop curricula and textbooks for preschool and primary education, create textbook originals, and review curricula and textbooks," a working group of 254 members has been established. They are preparing to pilot the program in anchor schools and kindergartens in phases starting from the 2024-2025 academic year.

Cooperation with South Korea on Drone Development

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

Member of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, Member of the Government, Minister of Defense S. Byambatsogt received today the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia, Choi Jin-wook.

At the beginning of the meeting, Defense Minister S. Byambatsogt emphasized his satisfaction with the current level of relations and cooperation in the defense sector between Mongolia and Korea. He expressed his desire to further expand this relationship in the areas of air force, especially drone development, cyber security, weapons technology, and increasing the number of military personnel studying in Korea.

As a result of this meeting, the parties agreed to focus on intensifying cooperation in the defense sector and to work together to provide all-round support in the field of drone development.

Health

News Guide: Measles Vaccination Campaign

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The news agency summarizes the events happening today:

• The 10th International Children's Sports Games will begin. The games will continue until August 10th.
• The visit of the Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique A. Manalo to Mongolia continues.
• The "International Young Mongolian Researchers Summer School-2024" is taking place.
• Measles vaccinations are being administered at Health Centers and Family Clinics.

Advice: Measles Spreads Faster Than COVID, Can Be Fatal

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

A major outbreak of measles, or what people commonly call "kor" disease, occurred in Mongolia in 2015-2016. Although we think we are familiar with it, the symptoms of the disease spread silently. Measles is one of the fastest-spreading infectious diseases. If an unvaccinated person who has never had measles gets infected, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated close contacts are at risk of infection.

As of today, two imported cases of measles have been confirmed, and one suspected domestic case has been registered. The Ministry of Health reported that the first imported case was detected from a person living in Kazakhstan.

Additionally, the confirmed measles cases are at the first level of activity, and 725 contacts have been identified, with vaccinations being carried out in the outbreak areas.

Vaccination is said to be the best way to prevent measles. For instance, African countries recorded the highest number of measles cases. Therefore, WHO and related organizations conducted a vaccination campaign in the region between 2000 and 2022. As a result, 57 million deaths were prevented. The first dose of the measles vaccine is 93% effective, while the second dose is 97% effective.

According to a WHO study from May 2024, Azerbaijan recorded the highest number of measles cases. The spread is also high in many countries around the world. As of the first seven months of 2024, about 210,000 measles cases have been confirmed in 178 countries. The spread is particularly high in Eurasian countries such as Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

The disease spread epidemically in Mongolia in 1976, 1984, and 2001. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the morbillivirus infection. Specifically, it is an acute infectious disease that affects the respiratory organs and the mucous membrane of the eyes, characterized by large spotted rashes, of viral origin, and transmitted only from human to human. The source of infection is the sick person. The infection is transmitted through airborne droplets. It is more likely to spread during winter and spring seasons. Measles immunity is thought to last 15-20 years. The initial location of this virus is the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Most people infected with the virus are likely to develop measles. The causative filterable virus is carried to the lymph nodes, where it multiplies. During the 3-5 days of the incubation period, the virus is transmitted through the blood.

Clinically, it is divided into three stages based on clinical symptoms:

1. Inflammatory redness stage
2. Rash stage
3. Recovery stage

The incubation period typically lasts 9-11 days. The onset of symptoms for this disease can be extremely long, sometimes extending up to four weeks. This increases the likelihood of spreading the disease. Measles acutely presents with high fever (39°-40°C), weakness, irritability, anger, general intoxication symptoms, headache, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances. In addition to laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, otitis, encephalitis, meningitis, as well as throat constriction, low blood pressure, and respiratory distress, it is a disease that requires immediate specialist advice and hospitalization.

In connection with the start of the new school year, the Ministry of Health has instructed to conduct a detailed risk assessment for measles outbreaks in general education schools and kindergartens, and to organize preventive measures against the spread of infection early on.

Furthermore, they emphasized prioritizing vaccinations for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular insufficiency, and those with diabetes. Therefore, citizens are urged to maintain good personal hygiene and avoid traveling to places with a high risk of spreading infection.

As of the first seven months of this year, 42,386 herders have paid their own health insurance premiums

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

According to information from the General Authority of Health Insurance (GAHI), the revenue of the health insurance fund in the first half of 2024 reached 953.8 billion tugriks, an increase of 23 percent or 178.4 billion tugriks compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, expenditures in the first half of this year amounted to 1.1 trillion tugriks, an increase of 42.1 percent or 335.5 billion tugriks compared to the same period last year.

Nationwide, there are 140,570 herders who are responsible for paying their own health insurance in 2024. As of the first seven months of this year, 42,386 herders, or over 30 percent, have paid their own health insurance.

Nationwide, 3.1 million people were insured with health insurance in the first half of 2024, without duplication. Of the total insured, 71.9 percent are citizens covered by the state budget, 22.7 percent are citizens whose premiums are paid by employers and the insured themselves, and 5.4 percent are citizens who paid their own premiums.

Arts

"Nomad" Festival to be Organized from August 16-18 to Promote Intangible Cultural Heritage

Published: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The "Nomad" World Cultural Festival will be held from August 16-18 at the foot of "Taij Khairkhan" in Nalaikh district.

The event is organized to promote, disseminate, and pass on to future generations the intangible cultural heritage.

By inviting countries with nomadic lifestyle traditions to participate in the "Nomad" World Cultural Festival, it aims to:

• Ensure the implementation of goals and measures reflected in Mongolia's long, medium and short-term development policies
• Create a unique cultural event with distinctive features that can compete internationally, positively promoting the peculiarities of Mongolian and nomadic life and culture to the world
• Significantly contribute to increasing the flow of tourists visiting Mongolia year by year.

It was emphasized that this is important for introducing and spreading to the world the intangible cultural heritage formed from the interdependence between humans and nature, the nomadic lifestyle, expanding the circle of interested parties, developing cultural cooperation between countries with nomadic civilization, increasing intercultural understanding, promoting the uniqueness of nomadic culture and cultural heritage, and developing creative cultural production and cultural tourism.