Mongolia News Summary for November 10, 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
- X. Mandakhbayar's Support Leads to Constitutional Court's Review of Defamation Law
- L. Gantomor: After Promising to Significantly Increase Salaries, Pensions, and Welfare...
- Can Ts. Davasuren Be Held Accountable
- Can accountability be established for Ts. Davaasuren
- Minister N.Uchral Visited the 11-11 Center
Economy
- Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC cleared its debt by paying off a 337.6 billion bond
- The 2025 Budget to be Revised Next Month
- 104,742 Passenger Cars Imported to Mongolia
- SELENGE: 29 Projects to be Implemented with State Budget Funds Next Year
Diplomacy
Infrastructure
- SUMMARY: Legal Environment Established for Building Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Border Crossing Bridge
- Traffic Management Center Begins Issuing Vehicle Registration Plates
Society
- "Opportunities for All II" Project Continues in the Khangai Region
- BREAKING: A Mongolian worker in South Korea dies in an industrial accident
- A Public Oversight Council was Established to Make the Social Insurance Fund Open and Transparent
- Evaluating the Implementation of the Child Protection Partnership Compact Agreement
- Proposal to Reduce Pension Loans to One Year Divides Seniors
- BULGAN: Since the beginning of this year, 6,803 foreign and 98,670 domestic tourists have visited
- One Day Left to Register for Entrance Exams
- Investigating Hit-and-Run Incident
- URGENT: Hit-and-Run Incident in Songino Khairkhan District
- Collision Involving Prius Cars Results in Serious Traffic Accident
- ÖMNÖGOVI: Celebrating the Cultural Month Under the Motto 'Honoring the Wisdom of Our Ancestors'
- SOUTH GOBI: Focus on the Development and Social Issues of Staff Sergeants
- BULGAN: The Month of the Civil Servant Continues
Environment
- Drought and Dzud Risk Index for Each of Mongolia's 330 Soums Developed for 2030 and 2050
- Restoration of Abandoned Mining Sites Completed
Innovation
- "Intermed Hospital Mongolia" targeted by Russian hackers
- "Ulaanbaatar Railway" LLC installs Starlink on 10 passenger trains
- SOUTH GOBI: Introduced the first fire-fighting robot
Health
- Cancer Spread Measurement Device Installed at National Hospitals
- There is a shortage of doctors in providing cancer services
- Project to Improve Post-Graduate Training of Doctors and Nurses Successfully Implemented
- Failure to abolish pit toilets in schools is harming students' health
Sports
- Berlin Win Elevates The MongolZ to World Rank No. 5
- PHOTO: MUGT B. Ser-Od presented with a car from Micro Globus after participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics
Politics
X. Mandakhbayar's Support Leads to Constitutional Court's Review of Defamation Law
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
The Criminal Court of Appeals will hold a hearing for the appeal case involving journalist N. Unurtsetseg from the Zarig.mn news site. The decision of the lower court, which sentenced her to 4.9 years in prison, was upheld by the Criminal Court of Appeals, making it one of the main topics of the week. She was convicted on five counts of the Criminal Code, one of which was disseminating false information under Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code. In 2020, the provision for "disseminating false information," previously addressed under the Law on Violations, was incorporated into the Criminal Code. The Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs submitted the amendment bill to the State Great Khural, and it was approved during the unified session of Parliament on January 10, 2020. During the drafting of the bill, the MSNA participated in the working group and supported the inclusion of this provision in the criminal law. Chairman of the Standing Committee on Law, Member of Parliament H. Nyambaatar, pointed out that "the MSNA supported making journalists criminals over defamation issues," emphasizing that then-President of the Mongolian National Journalists' Federation, X. Mandakhbayar, supported criminalizing journalists. Related to Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code on "disseminating false information," a dispute has arisen in the Constitutional Court. Certain journalists and citizens have filed complaints alleging that Article 13.14 violates the Mongolian Constitution. Specifically, journalists A. Bayarmaa, J. Battuul, and citizens L. Galbaatar and S. Nomynbayasgalan filed complaints with the Constitutional Court claiming Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code, which imposes fines or other penalties for "knowingly disseminating false information," violates Article 16 of the Constitution, which guarantees "freedom to express opinions, to seek, receive, and disseminate information," and Article 17, which protects the right to information not protected as a state secret. Thus, the Constitutional Court has initiated legal proceedings related to Articles 13.14 and 17 of the Criminal Code, which are deemed by some as being used by politicians and officials to target journalists and citizens. This review will determine whether the clause "disseminating false information" conflicts with the Constitution. In light of this, cases investigated under the disputed clause will be temporarily halted until a decision by the Constitutional Court is reached.
L. Gantomor: After Promising to Significantly Increase Salaries, Pensions, and Welfare...
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
During a recent session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) discussing Mongolia's 2025 budget proposal and related projects, some members criticized the government for not cutting expenses and for delivering an inflated budget that increases the deficit. As a result, Democratic Party leader and Minister of Economic Development L. Gantumur faced backlash. He stated, "The government operates on a cabinet principle. After discussions from all sides, it was concluded that reducing the budget spending at the government's level is not possible. Last year, salaries were increased, my fellow MPs. Salaries were increased in April. Thanks to this salary increase, you are now elected and sitting in the Parliament. Pensions were increased, and thanks to the increase in pensions, you are elected and sitting here. The major increase in expenditures is related to the increase in salaries, pensions, and welfare. Last year, the increase in salaries and pensions only accounted for half a year in the budget, while next year it will account for an entire year. Child money is now given to all children, and all welfare has been maximized. Which welfare shall we stop then? Shall we reduce the 50,000 for mothers? Therefore, I urge you to propose practical suggestions. If reducing pensions is suggested, then propose it, or if staff reductions are proposed, then propose it. Whose staff shall we cut? Should we reduce the courts, the police, or the prosecutors? There are over 1000 people working in the ministries. Does this number appear excessive to you? Let's work together on this; I wish to be practical. I support the proposal to reduce expenditures significantly. However, let the working group determine from where and when to reduce, as we discussed last Friday. Yet, now people are frustrated for not proposing to cut expenditures. Let the Parliament initiate and bring in its proposal for reductions, there’s no issue," he said. According to Finance Minister B. Javkhlan, Mongolia's total budget amounts to over 20 trillion MNT, with 7.2 trillion MNT for salaries, 6.4 trillion MNT for health, education, and social protection sectors, and 5.8 trillion MNT reserved for social insurance financing and subsidies. Therefore, blindly cutting the budget could result in the forced reduction of salaries and pensions. On the other side, one of the main reasons the MPP had enough seats to form the government alone in the 2024 election was the increase in salaries, pensions, and welfare before the election. Moreover, to attract votes from herders, the "Prosperous Herder Cooperative" program was initiated, offering loans with a 6% annual interest rate to herders. It is noted by knowledgeable people that herders are turning these loans into cars and houses instead of producing goods. Therefore, it’s quite ridiculous to claim "the budget expenses have grown uncontrollably," when it’s actually the high expense of making populist decisions that can be blamed, state the members of the MPP group in the State Great Khural.
Can Ts. Davasuren Be Held Accountable
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
The Parliament approved the 2025 budget with some controversy. The government proposed a budget project with a balanced income of 33.9 trillion tugriks, total expenses of 35.8 trillion tugriks, and a balanced deficit of 1.9 trillion tugriks, which the Parliament approved with almost no changes. After the government submitted the budget project to the Parliament, a working group of 25 members was established within the Budget Standing Committee to prepare for the discussions. This year's budget working group was led by Ts. Davasuren, chairman of the Budget Standing Committee and Member of Parliament (MP). During the budget approval, MPs criticized him for not doing enough work, being caught in the collateral of a cheese factory, and failing to reduce operational expenses. They expressed the opinion that he should be held accountable and dismissed from his position. For instance, MP P. Sainzorig said, "The proposal to reduce budget expenses can be supported in principle. However, issuing a resolution that violates the law to give directions to the government is not acceptable. The government cannot submit an amendment next month due to legal violations. We cannot establish this kind of precedent just because some people did not make proposals during the discussions. The budget working group worked for 70 days with 25 people. Among them, MPs made 42 proposals, and the working group made only nine. From this, we can see who did what work. The leader of the working group was caught in the collateral of a cheese factory." All MPs who spoke expressed the view that the leader of the Budget working group should be held accountable due to poor performance, which has led to a situation where the budget needs to be amended a month later. However, it will likely become evident next week whether Ts. Davasuren can be held accountable. He is one of the most frequently elected MPs to the Parliament and has held dual roles such as minister and chairman of standing committees in every Parliament.
Can accountability be established for Ts. Davaasuren
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: itoim.mn
The State Great Khural (Parliament) passed the 2025 budget amidst much criticism. The government submitted a budget proposal with balanced revenue of 33.9 trillion tugriks, total expenditure of 35.8 trillion tugriks, and a balanced deficit of 1.9 trillion tugriks, which the State Great Khural approved with almost no changes. After the government submitted the budget proposal to the State Great Khural, a working group of 25 members was established under the Budget Standing Committee to prepare the discussion. This year's budget working group was led by Ts. Davaasuren, Chairman of the Budget Standing Committee and Member of Parliament. During the budget approval session, members criticized that he had not worked effectively, was caught in the scope of a cheese factory, and failed to reduce running costs, expressing positions that he should be held accountable and relieved of his duties. For example, Member of Parliament P. Sainzorig stated, "We can support the proposal to reduce budget expenditures in principle. However, guidance cannot be given to the government through a resolution that violates the law. The government cannot submit a revised version next month by breaking the law. We cannot set such a precedent because some people did not present their proposals during the discussion. The budget working group, consisting of 25 people, worked for 70 days. Members submitted 42, while the working group submitted only nine proposals. One can see who did what work. The working group could not work effectively on the budget. The head of the working group was caught in the cheese factory." Every member who spoke expressed the view that the leader of the Budget Working Group should be held accountable because the situation has arisen where the budget must be revised a month later due to poor performance. However, whether Ts. Davaasuren can be held accountable will become clear next week. He is one of the most frequently elected members of the State Great Khural and has consistently held positions as a minister or chairman of standing committees in every parliament.
Minister N.Uchral Visited the 11-11 Center
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Minister of Mongolia and Head of the Cabinet Secretariat N. Uchral visited the 11-11 Center for communication with citizens and the public. As of October this year, the center has been contacted by over 11,700 citizens via phone, social media, voicemail, Facebook, and email. From these, 7,231 suggestions, requests, and complaints were registered in the proposal registration system, with 6,569 petitions and complaints and 517 expressions of gratitude being submitted to the relevant government agencies for resolution. The center also provided 4,494 citizens with decisions and other information from the government and state institutions. The main issues among the petitions and complaints from citizens are: - Complaints related to state institutions and civil servants for not fulfilling their duties as prescribed by law – 1,258
- Complaints related to medical care and services – 463
- Complaints related to roads – 417
- Complaints related to electricity and energy – 386
- Complaints related to general education schools – 278 These were forwarded to the relevant organizations. Minister N. Uchral emphasized that the 11-11 Center should not just pass on the suggestions, requests, petitions, and complaints from citizens to the relevant organizations but should also monitor their resolution and ensure that citizens' issues are addressed effectively. He stated that special attention must be given to the management of relevant institutions, providing them with tasks and directives to work efficiently. Additionally, he instructed the relevant officials to make information more easily accessible, prompt, and simple for citizens by introducing artificial intelligence and implementing digital solutions.
Economy
Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC cleared its debt by paying off a 337.6 billion bond
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
"Erdenes Tavantolgoi" JSC issued "ETT-bonds" in the local market in 2021-2022 in MNT and USD for the purpose of financing its projects and programs. Specifically, 6.2 million MNT bonds were traded to raise 620.0 billion MNT, and 0.6 million USD bonds were traded to raise 64.2 million USD in total investments. The principal payment of the raised "ETT-bonds" in MNT and USD, amounting to 802.8 billion MNT, was paid in full along with 177.7 billion MNT in interest, totaling 980.4 billion MNT, using the company's own resources on time in 2024. In accordance with the repayment schedule, out of the total paid bond amount of 980.4 billion MNT, 15.6 billion MNT was paid in 2021, 74.7 billion MNT in 2022, 552.6 billion MNT in 2023, and 337.6 billion MNT in 2024. In this way, "Erdenes Tavantolgoi" JSC has fully repaid the payment of the ETT-bond issued to finance projects and programs in the local market on time, with its own resources, including interest, and is now free of bond debt and liabilities.
The 2025 Budget to be Revised Next Month
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Yesterday, the State Great Khural discussed and approved the draft of Mongolia's 2025 budget and other related projects in their fourth reading. However, based on the resolution submitted by the Standing Committee on Budget, the government is tasked with revising the budget by December. The resolution includes provisions for, first, evaluating the budget, and second, aligning it with the main directions of the monetary policy to be followed by the state in 2025. During the discussion of the 2025 budget draft and related projects in the State Great Khural, members suggested that a reduction of 3.6 trillion MNT from current expenses was necessary. There was also a demand that next year's budget should be returned to the government. Although the Budget Standing Committee formed a working group and appointed a sub-working group to work on reducing expenses, the concern is that making cuts without a detailed understanding of the underlying costs could lead to risks. Hence, a proper evaluation of next year's budget is needed to thoroughly investigate and resolve these issues. Secondly, under the new procedure, the government submitted the draft of the 2025 budget to the State Great Khural on August 31 last year, and the main directions of the monetary policy for 2025 were submitted to the State Great Khural on October 1. This is seen as a lack of coordination since the two major policies, which used to be submitted almost on the same day in previous years, were submitted a month apart. For instance, when the government submitted the 2025 budget to the State Great Khural, the inflation rate was 6%, but by the time the 2025 monetary policy was submitted to the State Great Khural, the inflation rate had decreased by 1% to 5%. Therefore, the State Great Khural needs to re-examine the 2025 budget. According to the State Great Khural's office, since the 2025 budget draft was approved by the State Great Khural, revising it in December will not create legal issues. However, in the history of the Mongolian parliament, it was never the case that the next year's budget was revised shortly within a month after its approval. This time, after the formation of a new parliament with 126 members, the law on Mongolia's 2025 budget and other related projects are to be revised again a month later.
104,742 Passenger Cars Imported to Mongolia
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
According to the General Customs Administration, as of the ten-month point this year, Mongolia imported 104,742 passenger cars, which is an increase of 71.7 percent compared to the same period last year. Additionally, 24,632 trucks were imported, marking an increase of 43.3 percent. In previous years, over 70,000 passenger cars were imported annually, but this year's increase is seen as a sign of economic growth. However, there are concerns that the import of used cars into Mongolia is significantly contributing to air pollution, and soon the issue of old car debris becoming problematic is foreseen. On the other hand, as the number of imported cars increases, it is undermining the effectiveness of measures being implemented to solve traffic congestion. Therefore, starting from the 8th of this month, based on the resolution of the City Council of Representatives, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Kh. Nyambaatar, issued a decree not to issue Ulaanbaatar city numbers to imported vehicles. This decree has begun to take effect.
SELENGE: 29 Projects to be Implemented with State Budget Funds Next Year
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Infrastructure is a crucial pillar of development, particularly the development of roads and energy. Thus, the 2025 budget includes projects aimed at revitalizing infrastructure in the Central region based on regional development policies, with the goal of expanding economic circulation. According to Mongolia's unified budget for 2025, a total of 582,913.1 million MNT has been approved for 78 projects, measures, and constructions in Selenge, Darkhan-Uul, and Tuv aimags of the Central region, funded by the Mongolian state budget. Specifically, in Selenge aimag, the state budget for 2025 has allocated 323,714.0 million MNT for 29 projects, measures, and constructions. Additionally, the revenue transfer to the Local Development Fund for Selenge aimag is 31,299.0 million MNT.
Diplomacy
Japan's Prime Minister Requests Meeting with Xi Jinping
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit South America to attend both the APEC and G20 summits, according to a statement from Beijing. Specifically, he will visit Lima, Peru from the 13th to the 17th of this month. Afterward, he is scheduled to visit Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from November 17th to 21st to participate in the G20 summit. In this context, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed a wish to meet with Xi Jinping to discuss the diplomatic relations between the two countries. After the release of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, China gradually began to restrict the import of Japanese seafood. This led to worsening relations between the two nations. Additionally, after the death of a boy who was studying at a Japanese school in Shenzhen, located in southern China, the Chinese government has stopped issuing short-term visas to Japanese citizens since September. According to analysts, Ishiba Shigeru has decided to meet with Xi Jinping alongside the summit as a way to address these issues.
Infrastructure
SUMMARY: Legal Environment Established for Building Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Border Crossing Bridge
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The past week featured several notable events. Prime Minister Invites Foreign Business Operators to Invest in Mongolia The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, visited the People's Republic of China from November 4-7. During his visit, he participated as an honored guest at the 7th China International Import Expo in Shanghai and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. Over 2,000 companies from 170 countries, as well as many presidents and prime ministers, participated in the expo. From the opening platform of the expo, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene mentioned, "Mongolia, located at the strategic crossroads of Asia and Europe, actively participating in this expo, opens extensive opportunities to deepen economic ties not only with our neighboring nation, China, but with other countries as well. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China. As of 2023, trade turnover between the two countries reached 17.6 billion USD, with the goal of increasing it to 20 billion USD." He also invited other countries to invest in Mongolia. Expressing Mongolia's readiness for investments based on the principle that "a deal is a deal, a contract is a contract," the Prime Minister emphasized the country's investor-friendly legal environment, transparent digital governance, and readiness to partner in mutually beneficial endeavors. More than 10 companies from Mongolia are participating in the 7th China International Import Expo, being held from November 5-10 in Shanghai. Financing for "Erdene Burng's Hydropower Plant" Project Decided During the visit, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene held an official meeting with the Premier of the State Council of China, Li Qiang, on November 5 in Shanghai. The meeting lasted over an hour, during which eight documents of bilateral cooperation were signed and finalized. Among these documents was the "special loan agreement between the Ministry of Finance of Mongolia and the Export-Import Bank of China for financing the 'Erdene Burng's Hydropower Plant' project." The general loan agreement with the Chinese government, which provides a loan of 1 billion USD, is planned to finance a total of 11 projects, one of which is the construction of the "Erdene Burng's Hydropower Plant." The intergovernmental special loan agreement set the financial terms for the project's total funding of 253 million USD. Additionally, during the visit, the internal procedures for ratifying the "Agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the People's Republic of China on joint construction of the border-crossing railway bridge at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port," signed on April 2, 2024, were completed, making the agreement effective from November 5, 2024. With the activation of the intergovernmental agreement, the legal basis to sign the general contract for the construction work between Mongolian and Chinese companies for the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod border-crossing bridge has been established. The Prime Minister highlighted to journalists the agreement to connect the stalled railway at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod port after 16 years, with Mongolia using a broad gauge and China a standard gauge. 2025 State Budget Approved At its plenary session on Friday, November 8, 2024, the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia approved the State Budget Law for 2025. For the 2025 fiscal year, it is projected to balance revenue at 23,140,589.3 million tugriks and expenditure at 26,485,278.0 million tugriks, with an investment project and measures financed by 3,932,432.9 million tugriks from the state budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The ceiling on government-issued debt guarantees for 2025 is set at 3,500,000.0 million tugriks. Z. Narantuya Appointed as Executive Director of the Development Bank Z. Narantuya, a former member of the Parliament, has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Development Bank. Z. Narantuya is a member of the Democratic Party and was elected to the State Great Hural from the Zavkhan province from 2016 to 2020. She is an economist and a legal specialist by profession, holding a Master's degree in Public Administration. From 1992 to 2006, she served as an expert, senior expert, department director, and deputy director at the Bank of Mongolia. From 2006 to 2010, she was the Deputy Director of "Mongol Shuudan" Bank, and from 2010 to 2011, served as Deputy Executive Director of "Savings" Bank. From 2012 to 2014, she was the Economic Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the State Great Hural, from 2014 to 2016 headed the Financial Regulatory Commission, and from 2016 to 2020, she was a member of the State Great Hural. Appeals Court Upholds 4.9-Year Sentence for Journalist N. Unurtsetseg Journalist N. Unurtsetseg was sentenced to 4.9 years in prison. She did not accept the decision of the primary court and appealed. The appeals court hearing took place last Thursday, November 7, 2024. The primary court trial was held in closed session. This time, Unurtsetseg and the National Human Rights Commission requested the appeals hearing be held in open session, but the court declined. The appeals court upheld the decision of the primary court regarding the case against journalist N. Unurtsetseg. Ban on Using Electronic Cigarettes in Schools According to studies by the World Health Organization, electronic cigarettes (vapes) negatively affect brain function over long periods, posing risks to health and life, causing anxiety disorders, cognitive impairment, addiction, and lung perforation. Particularly, children who use electronic cigarettes during adolescence are at a significantly increased risk of smoking traditional cigarettes and nicotine addiction. Therefore, Minister of Education P. Naranbayar issued an order last Wednesday to ban the use of electronic cigarettes in all educational institutions.
Traffic Management Center Begins Issuing Vehicle Registration Plates
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
The decision not to issue new registration numbers for cars imported into Ulaanbaatar city began to be implemented from November 8, 2024. In addition, the task of issuing new vehicle registration numbers, which was previously handled by the National Transport Center, has been transferred to the Traffic Management Center as of yesterday. This is part of an initiative to reduce congestion in Ulaanbaatar, following a decision by the City Council in February of this year to cap the number of vehicle registration numbers that can be issued in the capital at 730,000. To implement this decision, registration of vehicle numbers in the capital will be based on the following eight criteria: - The owner or possessor of the vehicle must be a resident of the capital or a legal entity registered in the capital. - The owner or possessor must have settled payments specified in sections 25.1.4, 25.1.5, 25.2.1, 25.2.4, and 25.2.5 of the Road Law. - Must have settled violations and payments under section 14.7 of chapter 14 of the Violation Law. - Must be insured as specified in section 5.1 of the Driver's Insurance Law. - The ecological classification of the vehicle's engine must meet or exceed "Euro-4" standards. - Vehicles must have been manufactured within the last 10 years (from June 1, 2025). - Priority will be given based on the criteria established by the approved guidelines. - The vehicle must have passed a pre-export inspection (effective from June 1, 2025). The sequence for issuing vehicle registration numbers will be determined electronically based on these criteria: - In the order of the time applications were submitted. - Electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles will be prioritized over gasoline and diesel vehicles. - More recently manufactured vehicles will be prioritized. - Vehicles with steering wheels on the left will be prioritized over those with steering wheels on the right. - Applicants who do not currently own a vehicle will be prioritized over those who do. - Applicants who have an automobile parking space will be prioritized over those who do not. - In the first month, applicants who did not receive a registration number will be prioritized over new applicants in the following month. Vehicle registration numbers will be issued according to the following procedure: 1. Individuals and legal entities will submit requests for vehicle registration numbers with the required documentation according to the "Procedure for Maintaining Vehicle Registration and Issuing Registration Numbers" approved by the Minister of Road and Transport Development. 2. Applications submitted under criterion 1 will be received and newly prioritized every first day of the month, and registration numbers will be issued according to the established order.
Society
"Opportunities for All II" Project Continues in the Khangai Region
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: ikon.mn
The Special Olympics is a non-governmental organization that works to develop and socialize individuals with intellectual disabilities through physical education and sports, ensuring their rights. Its goal is to encourage and develop physical fitness and socialize children and young adults with special intellectual development, while educating the public and society to recognize that they have the same rights as other citizens. Since its establishment in 2013, the Special Olympics Committee of Mongolia has enrolled over 5,000 children and young people with intellectual disabilities, providing them with knowledge in physical education, sports, health, education, and leadership while conducting comprehensive social influence activities. We continue our impact work in the local areas, and this time, with the support of Golomt Bank, Mobicom Corporation, and the Rotary Club of Ulaanbaatar, in collaboration with the Governor's Office of Uvurkhangai Province, we successfully implemented the "Opportunities for All II" project in the Khangai region in the city of Arvaikheer. More than 70 individuals with exceptional intellectual development, their guardians or parents, and over 170 official representatives gathered from the provinces of Arkhangai, Uvurkhangai, Bayankhongor, Bulgan, Orkhon, and Khuvsgul in the Khangai region to actively participate in comprehensive activities on sports, health, and inclusive education. The project aimed to enhance the position of individuals with exceptional intellectual development in society through sports and physical education, while introducing them to all participants, sharing information, and exchanging experiences in the joint efforts of the government, the private sector, and public organizations. The sponsors of the Special Olympics noticed that target groups in the countryside were not very active in participating in such activities and lacked information, so they initiated this project and decided to implement it for the second time in the Khangai region to contribute to implementing State policy aimed at creating an inclusive and equal society. All participants joined in the main sections including training, health check-ups, and sports, received necessary information, and were introduced to the programs of the Special Olympics Committee of Mongolia, including the "Joint Schools" project implemented with the support of the Government of Mongolia, to initiate further cooperation with representatives from the education sector of six provinces. Memorandums of understanding were signed with Arvaikheer sum schools 1, 2, 4, 5, Temuulel Erdem General Education School, the Governor’s Office of Uvurkhangai Province, and Arvaikheer sum. Moreover, to spread the Special Olympics movement rapidly in the local areas, bring it closer to the target groups, and provide information, we officially opened the Khangai Region branch of the Special Olympics Committee of Mongolia in Arvaikheer city. The branch will be headed by Kh. Purevsuren, a teacher at General Education School No. 2 in Arvaikheer, a consultant teacher of Mongolia, and coach of the Special Olympics Committee of Mongolia. The main focus of the branch is to work in collaboration with the Special Olympics Committee, organize activities within the framework of the Special Olympics, and ensure equal participation of the provinces. One of the main objectives of the Special Olympics is to conduct health check-ups for athletes, providing them with an overall physical assessment necessary for continuing sports activities. For this purpose, athletes underwent health check-ups in otolaryngology, eye, oral hygiene, and rehabilitation conducted voluntarily by the diagnostic and health center, the first clinical hospital teachers, and doctors in Uvurkhangai Province. Participants enjoyed the "Joint Sports" event that showcased sports such as bocce, table tennis, and badminton included in the Special Olympics sports disciplines, involving guardians, volunteers, and sponsors equally, representing a part of inclusive sports. During this project, certificates were presented to five local athletes and two coach teachers from the Khangai region who will participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held in Turin, Italy, in March 2025. A total of 24 athletes will represent Mongolia in six sports at the Winter Games. Golomt Bank, the central branch and Arvaikheer branch staff of Mobicom Corporation, and the leadership of the Ulaanbaatar Rotary Club, as the sponsors of the Special Olympics “Opportunities for All II” project, participated as volunteers, understanding the essence of the project firsthand. Notice: Press organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) should note that when using our information in any form, they must credit the source (ikon.mn).
BREAKING: A Mongolian worker in South Korea dies in an industrial accident
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
Yesterday, a tragic incident occurred in South Korea where a Mongolian citizen in their 30s, working in a factory, was involved in an industrial accident and sadly lost their life. Specifically, the Mongolian worker, identified as A, approximately 30 years old, who was employed at a special-purpose vehicle manufacturing plant in Baeksa-myeon city, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, became trapped between an aerial work platform and transport equipment. The Mongolian national was immediately taken to a medical facility, but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. At the time of the accident, firefighters in the country reported that a coworker who was with A performed respiratory treatment efforts. Currently, the incident is under investigation by the local police department. Further updates will be provided on this matter. Source: N news
A Public Oversight Council was Established to Make the Social Insurance Fund Open and Transparent
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The National Committee on Social Insurance convened and made the following decisions: The decision was made to issue 300 billion MNT (Mongolian Tugrik) from the free balance of the Social Insurance Fund in the form of government securities. For the first time, a Professional National Committee and a Public Oversight Council have been officially established, enabling the transparency of social insurance funds to the insured parties. Additionally, foundations have been laid for the prevention, compensation, and short-term rehabilitation of insurance for occupational accidents and occupational diseases.
Evaluating the Implementation of the Child Protection Partnership Compact Agreement
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Mongolia, together with the U.S. Embassy, organized a discussion on the implementation of the Child Protection Partnership Compact Agreement between Mongolia and the U.S. government. The Child Protection Partnership Compact Agreement has been in effect since 2020. Within the framework of this project, specific efforts have been made to combat human trafficking and child labor exploitation, including capacity building for government agencies and NGOs. Additionally, a temporary shelter providing services to child and female victims of such crimes was established, accommodating 59 clients so far. A long-term protection and rehabilitation service center for children who are victims of sexual exploitation was set up under the General Agency for Child and Family Development, providing technical support and assistance. Currently, six children are receiving services at this center. Furthermore, the Child Protection Law was revised and adopted, leading to improved child protection in legal proceedings. This includes child-friendly rooms for taking testimonies, among other positive impacts. The parties involved have recognized the effective implementation of the Child Protection Partnership Compact Agreement and have decided to continue its progress.
Proposal to Reduce Pension Loans to One Year Divides Seniors
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
The Minister of Family, Labor and Social Protection, L. Enkh-Amgalan, has submitted a proposal to the Bank of Mongolia to reduce the period for pension loans granted to senior citizens to a maximum of 12 months. This proposal aims to address the issue where the pensions of the elderly are used as collateral by their children for purchasing houses or cars, or their bank cards are taken, preventing them from using their pensions and leaving them without any cash. By changing the "Methodology for Determining the Debt-to-Income Ratio" approved by the Bank of Mongolia’s president in 2021, it is believed that this issue can be resolved. Currently, commercial banks provide pension loans secured against pensions for up to 24 months. This situation is seen as advantageous for those who live off their parents. However, some seniors believe that, for pensioners receiving 500,000 to 600,000 MNT per month, taking out a pension loan for one year is insufficient. They argue, "We won't even have enough to buy cattle for food. How are we supposed to celebrate the Lunar New Year? Limiting the rights of unemployed young people who live off their parents to tighten the rules shouldn't lead to limiting the rights of seniors to take out a two-year pension loan." Meanwhile, another group of seniors supports the minister's initiative, reasoning, "Finally, seniors who cannot spend their pensions on themselves can get some relief." According to national statistics, 420,900 people are receiving pensions from the Social Insurance Fund, and 60% of them have taken pension loans. Surveys suggest that the elderly often allocate their pensions primarily to their children.
BULGAN: Since the beginning of this year, 6,803 foreign and 98,670 domestic tourists have visited
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
In Bulgan aimag, within the first 9 months of 2024, there were 6,803 foreign tourists and 98,670 domestic tourists registered with the Department of Environment and Tourism. Including the number of visitors for events like "Altarghane-2024", the "One Sheep One Tourist" program, "Airag Festival-2024", and the opening of the Tüshiyet Khan's Museum, more than 70,000 foreign tourists, travelers, and visitors have come to Bulgan aimag in 2024. Bulgan aimag declared 2023 as the "Year to Support Tourism, Production, and Services," and over the period from 2020 to 2024, they have focused significant attention on developing tourism, production, and services as economic priority directions within the framework of the aimag governor's "New Development Path" program and policies supporting tourism. Several major international events have been organized. The aimag governor, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the Tourism Association have jointly organized many events, such as the "One Sheep One Tourist" program, the "Altarghane-2024" festival intended to preserve, inherit, and promote the cultural heritage and traditions of the Buryat people, the unveiling of the Tüshiyet Khan museum with the tallest 38-meter Great White Chaitya of Unity in Mongolia, and the "Airag Festival-2024," welcoming foreign guests and representatives. Foreign tourists have visited several sites, including the Khögno-Tarna Nature Reserve, spanning 84,390 hectares across the Gurbanbulag, Rashaant in Bulgan aimag, and Burd in Övörkhangai aimag; the dormant Ulaan Togo Volcano in Khutag-Öndör sum located next to the paved road from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön; the Shiveet Ulaan Complex housing over 20 stone monuments, sculptures bearing tamga seals, and memorial monuments dedicated to Turkic Elteres Kütlüg Khan from the 5th-8th centuries, located 30 kilometers south of Bayang-Agt sum's center at the northern bank of the Khaanui River. In Dashinchilen sum, travelers can visit the ruins of an ancient city known locally as "Chin Tolgoi" near Khadaasan Hill, located 12 km west of Dashinchilen sum's center. In Saikhan sum, there are ancient Uighur stone monuments and burial sites called Mogoit Shine Us right at the border. Travelers can also enjoy soaking in the medicinal springs of Bütele, Doloon Nuga, Elsen Tasarkhai, Saakhari, Khuulj hot springs, experiencing the vast open steppes of Mongolia and its nomadic culture, with the intent of experiencing its beauty and vastness.
One Day Left to Register for Entrance Exams
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Only one day left until the registration for the 2024 winter exams closes. You can register for the Mongolian language and writing exams and the Entrance exams via the website eeyesh.eec.mn. Registration will end tomorrow at 6:00 PM on November 10, and the Center for Educational Evaluation warns that the registration period and time will not be extended and no additional registration will be conducted. Each registrant can use their registration number and password to access the “Examinee's section” on the eeyesh.eec.mn website and add their exam subjects during the registration period. Examinees are reminded to choose more than two subjects from English language, biology, geography, mathematics, Mongolian language, social studies, Russian language, history, physics, and chemistry, and to complete their registration by selecting their subjects and paying the fee during the registration period. The seating arrangements for the exams will be released on November 25, and examinees are reminded to log in to the “Examinee's section” on the eeyesh.eec.mn website after the specified date to print their seat assignment.
Investigating Hit-and-Run Incident
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Today, at 12:45 pm, a report was registered with the police about a hit-and-run incident. The report stated, "A car has been hit and fled the scene in the jurisdiction of the ninth khoroo of Songinokhairkhan District." Police officers promptly arrived at the scene and, upon investigation, found that the driver of a Toyota Prius-30 had struck and overturned another Toyota Prius-30 belonging to a citizen referred to as "A." Subsequently, the driver abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene. The police have announced that they are continuing to conduct the investigation into this incident.
URGENT: Hit-and-Run Incident in Songino Khairkhan District
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
A serious traffic accident occurred in the capital, with some citizens posting photos of the scene on social media to report the situation. At 12:45 PM, a call was registered at the police department stating that "a vehicle collided in the area of the 9th khoroo of Songino Khairkhan district and left." Following this call, officers promptly arrived at the scene of the accident, where they found that the driver of a Toyota Prius-30 collided with and overturned a Toyota Prius-30 owned by citizen "A." The driver then abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene. An investigation into the incident has been initiated.
Collision Involving Prius Cars Results in Serious Traffic Accident
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
This morning, a serious traffic accident occurred in Ulaanbaatar. Specifically, a white "Prius 30" vehicle driven by a citizen collided with another white "Prius" car and subsequently struck an electrical pole, resulting in a serious accident. The condition of the driver and passengers is currently unknown. We will provide more detailed information about the accident as it becomes available. How do such collisions even happen?
ÖMNÖGOVI: Celebrating the Cultural Month Under the Motto 'Honoring the Wisdom of Our Ancestors'
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Every year, November is declared as the month of cultural creations, during which planned activities are organized. On November 6, the opening ceremony of the 'Cultural Creative Month-2024' campaign was held across Ömnögovi aimag. As part of the opening, an event to honor the esteemed figure, Khan Batmönkh Dayan, under the motto 'Honoring the Wisdom of Our Ancestors' was organized, gathering over 130 participants. Artists from the Ömnögovi aimag Performance Arts Theatre presented their works. Additionally, the song "Dalay Bishrelt Dayan Khaan" with lyrics by State Laureate, Distinguished Art Worker of Mongolia Sh. Gurbazar, and music by Labor Hero of Mongolia, State Laureate N. Jantsannorov, was performed by HJT's singer E. Tsogtbayar, which captured the audience's attention. The museum of Gobi nature and history organized an exhibition featuring historical photographs and an educational program to promote the works of Khan Batmönkh Dayan. The central library showcased an exhibition of books and publications related to the history of the Gobi region and Khan Batmönkh Dayan. L. Batchuluun, Secretary of Ömnögovi aimag Citizens' Representative Khural, and Executive Director of the "Khan Batmönkh Dayan Society," along with S. Sumyaa, provided information aimed at studying and promoting Khan Batmönkh Dayan's deeds.
SOUTH GOBI: Focus on the Development and Social Issues of Staff Sergeants
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
Dalanzadgad. By the decision of the Minister of Defense, starting from 2023, November 9 each year has been designated as "Armed Forces Staff Sergeants' Day." Anticipating this commemorative day, the staff sergeants from the Dalanzadgad military garrison's state military and law enforcement organizations expanded their cooperation by exchanging experiences and initiating various events such as competitions, tournaments, and charitable campaigns. This commemorative day aims to instill a sense of pride in the servicemen for their duties and to organize activities focused on their leadership and development. A celebratory meeting dedicated to "Staff Sergeants' Commemorative Day" was attended by the leadership of the South Gobi province, commanders, and heads of state military and law enforcement organizations as honored guests. During the meeting, Ts. Denendorjbayar, acting as the Governor of South Gobi province, acknowledged some of the sergeants who have led by example in their work and community by recognizing them with provincial and local awards. He emphasized, "The development and social issues of the staff sergeants who form the core of the state military and law enforcement organizations should be strengthened based on legal frameworks and available resources. This issue should remain a focus for local leadership and, further, at the state government level."
BULGAN: The Month of the Civil Servant Continues
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
In anticipation of Civil Servant Day, the Governor's Office of the province and the State Administrative Sector Council are organizing a month-long campaign for civil servants. This initiative was announced in 2021 by the decree of the Governor of Bulgan Province, designating November 26th of each year, which is the Day of the Proclamation of the Republic, as the Civil Servant Day. As part of the monthly campaign, many activities have been planned, including meetings between senior and junior officials from the provincial Governor's Office and the Citizens' Representative Khural. These meetings are organized to strengthen the connections between past, present, and future generations, to pass on the experience and knowledge of the older generation to the younger ones, and to encourage mutual learning of experience. The month-long campaign aims to strengthen a moral, knowledgeable, and responsible civil service, enhance the leadership of civil servants, and promote new ideas, initiatives, and practices. The campaign will continue with many more activities to follow.
Environment
Drought and Dzud Risk Index for Each of Mongolia's 330 Soums Developed for 2030 and 2050
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: gogo.mn
A meeting on "Climate Risk-Based Planning and Financing Strategy" took place yesterday. The meeting discussed the strategies developed under the ADAPT project jointly implemented by MET, MOFALI, and the UN Development Programme, which focuses on methods for planning and financing based on the climate change risk index. With the impacts of climate change, the most at-risk sectors in Mongolia's socio-economic landscape are animal husbandry and agriculture. The project identifies the impact of climate change on the animal husbandry sector through a dzud risk map and uses a drought index to assess the impact on water resources used for agriculture and rural purposes. The drought and dzud risk indices for 2030 and 2050 were calculated for each of Mongolia's 330 soums. According to the research findings, by 2050, the risk of dzud in Mongolia will increase, with high-risk areas growing by 10% and very high-risk areas by 17%. The drought index shows that dry and very dry zones will expand by 10%, indicating an overall trend towards increased aridity across the country. Therefore, it is essential to employ the dzud risk and drought indices in medium-term development planning at the aimag and soum levels, including in territorial development plans, disaster risk plans, and for prioritizing adaptation measures. E. Battulga, the Director of the MET's Administrative Department, emphasized that using the climate risk index in all stages of development and financial planning is crucial for preventing disaster risks and adapting to climate change. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism reported plans to align and improve the work with the "Law on Reducing Negative Impact Due to Climate Change on Traditional Animal Husbandry" by incorporating suggestions from stakeholder discussions.
Restoration of Abandoned Mining Sites Completed
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: gogo.mn
To support the national movement "One Billion Trees," Oyu Tolgoi company pledged to plant 100 million trees. Within the scope of this commitment, the company has conducted technical reclamation on a total of 615 hectares of degraded and abandoned land post-mining operations and handed it over officially. The company rehabilitated 400 hectares in the Yalbag Valley of Eröö soum in Selenge aimag, as well as 215 hectares of degraded land in Sharigul soum in Darkhan-Uul aimag.
Innovation
"Intermed Hospital Mongolia" targeted by Russian hackers
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
The "Intermed Hospital Mongolia," one of the largest private hospitals in Mongolia, was allegedly hacked by the Moscow-based group "SpaceBears," potentially resulting in the theft of critical information such as patient personal data, phone numbers, and medical records. According to "HackManac," which monitors cyber security management and threat response activities, the hospital's digital data was attacked on October 30th. It is possible that the data might be sold for $50,000 on November 15th. Information on more than 230 patients was exposed. "SpaceBears" is a group known for stealing confidential and private information from healthcare organizations and demanding high ransoms. Specifically, they target personal information like patient medical histories, personal details, and financial records. Currently, "SpaceBears" has eight smaller subdivisions registered on a "Data Leak Site." They have also attacked important healthcare facilities, industries, and small companies in countries such as the USA, Portugal, Canada, Germany, Norway, Morocco, and Singapore. SOURCE: HACKMANAC, DARKWEBINFORMER, SOCRADAR
"Ulaanbaatar Railway" LLC installs Starlink on 10 passenger trains
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
"Ulaanbaatar Railway" LLC has begun implementing Starlink service on its passenger trains. Specifically, "Ulaanbaatar Railway" LLC has installed Starlink on 10 carriages on the Ulaanbaatar - Zamiin-Uud route as an initial step, with plans to expand further in the future. Starlink, a company operating in major countries such as the USA, UK, France, New Zealand, Japan, and the Philippines, has launched over 4,000 low Earth orbit satellites, creating a global high-speed internet satellite network. Implementing this project in Mongolia will ensure internet coverage across the vast expanse of the country and is especially important during disasters or emergencies, as well as for the operations of herders, farmers, transporters, and tourism businesses.
SOUTH GOBI: Introduced the first fire-fighting robot
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The first fire-fighting robot has been introduced in South Gobi province. A fire-fighting robot, crucial for the safe operations of the Emergency Management Agency, along with a heat-sensing drone used for search operations, was handed over to the Southern Regional Emergency Management Office, funded by South Gobi province's budget. This fire-fighting robot has the capability to extinguish fires occurring at heights inaccessible to humans. The heat-sensing drone is significant for search operations as it can detect the heat of living beings.
Health
Cancer Spread Measurement Device Installed at National Hospitals
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: gogo.mn
Minister of Health T. Munkhsaikhan is undertaking several initiatives to decentralize services and enhance access to cancer care. At the Second General Hospital of the State, a “Cancer Assistance, Control, and Prevention Center” has been established, offering comprehensive diagnostics, examinations, and treatments. The center has installed the only device in the country's national hospitals that measures cancer metastasis. Patients now have the opportunity to receive timely consultations and services for cancer surgeries, including general surgeries for liver, gallbladder, stomach, and breast cancers, as well as open and laparoscopic surgeries, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments all in one place. In rural areas, to decentralize cancer care, a decision was made to establish a “National Team” which started operating in rural areas from September 2nd. The “National Teams” have been working in provinces such as Khentii, Umnugovi, and Uvurkhangai. Collaboration with local doctors and specialists has facilitated cancer consultations, diagnostics, surgical treatments, and capacity-building initiatives at workplaces. As a result, 70-80% of cancer-diagnosed patients in rural areas can now receive treatment at their local health facilities. In the capital, cancer care is centralized at the Cancer Surgery and Treatment Center, resulting in increased outpatient consultations and waiting lists for diagnostics and inpatient departments. To address this centralization, a policy is being implemented to provide efficient cancer care services to remote districts within the capital. One such facility is the Selbe Integrated Hospital in Sukhbaatar District, which was put into operation last month, with a total capacity of 200 beds. Of these, 50 beds are allocated for cancer care services, and with four operating rooms, the hospital can deliver quality services in this area. Looking ahead, efforts are aimed at elevating cancer surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other treatments to international standards, reducing the outflow of patients seeking treatment abroad, and establishing conditions for providing quality care domestically without financial hardship. Policies and programs for medium and long-term implementation of these goals are being developed, with a focus on effective implementation.
There is a shortage of doctors in providing cancer services
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
In the entire country, only one hospital specializes in cancer treatment, and it can be said that residents of 21 provinces and nine districts of the capital receive services only at the National Cancer Center. As a result, there is an issue where people are unable to promptly undergo examinations, diagnosis, and treatment. To mitigate this concentration, there is a policy to provide these services at the district general hospitals, but it has been delayed due to a shortage of personnel. For instance, the Sukhbaatar District General Hospital was newly opened last October. This hospital has a total of 200 beds, 50 of which are intended for cancer care services, but due to a shortage of doctors, the provision of these services remains pending. Therefore, there is a pressing need for training doctors and nurses in this field. To remind, in order to provide services currently centralized at the National Cancer Center in other hospitals, a "Cancer Service, Control, and Prevention Center" was established at the State Second Clinical Hospital, beginning to perform comprehensive diagnosis, testing, and treatment. This center has installed the only machine in the country at state-level hospitals that measures cancer metastasis, allowing citizens to receive general cancer examinations, open and laparoscopic surgeries, chemotherapy, and other cancer-related services promptly all in one place.
Project to Improve Post-Graduate Training of Doctors and Nurses Successfully Implemented
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: montsame.mn
The Ministry of Health, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), implemented the "Project to Improve Post-Graduate Training of Primary and Secondary Level Medical Professionals" from 2015 to 2020. The second phase of this project, "Project to Improve Post-Graduate Training of Doctors and Nurses," was carried out for four years and is ending this year. The final results meeting of the project, which aimed to expand general specialization training nationwide and improve post-graduate training for nurses and midwives, was organized. JICA conducted an evaluation of the project as its technical cooperation period concludes. The organization assessed that the project activities were successfully implemented, achieving the desired outcomes, and providing a solid foundation for post-graduate training of doctors, nurses, and midwives. This success is attributed to the mutual trust, strong connections, and cooperative efforts of the project team from the Ministry of Health, the Health Development Center, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency's project unit. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic period and the subsequent social and economic recovery, the project managed to increase the number of local training institutions and create opportunities to prepare human resources in general specialization based on the demand for care and services. Additionally, during the pandemic, JICA provided portable echo machines valued at 1,517,667,500 tugriks to a total of 13 hospitals, conducted training to enhance diagnostic skills, and improved the quality and accessibility of emergency services by developing an information system worth over 700 million tugriks and donating training mannequins valued at about 230 million tugriks.
Failure to abolish pit toilets in schools is harming students' health
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
The fifth anniversary of the "cultural revolution" aimed at abolishing pit toilets in educational institutions in provinces and districts will soon be marked. After the 2020 election, the Parliament issued resolution No. 39, directing the government to replace school, dormitory, and kindergarten pit toilets with standardized sanitary facilities. The project was divided into four phases, with plans to complete it this year. Recently, the "cash cow" Erdenet Factory provided 100 billion MNT to support the replacement of toilets in schools and kindergartens as part of its social responsibility initiatives. A task force led by state secretaries was formed to oversee the implementation, with the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development tasked with providing professional and methodological advice. However, due to inadequate performance by the managers, the initial efforts were discontinued. Instead, a new task force led by T. Nyam-Ochir from the General Education Department was established. So far, 74.7 billion MNT of the funding has been spent, but school and kindergarten administrators claim the project's results are lacking. Our investigative team chose Zavkhan province from the west and Dornod province from the east to evaluate the project's effectiveness. As expected, Zavkhan province schools and kindergartens showed poor results. 91 objects in 25 sub-districts were planned to be equipped with modern "toilets." In the first phase, tenders were announced for six sub-districts' 19 facilities, and seven sub-districts' 24 facilities in the second phase. The third and fourth phases seem barely started. In May 2023, a task force was sent to Zavkhan province to inspect the installed "toilets." They discovered many issues, such as non-functional toilets in some schools. In spring 2024, officials revisited Zavkhan province. Even after giving specific deadlines to correct errors, some previously functional "toilets" were frozen, and implementing companies had not addressed the issues. The main problems identified include: construction without blueprints; building sanitary facilities without soil examination; using poor-quality or unsuitable materials; a lack of plumbing technicians and engineers in schools and kindergartens; and a lack of breakdown or reporting of completed project budgets. For example, Otgon sub-district has permafrost soil. Without thorough soil examination, the "new" school and kindergarten toilets froze in the 2023-2024 academic year and were barely usable. The task force rated the facilities as poor quality, completed by Sepa Media Company. Sepa Media also completed sanitary facilities for Yaroo, Urgamal, and Bayankhairkhan sub-district schools and kindergartens, reportedly starting work before any tenders were announced. Yaroo sub-district school facilities inaugurated in October 2022 continually froze, despite "Ekolos" device installation. It seems inappropriate technology was used due to lack of soil examination, necessitating extra insulation as a temporary solution. In Aldarkhaan, the tender-winning company hadn't begun its work, blamed on lost time for design lack. "Noydin Tuuru" company, contracted for 37 sanitary facilities in Zavkhan's Tosontsengel, Uliastai, Shiluustei, Aldarkhaan, Telmen, Ider, Ikh-Uul, and Tsagaanchuluut, hadn't laid a single pipeline since September 2022. N. Ariunbold, director of Noydin Tuuru Company, explained a subcontractor's irresponsible behavior and a family bereavement led to lost and deleted blueprints, necessitating a complete restart of soil and geologic studies and budget drafting to submit for approval. In contrast, Dornod province has effectively implemented the government's project to replace state-owned school and dormitory pit toilets with modern sanitary facilities. Between 2018-2021, 13 schools and kindergartens in districts and seven district dormitories replaced pit toilets, funded by state, local, district, international, and private sources. By 2022, Dornod province had successfully completed the first two phases. The third phase continues in Dornod, Sergelen, Matad, and Kholonbuir. Previous shared facilities in Bayantumen and Sergelen schools are being replaced with separate modern "toilets" under the ongoing project phase. Previous collaborations with Mobicom and World Vision funded additional sanitary facilities in eastern districts from 2018 to 2020. These projects involve significant budgets and successful international and private sector involvement, unlike less successful continuations in western districts, who remain reliant on pit toilets. According to the World Health Organization, humans should excrete 200 grams of feces and secrete 1.5 liters of liquid daily. Rural schoolchildren struggle with hygiene issues, often holding their urine to avoid cold outhouses or restricted access during classes, exacerbating bladder and kidney health issues. Health professional Dr. Byambabayar, observing schoolchildren's prevalent bladder inflammation and kidney ailments, urged reopening school "toilets" in a social media post. In short, unsuccessful pit toilet abolition in schools continues to jeopardize student health.
Sports
Berlin Win Elevates The MongolZ to World Rank No. 5
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: news.mn
Last Sunday saw an exciting and significant "CS2" tournament take place in Berlin. In this tournament, the Mongolian team The MongolZ emerged victorious and won $500,000. This victory marks a historic achievement for The MongolZ team and their partner organization 1xBet, for several reasons. WHAT KIND OF TOURNAMENT WAS IT?
The Thunderpick World Championship tournament took place in two formats: online and arena. Sixteen of the world’s top CS teams participated, setting the current tone for world CS. Naturally, The MongolZ team were the dark horses, competing for the cup against top teams like Heroic, Virtus.pro, BIG, and 3DMAX. The tournament's standout player was none other than the legendary Alexander Kostyliev, known as "s1mple", who has returned to compete after a break from CS. His new team is Falcons. The MongolZ began the tournament with great momentum. They defeated Cloud9 in their opening match of the group stage, followed by a victory over Fnatic. It can be said that the only team that managed to give The MongolZ a hard time was Imperial Esports. When the game began on Mirage, the Brazilian team secured a win, but The MongolZ went on to win consecutively on Dust2 and Inferno, advancing to the next stage. In the semi-finals, they defeated their old acquaintance, the French team 3DMAX, with a score of 2-0, reaching the finals. In the finals, The MongolZ faced off against Heroic. It was not merely a clash between teams but also between their associated betting partners; 1xBet versus Thunderpick. The MongolZ won the first map but Heroic equalized on Ancient. Nevertheless, the Mongols clinched successive wins on Anubis and Mirage, taking the championship trophy. WHAT PRIZES DID THE MONGOLZ WIN?
First, the tremendous victory of The MongolZ is chiefly credited to the team's captain, B.Garidmagnai, also known as "bLitz", who was the standout performer of the tournament. The team also improved its ranking, moving from ninth to fifth in Valve's standings. They are carrying the hopes of not only Mongolia but also their region as the sole Asian team in the world's top 20. Secondly, The MongolZ claimed $500,000 in prize money. Previously, they won $200,000 by securing first place at YaLLa Compass. In 2024, their prize earnings surpassed $1 million, overtaking top teams like Vitality, FaZe Clan, and MOUZ. Thirdly, it’s about The MongolZ's self-confidence. Next week, they will compete in the Asia-Pacific RMR tournament. A total of three teams from this region will qualify for the Shanghai Major. In any case, The MongolZ has set off for Shanghai to once again prove they are the leading team in the Asia-Pacific region.
PHOTO: MUGT B. Ser-Od presented with a car from Micro Globus after participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics
Published: 2024-11-09 | Translated from: isee.mn
Three athletes who represented their country in athletics at the "Paris 2024" Olympics were congratulated by the "Micro Globus" financial institution for their achievements. Specifically, G. Khishigsaykhan and B. Munkhzaya, who participated successfully in the women's marathon at the Olympics, were each awarded 30 million MNT, while B. Ser-Od, who holds the record for the most participations in Olympic athletics in world history, was gifted an MG ROEWE RX-5 car. Subsequently, the honored athlete Ser-Od, who had participated in international competitions and had not returned to his country after the Olympics, arrived back on November 7th. On this occasion, the "Micro Globus" financial group presented him with his car. Interestingly, MUGT B. Ser-Od has participated in the Olympics six times consecutively.
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