Desertification Fight: Mongolia says it has planted 140 million trees since launching its “Billion Trees” drive in 2021, with the latest autumn push bringing thousands of volunteers to Ulaanbaatar and pest-control surveys covering millions of hectares. Fuel Shortage Politics: Mongolia’s Democratic Party criticized the government over months of fuel shortages, alleging weak action and questioned public subsidies for fuel storage loans. Diplomatic Consultations: Mongolia and Australia held their sixth foreign-ministry political consultations in Canberra, discussing deeper cooperation in defense, trade, energy, mining, education, tourism, and consular services. Energy & Trade Ties: Kazakhstan and Mongolia reviewed plans to expand cooperation, including a target to multiply bilateral trade fivefold and new air-route prospects. Regional Security Drills: Mongolia took part in Russia’s Center-2026 exercises, where China also joined with tanks, drones, and unmanned systems. Public Health Alarm: A suspected plague case in Siberia after a lab worker’s death triggered quarantine and monitoring of nearly 200 people, drawing accusations of a cover-up. Asian Games Spotlight: Mongolia’s wrestlers and jiu-jitsu athletes featured in medal bouts, including a Mongolia wrestler facing India for bronze in men’s freestyle 97kg.