Conservation Crackdown: Mongolia is relocating 500–700 marmots annually across aimags, but officials say illegal hunting and trade are still undermining recovery, so nationwide inspections are being intensified; hunting is banned outside the legal window and practices like smoking them from burrows or flooding dens are prohibited. Budget Austerity: The Cabinet approved an austerity package through Dec. 31, 2026, keeping core social spending and essential operations funded while banning non-essential conferences, celebrations, foreign travel (except pre-approved high-level visits), and other discretionary spending. Health Procurement Reform: A new regulation enables single-source procurement of 16 essential strategic pharmaceuticals plus key Factor VIII/IX products from WHO-recognized manufacturers, aiming to save MNT 3.15 billion and reduce counterfeit/substandard risks. Energy Supply Watch: AI-92 petrol imports from Russia continue via Sukhbaatar border, with tank cars unloading for distribution nationwide; officials also note more deliveries are scheduled. Reindeer Heritage: The 8th World Reindeer Herders’ Congress opened in Khuvsgul, with delegates set to adopt the “Tsagaannuur Declaration” on pasture, climate impacts, and indigenous knowledge. Sports & Diplomacy: Mongolia hosted the 11th Asian ITF Taekwon-Do Championships in Ulaanbaatar, while Mongolia and Finland discussed expanding education cooperation.