Monetary Tightening: Mongolia’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.5 points to 12.5% and lifted the reserve requirement ratio to 14.5%, citing July inflation near 13% driven by fuel, food and regulated prices. Rail Infrastructure: The Bagakhangai–Khushig Valley–Emeelt railway (214.9 km) is set to open next month as the government pushes faster right-of-way clearance and unified project management. Fuel Security: Mongolia secured extra Russian AI-92 gasoline and aviation fuel to build August reserves, while also noting ongoing efforts to diversify aviation fuel sources. Digital Policy: Cabinet approved a National AI Council to coordinate Mongolia’s AI and big-data initiatives and speed up the digital economy agenda. Education Financing: Mongolia’s education ministry met the new ADB country director and expects to finalize a USD 130m education-sector loan agreement. Aviation & Trade Links: Air China launched the first scheduled international C919 service, Beijing–Ulaanbaatar, using a bilateral airworthiness recognition pathway—an aviation milestone with clear business implications for regional connectivity. Critical Minerals: China is expanding the Bayan Obo rare-earth mine in Inner Mongolia by 50% to boost ore processing capacity, reinforcing the supply race for high-tech inputs.