Forex & Macroeconomy: Mongolia’s foreign exchange reserves hit a record $7.9bn at end-July, up 13.67% since the start of 2026, with the central bank saying the level comfortably covers the usual 3–6 months import benchmark and targets $10bn long term. Public Finance: The government moved into austerity mode and approved a regulation to prioritize spending in stages—first salaries and pensions, then essential activities, and later savings on postponable items—after reporting H1 revenue of MNT 14.6tn vs expenditure of MNT 16.7tn (deficit MNT 2.1tn). Energy Security & Fuel: AI-92 petrol imports from Russia are continuing via Sukhbaatar border port, with rail tank cars unloading for distribution across key stations, as Mongolia’s fuel crunch is framed as a demand problem tied to heavy import dependence. Health Procurement: Cabinet approved single-source procurement for 16 essential strategic pharmaceuticals plus key Factor VIII/IX products, aiming for MNT 3.15bn savings and tighter supply and quality controls. AI Infrastructure (Regional): Envision commissioned its “Galaxy Campus” AI data center in Ulanqab, built around direct renewable power to avoid grid delays—an approach that could matter for Mongolia’s own power-and-compute planning. Environment & Diplomacy: India’s ambassador inspected the UNCCD COP17 venue in Ulaanbaatar ahead of the Aug 17–28 summit on restoring land and hope. Business Watch: Mongolian Mining Corporation flagged an expected H1 net profit of $100–110m, driven by higher washed coking coal sales and gold mine production. Conservation & Trade: Mongolia plans tougher nationwide inspections against illegal marmot hunting and trade, with hunting banned outside the licensed season.