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Mongolia Manages Cold Snap, Smuggling Probe and Ring Road Tender Delay as Iran Starts Cloud Seeding

Authorities are moving from storm alerts to recovery, prioritising technology-driven tax changes to counter revenue shortfalls.

Overview

  • Weather forecasters say November 17 will be mostly dry with slightly easing cold after weekend snow, with Ulaanbaatar around −9 to −11°C and only light snow risk midweek in parts of Khentii.
  • Emergency services reported two thin-ice vehicle incidents over the weekend and, year to date, 23 ice-break callouts with 16 vehicles recovered and 22 people rescued, urging the public to stay off frozen rivers and lakes.
  • Intelligence officers said they halted a large gold-smuggling attempt at the Zamyn‑Uud crossing on November 14 and detained Mongolian and foreign suspects as the investigation continues.
  • Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar directed the tax authority to modernise using technology and an advisory approach to improve collections after officials reported significant shortfalls versus the 2025 plan.
  • Ulaanbaatar moved the opening of international bids for the 24.8 km First Ring Road to December 1, with plans for bridges, a tunnel and a 36‑month build, while abroad Iran began cloud seeding over the Urmia basin and Mexican officials reported over 120 injuries in Mexico City protest clashes; DPR authorities also announced a proposed “war tourism” program, as reported by RIA Novosti.