TEHRAN – Five Iranian female students have won gold medals at the World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) 2025 held from December 3 to 8 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Parnyian Heidarian, Fatemeh Mazini, Sarina Kiaei-Jamali, Sania Kiaei-Jamali, and Helena Aghaei-Hamlabad are the five young students who secured five gold medals at the competition, IRNA reported.

The 2025 competition brought together participants from 30 countries, including China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Bulgaria.

The competition aims to strengthen understanding and communication among youths from different regions, help them foster friendships worldwide, cultivate the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, enhance their interest in mathematics, and improve their thinking abilities.

Promoting communication and cooperation among mathematicians and mathematics educators from around the globe, and helping to advance the development of mathematics education, are among the other goals of the competition.

Recent achievements

Iranian students secured three gold medals and a special award in the International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) 2025, ranking them among the top innovators worldwide.

Organized by the Indonesian Young Scientist Association (IYSA), the competition was held in Bali from November 12 to 15.

Iranian students competed in various fields, including biotechnology, educational technology, artificial intelligence, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, and nanotechnology.

Raman Nafarieh won a gold medal and a special award in biotechnology.  The team, comprising Radin Abbasi and Sam Rashidi, clinched a gold medal in engineering. Moreover, Matin Hayati won a gold medal in educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Iranian students continued to showcase their excellence at international competitions by winning medals at the Yakutia International Science Fair (YISF) and the World Invention Creativity Olympics (WICO).

YISF was held in Yakutsk, Russia, from July 6 to 9. The event brought together 129 teams from 10 countries, participating in two different categories.

The first category included mathematics, computer science, and information technology, and the second one involved physics, astronomy, and engineering.

In the second category, Mehran Rajabi and Alireza Jafarnejad ranked first for their project titled ‘EcoNet Bin: AI-Driven Waste Segregation with IoT-Enabled’.

‘Protecting Curious Little Minds: A Smart Child Safety Solution with IoT and Image Processing’ was the name of the project presented by Moeid Rajabi and Helena Rajabi, who secured second place.

Artin Radmatin, Baran Bahman, Mohammad-Hossein Ezzati, Niki Abtahi, Sarina Nosrati, and Baran Derakhshandeh won third place for ‘Evaluation of the effect of using magnetic gear in improving the performance of process systems based on mechanical gear’.

Also, Zhina Aminorroaya-Karladani grabbed the special prize for her project, ‘UVGuard Grooming Brush’.

In the first category, Artin Salari and Amir-Abbas Kavosi Amin ranked second for ‘Smart Glasses for the Blind with Real-Time Object Detection.

Ilia Majidzadeh Heravi and Parsa Karimi Yazdi came in third for their project titled ‘CommuniMate SmartApp: An Innovative Solution for Deaf Communication’.

Source: TEHRAN TIMES

Tehran, IRNA – President Masoud Pezeshkian says it is inconceivable to assign women any status or value lower than that of men, stressing that “women are the pillars of society and the builders of the country and its future.”

The Iranian Aerospace Research Institute’s PR manager says Iran has been constantly pursuing space sciences.

Morteza Nikkho, secretary of World Space Week in Iran, said at the opening ceremony that this gathering was established by a 1999 United Nations General Assembly resolution and has now become the largest international event dedicated to space. He explained that the main goals are to educate the public on the benefits of space exploration, promote sustainable development, build public support for space programs, and encourage the next generation to pursue space sciences. The week also emphasizes the expansion of international cooperation in the field.

This year’s theme, “Space and Sustainability,” focuses on humanity’s efforts to make space a livable environment. Nikkho said the theme highlights innovative technologies, major challenges, and the role of international partnerships in achieving that goal.
Last year more than 1,567 events were held in 90 countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran, with 284 registered events, ranked among the top ten countries and even placed third in some categories. Nikkho said several provinces, including Isfahan, Yazd, Fars,

Razavi Khorasan, and East Azerbaijan, played a leading role. East Azerbaijan, he noted, has already started its programs this year, including outreach sessions for children.
He underlined that Iran’s Space Agency, the Space Research Center Space, and the Aerospace Research Institute are central to promoting space sciences. Also universities, schools, scientific associations, private organizations, and knowledge-based companies actively participate.

Among this year’s special programs are stargazing nights, the distribution of books, simple astronomy and space lessons for children, webinars, and distributing educational materials in underprivileged areas.

He stressed the role of media in raising public awareness of space science and said intensive training courses will soon be launched for journalists to introduce key concepts and terminology.

Nikkho concluded that, given the climate change, shrinking natural resources, and natural disasters, space technologies can play a decisive role in managing resources, confronting crises, and improving quality of life. /MNA/

A total of 268 tourism projects were inaugurated simultaneously via video conference by Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri on Wednesday.

They include 33 hotels and hotel apartments, 98 traditional and eco-tourism residences, 26 traditional dining halls, 12 tourism complexes, and 99 other tourism facilities, which, with a total investment of over 130 trillion rials (some $130 million), will provide employment for 2,830 people.

Speaking at a ceremony which was held in a boutique hotel in downtown Tehran, Salehi-Amiri appreciated the efforts of investors in the tourism sector.

Talking to officials of Ilam province, the minister said, “Ilam is one of the centers of Iranian civilization and a province with unparalleled tourism potential, warm and hospitable people, and valuable handicrafts. This province has a special status in the tourism industry not only due to its rich history and culture, but also as a host to millions of pilgrims to the holy shrines.”

After inaugurating Qazvin tourism projects, he said that Qazvin is a province rooted in Iranian civilization, with magnificent historical monuments such as the Saad-ol-Saltaneh complex and beautiful handicrafts. It has extensive potential to become one of the country’s most important tourism destinations, he pointed out. Its proximity to the capital is also a strategic advantage for further boosting Qazvin’s tourism, he added.

The minister also inaugurated Khorasan Razavi projects and said Khorasan Razavi province is the major pilgrimage tourism hub of the country and along with it, other areas of tourism have also grown significantly.

“The appropriate infrastructure of this province has made Mashhad a reliable center for holding national and international events. We expect this province to be a model for other provinces in the country.”

Following the inauguration of Bushehr tourism projects, he emphasized the importance of marine tourism. “Bushehr is a vital point in Iran’s geography. This province has a great potential in marine tourism and more investment should be made in this area. Fortunately, the private sector is also active in this field and a bright future awaits marine tourism in the south of the country.”

He continued that Semnan is province with unique tourism potentials and is considered both economic and tourism destination.

“This province, with its special position in desert trekking and hosting Razavi pilgrims, can become one of the country’s important tourism hubs. The role of the private sector in this direction is very decisive, and we consider the private sector to be the driving force behind tourism development.”

Salehi-Amiri pointed out that the three northern provinces are the beautiful image of Iran in the minds of domestic and foreign tourists. With the launch of marine tourism projects in the north of the country, a significant boom will take place in the tourism industry of these provinces, especially Mazandaran, and new horizons will be opened in the development of national tourism, he added.

Also, Deputy Tourism Minister Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpei said that $160 million was allocated for tourism and handicrafts sector in current Iranian year, while $25 million was allocated in the last Iranian year.

He added: “Strategies to identify the status of tourism in the governance system were important to us. Iran, with a history of more than 60,000 years, has an active and talented private sector in all fields that can flourish those different sectors. Considering the capabilities to strengthen the place of tourism in the governance system, we witnessed changes in this sector.”

Mohseni Bandpei also said: “By developing the ecotourism and empowering local communities, we can achieve reverse migration and tourism development. The Minister of Economy said that tourism can be the driving force of the country’s economy, which is indeed the case.”

Stating that Iran is one of the most attractive countries in the world, he added that despite Iranophobia, Iranian tourism is active in the fields of pilgrimage, health tourism, etc.

He continued: “Another of our strategies is to facilitate processes and use the private sector so that we can achieve sustainable tourism.” /T.T/

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, aka Mowlana or Rumi, remains a global literary and spiritual icon. His profound friendship with Shams encouraged Rumi to create a masterpiece in Persian culture.

Rumi was born to native Persian-speaking parents on the Eastern shores of the then Persian Empire on September 30, 1207, in the city of Balkh which is now part of Afghanistan, and finally settled in the town of Konya, in what is now Turkey.

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, universally celebrated as Rumi, is revered not only as a pinnacle of Persian literature but as a preeminent mystic and poet for the entire world.

The 8th of Mehr in the Iranian calendar marks an important cultural occasion for Iranians, honoring the renowned Iranian poet Rumi, whose stature in Persian poetry is universally recognized.

This pivotal relationship inspired Rumi’s vast and enduring body of work. His poetry, often categorized into masterpieces like the “Masnavi” and the “Divan-e Shams-e Tabriz,” explores complex themes of metaphysics, ethics, and divine love. Written in Persian, his verses articulate a universal language for the human soul, securing his title, Mowlana, meaning “our master.”

Rumi, also known as Mowlana, is widely regarded as one of the most significant poets in Persian (Farsi) literature and a prominent poet and mystic internationally. A pivotal moment in Rumi’s life occurred on November 30, 1244, when he met the itinerant dervish and holy man, Shams al-Dīn of Tabriz, in the streets of Konya.

It is possible that he had initially encountered Shams in Syria. Shams-e Tabrizi (1185–1248) became the spiritual guide for Mowlana and is deeply revered throughout Rumi’s poetic works, particularly in the ‘Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi’ (‘The Works of Shams of Tabriz’), which is written in Persian.

Mowlana’s poetry is often categorized into several distinct groups: the quatrains (rubaiyat) and odes (ghazals) found in the Divan, the six volumes of the Masnavi, his various discourses and letters, as well as the lesser-known Six Sermons.

Rumi’s most significant work is the “Masnavi,” also known as “Masnavi-ye Manavi” (Spiritual Couplets), which he composed in Persian (Farsi). He is particularly famous for this six-volume masterpiece, regarded by many scholars as one of the greatest achievements in Islamic mysticism.

Another well-known collection of his poetry in Persian is “Divan-e Shams-e Tabriz,” which consists of poems dedicated to Shams of Tabriz.

Rumi’s poetry is characterized by a deeply mystic quality that resonates with the universal language of the human soul.

The “Masnavi” is a comprehensive mystical treatise exploring complex issues in metaphysics, religion, ethics, and mysticism, while also proposing resolutions to these challenges.

His poetry is prominently displayed on the walls of many cities throughout Iran, set to music in Persian songs, and included in educational textbooks.

His words, born from a transformative friendship in 13th-century Konya, now offer wisdom and solace to people around the globe.

His influence pervades diverse artistic expressions, inspiring musicians and visual artists who seek to capture the ecstatic spirit of his verse. His teachings, emphasizing love, tolerance, and inner peace, have found fertile ground in interfaith dialogues and spiritual movements worldwide.

Rumi’s message transcends the limitations of language and culture, inviting all to embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine union.

The essence of Rumi’s teachings lies in the transformative power of love – a love that encompasses both the earthly and the divine.

He encourages his readers to shed their ego, embrace vulnerability, and open their hearts to the boundless ocean of divine grace.

His poetry is replete with metaphors and allegories that illuminate the path to spiritual enlightenment, guiding seekers through the labyrinth of the human condition.

Moreover, Rumi’s legacy is not confined to the realm of poetry and spirituality. His life serves as a testament to the importance of human connection and the transformative potential of friendship.

The bond between Rumi and Shams-e Tabrizi exemplifies the power of mentorship and the profound impact that one individual can have on another’s spiritual journey.

Their relationship, though shrouded in mystery and legend, continues to inspire countless individuals to seek out meaningful connections and cultivate deep, authentic relationships.

In essence, Rumi’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to articulate the universal longings of the human heart. His poetry offers solace to the weary, guidance to the lost, and inspiration to those seeking a deeper connection with the divine.

As Mowlana, he remains a beacon of light, illuminating the path to spiritual awakening and reminding us of the transformative power of love, compassion, and inner peace.

His message echoes through the corridors of time, inviting all to embrace the beauty and mystery of existence and to embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads to the ultimate union with the divine.

He departed this life on December 17, 1273, in Konya. Centuries after his passing, Rumi’s voice continues to resonate with unwavering power, transcending national and doctrinal boundaries.

From the walls of Iranian cities to the pages of modern translations, the legacy of Mowlana endures not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing guide for the human spirit’s eternal quest for meaning and connection with the divine. /MNA/

Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour

The Iranian short film “Ramy” written and directed by Pouyan Rostami and produced by Kasra Tirsahar won two awards at this season edition of the Best Shorts Competition in California, the U.S.

The film won the Award of Merit for its cinematography by Tirsahar and also an Award of Recognition for the leading actress Houra Pakizehdel, IRNA reported.

“Ramy” marks the professional debut of Rostami as writer and director. It offers a poetic, visually striking exploration of grief and liberation. Salar Saki, Houra Pakizehdel, and Ramin Yahyazadeh perform in the film.

The 10-minute film happens in the heart of a forest, where a group of women carry a coffin on their shoulders, while a grieving woman follows them, wailing and crying out. Unmoved by her cries, the women proceed toward a cemetery.

Established in 2011, Best Shorts Competition is an avant-garde worldwide competition that strives to give talented directors, producers, actors, creative teams, and new media creators the positive exposure they deserve. It discovers and honors the achievements of filmmakers who produce high-quality shorts and new media. The talented award winners have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys, Tellys, and other awards.

T.T/

Iran’s agriculture exports rose by 32 percent in the previous Iranian calendar year (ended in late March), Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Qezeljeh said on Saturday.

According to the official, the sector grew by 5.6 percentage points last year, rebounding from a negative 2.4 percent contraction to reach positive growth of 3.2 percent.

Speaking at the opening of the National Conference on the New Crop Year, Nouri said the improvement exceeded the 5.5 percent growth target set under Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan.

The trade deficit in agriculture also narrowed by $3.0 billion, improving from minus $11 billion to minus $8.0 billion, he said.

“This is a big step in the economic development of the agricultural sector,” Nouri added, noting that the gains marked a shift in both production and external trade.

The minister credited farmers’ management and resilience during drought conditions, saying no food shortages occurred and domestic demand was met, including during the New Year season without reliance on public funds.

The minister outlined several outcomes in the latest crop year, including a reduction in foreign currency demand for basic imports from $16.4 billion to $8.0 billion, saving $1.0 billion in debt repayments, a 27 percent rise in sugar output moving toward self-sufficiency, a 12 percent increase in fish farming, and a 27 percent expansion in aquaculture.

He said Iran is planning for self-sufficiency in tropical fruits, especially bananas, to reduce import dependency. Distribution of farm inputs in rural and nomadic areas rose by 22 percent, while the penetration of subsidized inputs among villagers increased by 29 percent.

Other achievements included a seven percent increase in raw milk production, a 54 percent rise in tropical fruit output, a 15 percent growth in input production, a 69 percent expansion in insurance coverage, and participation in 230 international events.

Future plans include self-sufficiency in meat production and reducing import reliance, Nouri said, though challenges such as water scarcity remain. He emphasized the use of modern technology to boost efficiency in water use and resource management.

T.T/

Head of Iran’s Space Research Center said the Pars-1 sensing satellite will likely be launched in December, while the Nahid-2 telecom satellite is set for launch before February.

Vahid Yazdanian, head of the Iranian Space Research Center, announced that Iran plans to launch two satellites in the coming months as part of its expanding space program.

Speaking on Saturday, Yazdanian said that the Pars-1 satellite, designed for remote sensing, is scheduled to be launched in the coming months, likely in December.

He added that the second version of the Nahid-2 satellite, built by the Space Research Center, will also be launched with a domestic launcher before the Ten-Day Dawn national celebrations in February.

Providing technical details, Yazdanian explained that Nahid-2 is a telecommunications satellite with a planned two-year lifespan, weighing 120 kilograms, and set to be placed in a 500-kilometer orbit. The satellite has an orbital inclination of 55 degrees, uses chemical propulsion with one-newton thrust, and an average power capacity of 49 watts. Its frequency bands include KU, X, and UHF.

He concluded that during World Space Week, Iran will try to release “good news” about Nahid-2’s operational stability and KU-band performance. The KU band, he noted, enables satellite-based relay communications and data transmission, which Iran aims to expand in the near future.

MNA/