Al-Mahdi Airborne Brigade of Special Forces who represented Iran in the International Army Games 2017 won the 4th place at the end of the competitions.

The International Army Games 2017, which will end on August 12, comprises 28 events held in Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kazakhstan and in the Chinese portion of the event held in Guangshui, Hubei province, Al-Mahdi Airborne Brigade of Special Forces, from the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, won the 4th place.

In the field of Suvorov attack each team used its infantry fighting vehicles to cross obstacles that engaged firing targets and finishing three rounds of individual and relay races.

China, Russia, Angola, Iran, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela vied in the competition.

In the field of Clear Sky the competition focused on man-portable air-defense system (MANPAD). Each team used their MANPADS to fire at flying targets.

China, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Iran, and Venezuela vied in the competition. All participants used Chinese military equipment.

In the field of Safe Environment which was a competition on nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance, each team searched for radioactive sources and conducted decontamination.

China, Russia, Belarus, Egypt, and Iran were the participants in the field.

Gunsmith Master was the field of competition in the maintenance section. Each team competed in the area of dismantling and repairing multiple guns. China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran were the participants in the field.

While these four fields were competed in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Airborne Platoon was held in Guangsui. / Meher news /

A collection of strange sculptures by installation artist Aseman Oraee are on display at Saless Art Gallery in Tehran.

‘Existence’ (in Persian: ‘Mojoudiat’) is Oraee’s ongoing exhibition. It is a showcase of sculptures or art installations made with disparate items and materials, glued together, Honaronline reported.

Opened on July 28, the exhibition will run through August 9 at Saless Gallery located at No. 147, Karim Khan Blvd, between  Iranshahr and Mahshahr streets. Visiting hours are from 10 am-9 pm, and on Friday from 4-10 pm.

“The art installations and sculptures actually recount the story of my life,” Oraee said. “The sculptures are the outcome of my own interpretations of everyday facts.”

“As a mother, book reading is among my other routines and all are somehow reflected in the works.”

Referring to a 180 cm-tall sculpture made with a myriad of forks, she says “the fork is no more a fork. Since the day I decided to step beyond the routine life, something changed inside me and the items you see at the exhibit started to undergo transformation.”

/ Financial tribune /

Iran managed to deploy over 2.2 million barrels per day of crude oil to Asian and European markets in July.

Iran’s oil exports, which began rising following implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have now reached stable conditions.

During sanction years, the country’s crude exports stood at one million barrels per day though the figure took an upward trend immediately after sanctions removal.

Moreover, Iran managed in regaining old markets in Europe which had been occupied by rivals during sanction years.

Accordingly, Oil Ministry of Iran has announced that volume of oil exports in July had increased by 45,000 barrels per day as compared to June.

In July, Iran managed to ship over 2.2 million barrels of crude oil to Asian and European markets. With an increase of 100,000 barrels, the country’s crude export to Asian markets reached 1.4 million barrels per day. China, South Korea, India and Japan are major Asian buyer of Iranian crude.

Capacity of Iran’s crude output has also climbed to about four million barrels per day. In the week leading to July 21st, Iran’s heavy crude oil was traded at $45.12 per barrel indicating a $1.56 rise. Price of light crude oil also rise by 1.12 dollars and reached $46.90 per barrel. Iran’s light crude oil has been traded at an average of 48.77 dollars so far in the year 2017. / Meher news /

The 2017 Anyang World Taekwondo Hanmadang wrapped up on Tuesday while the Iranian athletes managed to grab 18 gold, 11 silver and 21 bronze medals in the tournament in South Korea. Iranian athletes snatch 50 colorful medals in South Korea

The 25th championship World Taekwondo Hanmadang was attended by 1,145 male and female Taekwondo athletes from 54 countries.

In a relevant development, Iranian Wushu fighters received five gold and 2 silver medals in Eurasia martial arts competitions held in Georgia.

Iran squad with three Sanda and three Taolu fighters participated in the event. In Sanda field, Iranian athletes in – 45 kg, – 60 kg and – 56 kg weight categories bagged gold medals.

In Taolu section also Iranian athlete Yasin Fathi Moghaddam received a gold medal.

Mohammad Soleiman Pour received a gold medal in Chang chuan field, and a silver medal in Daoshu field. Iranian fighter Masih Keyhan Nejad bagged a silver medal.

The four-day Georgia international Wushu competitions were held with the attendance of Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland and Georgia on July 28-31 in Tbilisi, Georgia. / Irna /

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on July 30, 2017 by Ayatollah

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem Al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure, immaculate and chosen household, especially the one remaining with Allah on earth

You are very welcome dear brothers and sisters, officials, staff and servants of hajj and hajj pilgrims. The fact that this year, the blessing to perform hajj has been provided for our people was good news. Thankfully, the officials of the country from the three branches of government and others who are involved in such affairs examined the different sides of the issue and decided that this year the hajj ceremony should be attended. I hope that Allah the Exalted will make this auspicious path a source of blessing, goodness, bliss and salvation for our dear people.

Hajj is a very important obligation. Perhaps, there is no obligation like hajj among the important Islamic obligations. First of all, there are numerous spiritual capacities in this great and extensive obligation. Those who pursue a spiritual relationship with God Almighty and who are after spirituality and the like can find numerous resources and astonishing capacities in this wajib [mandatory act in Islam] and this great obligation. Spirituality radiates and showers from daily prayers in hajj, from tawaf, from wuquf, from sayi, from ihram [different obligations that Muslims perform during hajj] and from each and every part of this great wajib which is a combination of different components.

If we appreciate the value of this and if we pursue spirituality, we will see that the capacity of hajj is a lot more than other obligations. This is another side of the issue. Moreover, there is a peerless social capacity in hajj as well. Notice that this is a special characteristic of Islamic obligations. Islam places a great emphasis on spirituality, but Islamic spirituality does not mean isolation, monasticism, seclusion and separation from people. A wajib and obligation which includes the most spiritual capacity includes the most social capacity as well.

Hajj is the manifestation of the great presence of the Islamic Ummah, of unity, of unanimity and of the power of the Islamic Ummah. Every year, the greatest gathering of the Ummah takes place in a particular location with clear and transparent circumstances. The Islamic Ummah shows off its presence through hajj. As well as this extrinsic aspect, there is an intrinsic aspect: during hajj, Muslim nations get familiar and establish a close relationship with one another. And they understand each other’s language – by “language”, I do not mean words, rather I mean the culture that dominates everyone’s mind. They get familiar with this language and become close to one another.

This way, doubts and falsehoods are eliminated, enmities are undermined and gradually disappear, hearts get close to each other and hands come to one another’s help. Countries can help one another. Nations can help one another. This is hajj. Now, to what extent those who are in charge of hajj help or allow hajj to be organized in this way, this is a different issue, but hajj is this: a peerless capacity for spirituality and for social presence, and a place for expressing one’s beliefs and the positions of the Islamic Ummah.

This is the secret behind the issue of expressing one’s hatred of the enemies, on which we have placed a great emphasis. Even our magnanimous Imam stated that he does not believe in hajj without this. In hajj, the Islamic Ummah can express its correct, unanimous and accepted positions. Unanimous and accepted by whom? By nations and by peoples! Governments might think and act otherwise. As we see, many Muslim governments are unfortunately taking a path which is different from the wishes of their nations, but the hearts of nations are different from governments. Hajj is a place where nations can express their positions on different matters.

In the present time, the issue of Masjid al-Aqsa and the issue of Quds are important. These are not minor issues. The Zionists have become bold and audacious enough to make things hard for the owners of Masjid al-Aqsa – the Muslims. One day they shut the door, another day they create obstacles, another day they let some people enter and prevent others from entering, and yet on another day they impose age discrimination and they do other such tasks. This is audacity, insolence and brazenness on the part of the usurping and fake Zionist regime.

Well, it is clear that the heart of the Islamic Ummah beats for Masjid al-Aqsa. This is the place for expressing one’s position. Hajj is such a capacity. Hajj is this. Which place can the Islamic Ummah find which is better than Bayt-ullah al-Haram, Makkah, Madina, Arafat, Mash’ar and Mina for expressing what Muslims have to say, what they want and what they think about Palestine and about Masjid al-Aqsa? Which place is better than hajj?

Hajj has such a capacity. Where should we express our positions about the interferences of the US, its malicious presence in Islamic countries and in our region, and its effort to establish these takfiri, terrorist and other such groups? Of course, the most vicious terrorist apparatus is the United States of America itself. America itself is the most vicious terrorist. Hajj is the best place for the Islamic Ummah – all people and all countries – to express its positions and its beliefs. Hajj is such a capacity. This should be appreciated and pursued. This is one issue.

Another issue which is important and which was pointed out by the honorable gentlemen in the meeting – by both Mr. Qazi Askar and the honorable head of the Hajj Organization – is the issue of security: “Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety” [The Holy Quran, 2: 125]. This is the issue. The Holy Quran announces that God has made this place a place of gathering, assembly and security. Security is very important. The safety of hajj pilgrims is one of the most important issues.

We will not forget the bitter incidents that took place in the year 1394 [the incidents that led to the martyrdom of many Iranian and non-Iranian hajj pilgrims]. That incident created great sorrow in the heart of the Islamic Ummah and in the hearts of us Iranians. That incident is not forgettable! That wound cannot be healed. Of course, in that year, hajj officials made many efforts and worked very hard, but the incident was a catastrophic and grave incident anyway. The safety of hajj pilgrims falls on the shoulders of the country which is in charge of the Two Holy Mosques and which has power and control over it. It is that government that should preserve security.

This is our serious and eternal demand: the safety of hajj pilgrims – all hajj pilgrims – should be preserved. Of course, our emphasis is on the Iranian hajj pilgrims. Other governments should demand the safety of their own hajj pilgrims and they should confront this in a serious manner. We have a serious demand. The safety of our hajj pilgrims should be preserved. And the issue is not just about security and safety. Their dignity, welfare and comfort should be preserved as well.

The gentlemen in the meeting raised certain points which are completely correct. Well, you should be vigilant. You should be prepared for every incident that might occur. You should be prepared for every circumstance that might arise. The issue of hajj pilgrims’ comfort and tranquility is very important. Of course, by security and safety, I do not mean that they should create an environment of strict security measures and exert security pressures in a way that hajj pilgrims will experience a difficult time. This is not what I mean. They should be safe and they should have peace of mind.

The catastrophic incidents of Masjid al-Haram and Mina should not be repeated and the memory of those incidents should not be rekindled. After all, there were certain concerns because of those incidents. Fortunately, the officials from the three honorable branches of government gathered in the Supreme National Security Council. They examined the different sides of the matter and they decided and concluded that the hajj ceremony should be attended this year. I hope that by Allah’s favor, this hajj ceremony will be performed in the best way possible.

The issue of Palestine should not be ignored because it is an important issue. In the past decades – in the past 60, 70 years – the issue of Palestine has always been of primary importance, more or less. Today too, it is one of those matters that is of more importance because of the malevolence and viciousness that the Zionists are showing and because of treachery on the part of some heads of Islamic governments. In any case, today, the main pivot of the world of Islam is the issue of Palestine. The main pivot is the issue of Palestine.

The issue of the unity of the Islamic Ummah should receive a lot of attention as well. Today, they are spending money – amounting to billions – in order to create discord and enmity among Islamic denominations. They are spending sums of money which amount to billions in order to do this. No one should help this discord be created. Anyone who helps has participated in their plots and in the otherworldly consequences of this great sin. No one should help this happen.

Hajj pilgrims have certain responsibilities which should be carried out. The honorable hajj pilgrims should attach significance to public prayers. They should attach significance to saying daily prayers on time. They should participate in the public prayers which are held in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabi. Great significance should be attached to the recitation of the Holy Quran – on the days that hajj pilgrims manage to show their presence in the Two Holy Mosques – and to Arafat obligations and Arafat Day.

Roaming the markets should be avoided! I have repeated this over and over again. Markets exist everywhere in the world. There is one in Tehran as well, with all sorts of legal and illegal products. So, markets exist everywhere including in Tehran and other cities. What does not exist in Tehran is Ka’bah! What does not exist in Tehran and in your living environment is Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabi! These are the exclusive places that only exist there. Therefore, they should be benefitted from. Otherwise, markets and various commodities exist everywhere.

You should not spend your valuable time on these things. On the issue of hajj, hajj pilgrims should only think of purifying themselves and their hearts and souls so that they can achieve great spiritual results, God willing. If this happens, then social results will be achieved by Allah’s favor as well.

I ask God to bestow His blessings and kindness on all our dear hajj pilgrims who will depart for hajj this year. I ask Him to bestow worldly and otherworldly protection on them. I also ask Allah the Exalted to bestow His blessings on the officials in charge of hajj affairs. Everyone should be vigilant and careful. Everyone should carry out their duties so that a great and dignified hajj ceremony – in the true sense of the word – will be held this hear, God willing.

Greetings be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings

The Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran is currently working on the production of compost from rice bran and straw so as to prevent its disposal through the environmentally harmful method of burning.

Each year, up to 5 million tons of rice bran and straw are produced in Iran, most of which is burned. The practice is among the biggest environmental problems of agricultural waste disposal in Iran, ISNA reported.

The institute has been conducting a comprehensive plan on quick production of enriched compost from agricultural and urban waste since 2007.

According to Gholamreza Salehi Jozani, an expert at ABRII, the technology of producing enriched bio-compost from urban waste has been developed and transferred to Isfahan Municipality.

The technology enables the production of the material in one month (down from six months) while the final product is of a better quality.

“The fertilizer meets national and international standards and is free of any infection for humans and plants and any unpleasant smell,” he said.

The technology of producing enriched compost from sugarcane bagasse, which was a main issue for sugar factories, has also been developed by the institute.

“Using rice bran and straw to make the fertilizer is next on ABRII’s agenda,” said Salehi.

The expert lamented the lack of high quality equipment for the production of the material in Iran and the numerous challenges facing the industry.

“Due to shortages, the manufactured compost is often of poor quality while its production process is uneconomical,” he said.

Besides, the process often takes three to six months and the product gives off an unpleasant smell.

Benefits of Rice Bran Compost

One of the most eco-friendly methods of disposing solid agricultural and urban waste is by turning it into compost, an organic fertilizer.

Compost is an organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil enricher. It is a key ingredient in organic farming and a perfect replacement for chemical fertilizers.

While the organic compost enhances the soil to create a beneficial environment for plants, fertilizers overload the soil with nutrients. Chemicals in fertilizer can upset the symbiotic relationship of microbes in soil while compost is a naturally balanced mixture of microorganisms that provide a healthy medium for plant growth.

Based on statistics, the amount of organic carbon in soil is less than 1% in 60% of farmlands in Iran. This is while the amount required for sustainable development has been determined at 3%.

The Agriculture Ministry has been tasked with boosting the organic carbon levels by an additional 1%.

“The production of organic fertilizer is an effective method of adding the vital nutrient to soil,” he said.

/ Financial tribune/

The 6th International Urban Film Festival opened at the Art Museum Garden in Tehran on Sunday. Prominent Iranian actress Fatemeh Motamed-Arya was honored at the opening ceremony for years of efforts in Iran cinema, Mehr News Agency reported.

“I hope as members of Iran cinema, we can help reduce the shortcomings in our city and contribute to tranquillity among our citizens,” she said at the event.

Motamed-Arya, 56, is one of the recognized actresses of post-revolutionary Iranian cinema. She has been nominated nine times for the best actress award at the Fajr International Film Festival and won the Crystal Simorgh four times.

She is closely involved in humanitarian work and helps raise funds for charities and contributes to world peace.

The festival’s national cinema category will show drama, documentaries and animations on themes such as civil liberties and duties, cultural changes, nostalgia and urban identity, green space, public participation to solve problems collectively, and urban studies.

Foreign participants in the International Cinema category are from Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Turkey, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Australia, Canada, Belgium and Austria.

An annual festival, it is organized by the Art and Culture Organization of Tehran Municipality. Its main focus is on “significance of city and urbanism on human life.” The event also seeks to promote empathy and moral values in cinematic works.

Cineplexes Mellat and Azadi in Tehran will screen the selected works. The event will wrap up on August 5. / Financial tribune /