Hosna Salimi, an Iranian PhD student in Indian Studies at the University of Tehran, has been awarded “Young Researcher of the Year” at the 2025 BRICS and SCO Young Leaders Award ceremony in Kazan, Russia. Competing against over 400 participants from 13 countries, Salimi’s recognition underscores her significant contributions to research relevant to contemporary issues in BRICS and SCO nations. Nominated by the Asian Mayors Forum, her achievement reflects the university’s commitment to fostering global talent. This accolade highlights the importance of young leaders in addressing global challenges and serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers and leaders.
The Iranian Space Agency plans to launch three advanced satellites—Zafar, Paya, and Kosar—this winter, enhancing Tehran’s remote sensing capabilities. Scheduled for simultaneous launch in less than six weeks, these satellites will focus on precision imaging for land resource management, environmental monitoring, and the development of Iran’s space economy. The Kosar satellite, developed by a private company, features high-resolution imaging for agriculture and urban mapping. Paya will monitor environmental resources, while Zafar aids in land-use planning. This launch signifies a major step in Iran’s space technology and collaboration between public and private sectors, boosting its global standing in space exploration.
Global tech stocks fell sharply on Tuesday, following a major sell-off triggered by the launch of China’s low-cost AI model, DeepSeek. Nvidia’s shares plummeted 17% on Monday, erasing $593 billion in market value—the largest single-day loss for a company. Other tech firms like Oracle and Palantir saw minor gains, but European tech struggled. The market’s reaction highlighted concerns over inflated valuations and the competitive landscape of AI. Analysts noted that high leverage and algorithmic trading exacerbated the sell-off, which underscores the risks in the tech sector as major companies prepare to report earnings this week.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have induced a previously unperceived color, named “olo,” by targeting specific retinal cone cells with laser pulses. This groundbreaking experiment suggests that humans may not have experienced every possible color before. The study, which isolated stimulation to medium-wavelength-sensitive (M) cones, has drawn skepticism from some experts who argue it may simply be a more saturated green. Nonetheless, the findings could advance our understanding of color perception and have potential applications in color blindness and eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. However, the technology is not expected to be available for public use soon.
As Western sanctions strain Iran’s economy, the pharmaceutical and tech sectors are pivoting towards self-sufficiency, particularly in healthcare. Zist Takhmir, a leading pharmaceutical company, is making significant progress in producing essential medications, including cancer treatments, while adhering to strict safety protocols. Operating from Tehran’s Pardis Technology Park, Zist Takhmir is also increasing probiotic production. The park fosters local manufacturing of medical equipment, fulfilling 85% of new hospital needs and producing around 10,000 medical beds annually. Despite the complexities of nuclear negotiations, Iran’s focus on domestic production aims to bolster healthcare resilience amid external pressures.
Iran has bolstered its presence in Latin America by launching a $10 million fiber optic plant in Venezuela, aimed at showcasing its technological capabilities and fulfilling local demands. This facility will reduce Venezuela’s reliance on imports and create job opportunities while positioning Iran as a regional telecommunications hub. Additionally, Iran’s collaboration with Oman aims to establish a data transit corridor connecting to Central Asia and Africa, enhancing regional connectivity. This strategic move aligns with Iran’s goal to diversify economic partnerships and expand its influence in Latin America, potentially attracting further investments and solidifying its role in global technology diplomacy.