Latest news with #Yousefi
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Iran says 'disturbed' by UK arrest of Iranians in terrorism probes
CAIRO -Iran's foreign ministry rejected accusations brought by Britain following the weekend arrest of seven Iranians in two separate counter-terrorism operations, state media reported on Wednesday. Iran says 'disturbed' by UK arrest of Iranians in terrorism probes Four of the detained Iranians were suspected of plotting to target specific premises, while the three others were suspected of involvement in foreign power threat activity, according to British police, who extended their detention until May 10 for questioning. "The unpleasant habit of some British officials in repeating baseless and undocumented claims against Iran is undoubtedly detrimental to bilateral relations and exacerbates Iranians' historical distrust toward the British government," said Alireza Yousefi, the Iranian foreign ministry's director general for Western Europe. Yousefi called for immediate information to be provided to Iran regarding the reasons for detaining the Iranian nationals. On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on X that he was "disturbed" to learn of the arrests but that Tehran was ready to assist in investigations if "credible allegations of misconduct are established." British Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said on Sunday that the two counter-terror operations were "some of the biggest counter state threats" the country had seen in recent years. The arrests came as the UK government had placed Iran on the highest tier of its foreign influence register, requiring Tehran to register everything it does to exert political influence in Britain. The head of MI5 domestic spy agency, Ken McCallum, said last year that since 2022, officers have responded to 20 Iran-backed plots which posed lethal threats to British citizens and residents. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Hopes AI can help with farm data
Mahgol Yousefi. PHOTO: SUPPLIED AI could help farmers make their lives easier, a Southland farming open day was told yesterday. Canterbury University PhD student Mahgol Yousefi spoke at the Southern AgriTech and Innovation Day at Waimumu yesterday, talking about the science behind her chatbot-for-farmers project. She was also there to continue her conversations with farmers on how to make their work lives easier with AI, by combining all their data and applications into one interface, she said. Farmers already had multiple apps and information sources they consulted daily, but her project aimed to create a chatbot to provide the information all in one place, Ms Yousefi said. "There are 10 different applications that they need to go find the information that they are looking for and they might not find at the end, or it takes time for them to do that." She hoped to create a dashboard with elements like soil moisture, cow health data and fertiliser all in one place, she said. A chatbot could take all the information and give insight in natural, conversational language, which would be easier to understand. One way the technology could be used was by connecting a weather forecast server with soil moisture data and giving ideas for irrigation planning. Or, in one step further, it could adjust the irrigation settings remotely with a simple vocal command, she said. Her project is funded by crown research institute AgResearch. AgResearch senior science engineer Mos Sharifi said the institute approached the university to research the chatbot around 2021, which was timed quite nicely with the rapid advances in AI in the last couple of years. The technology could be used by farmers to help them with their paperwork and to keep up with regulations, such as assurance reporting, he said. Assurance reporting is when farmers have to provide evidence of their farm's yield as well as their commitment to things like animal welfare and food safety. Ms Yousefi had been working with data from Dairy NZ, which had information on all the standard operating procedures farmers had to follow in the form of hundreds of digital documents, Mr Sharifi said. The AI could scan the digital documents and deliver the answer quickly. "These chatbots can connect the dots," Ms Yousefi said.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Google Doodle celebrates Persian New Year, Nowruz 2025
Listen to article Google commemorated the arrival of spring with a special Doodle marking the Persian New Year, Nowruz 2025. This year, the celebration of Nowruz coincides with the first day of spring on March 20. The Doodle was designed by Pendar Yousefi, and was released as part of Google's global recognition of the 3,000-year-old tradition that heralds renewal, hope, and the victory of light over darkness. Pendar Yousefi is a California-based UX designer known for his work on breaking down language barriers and creating inclusive digital experiences. In addition to his career in design, Yousefi has a passion for storytelling and art, and has recently released his first children's book. The Doodle is a celebration of Nowruz's deep cultural heritage and its message of unity, renewal, and hope. Through his work, Yousefi has captured the essence of this festive occasion, which unites people from different backgrounds and regions. For those unfamiliar, Google Doodles are short-lived artistic variations of the Google logo. They frequently appear to honour significant historical events, holidays, and notable figures worldwide. This specific Doodle, celebrating Nowruz, highlights the festival's rich cultural history and its widespread observance across various regions. What is Nowruz? Nowruz, meaning 'New Day' in Persian, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and is celebrated by millions across the globe. Originating in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz signifies rebirth, the arrival of spring, and the triumph of light over evil. Traditionally celebrated for 13 days, Nowruz's observances take place in countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus, parts of South Asia, and even Europe. In the Persian tradition, families set up the Haft-Sīn table, a carefully arranged display of seven symbolic objects, each beginning with the Persian letter 'S'. These items represent different virtues or elements: Sabzeh (sprouts or wheatgrass) – symbolizes rebirth and renewal Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – signifies strength and prosperity Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) – stands for love and wisdom Seer (garlic) – represents health and protection Seeb (apple) – symbolizes beauty and good health Somāq (sumac berries) – represents the sunrise and patience Serkeh (vinegar) – signifies wisdom and the passage of time The period leading up to Nowruz is filled with customs meant to purify the home and prepare for the New Year. One such practice is Khāne-takāni, or spring cleaning, which is believed to drive away negative energy and make space for new beginnings. An exciting part of the Nowruz celebrations is the fire-jumping festival known as Chaharshanbe Suri, held on the final Wednesday before Nowruz. During this festival, people chant phrases meant to dispel bad luck and welcome health and energy. This is followed by jumping over bonfires, a symbolic act of purification and renewal. Families also gather to visit relatives, exchange gifts, and indulge in special Nowruz dishes like Ash Reshteh (a thick noodle soup) and Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish). The 13-day celebration concludes with Sizdeh Bedar, a day dedicated to outdoor festivities and connecting with nature, marking the end of the Nowruz festivities.
