The Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts emphasized on Tuesday that cooperation between the state and municipalities is crucial for expanding tourism infrastructure and restoring historic urban quarters.
The Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts emphasized on Tuesday that cooperation between the state and municipalities is crucial for expanding tourism infrastructure and restoring historic urban quarters.
Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri made these statements during a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Association of Mayors and accompanying officials. He characterized municipalities as strategic partners of the ministry within the framework of the country's development plans.
According to Salehi-Amiri, successful experiences both domestically and internationally demonstrate that tourism development, expansion of hotel infrastructure, and restoration of historical areas cannot be achieved at the required speed and quality without the active participation of local government.
An agreement was reached with municipalities across the country to facilitate investment in hotels and tourist facilities. Some cities offer reduced municipal fees and lower infrastructure costs to attract investors.
The Minister noted that the construction sector has significant potential for investing in tourism projects, and municipal incentives can help direct capital towards developing tourism infrastructure. He also stressed that the restoration of historical districts and the reconstruction of heritage sites were more successful where municipalities closely interacted with the government, and called for this cooperation to become a national model.
As an example of successful partnership between the state and local authorities, Salehi-Amiri cited the restoration of the Saad al-Saltaneh historical complex in Qazvin. After transferring this site to the municipality, it was transformed into a center for tourism, economic activity, and public use.
The Minister stated that state resources are insufficient to meet the extensive needs for the restoration of historical districts, and that private investors and local authorities must play a more significant role in preserving and utilizing cultural heritage. He also insisted on strengthening the role of municipalities in decision-making at the provincial level, considering local government an important pillar of the country's executive system.
Salehi-Amiri mentioned that many countries have given municipalities a central role in local planning and development, and Iran can benefit from this experience to improve urban governance. The Minister concluded that competition among cities in areas such as handicraft markets, historical district restoration, creative industries, and tourism infrastructure can promote urban economic growth and national development.
Iran is home to numerous historical cities, including Yazd, Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz, Qazvin, Tabriz, and Kermanshah, which contain significant historical districts and cultural heritage sites.
GMC has unveiled the 2027 lineup for the Hummer EV, presenting a special edition called Icon 25 (officially spelled as “ICON | 25”). This edition was conceived to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hummer name.
The anniversary series directly references the Hummer H2, which was launched in 2002 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This model, known for its imposing proportions and characteristic yellow hue, became an icon of its time, and this heritage is what the Icon 25 version seeks to revive.
Available in both SUV and pickup configurations, and offered in 2X or 3X versions, the major highlight of the Icon 25 is the yellow paint inspired by the original H2, a color that received the name “ICON.” The design is finished with a black front shield on the bumper, contrasting with a Jet Black interior scheme.
To emphasize its exclusive nature, each Icon 25 vehicle receives a numbered plaque on the dashboard, along with specific animations in the multimedia system that refer to classic Hummer models, and a commemorative collectible gift. Although GMC has not confirmed the total production volume, images of the numbered plaque suggest a limited run of 250 units, without specifying whether this number covers pickups and SUVs together or separately.
In addition to the nostalgic aesthetic, the 2027 Hummer electric lineup incorporates significant functional improvements. One of the most important is the adoption of the NACS charging standard, used by Tesla, as standard equipment across the entire line, allowing direct access to the Supercharger network without adapters. Bidirectional charging capability has been maintained, enabling the vehicle to act as a home energy source during power outages, provided it is used with the PowerShift charger and the GM Energy V2H kit.
The model year also introduces five new colors (including ICON) and two new 22-inch wheel designs. In terms of off-road capability, the Hummer EV retains features such as rear-axle steering, CrabWalk and King Crab modes, the adaptive Air Ride suspension, and Extract Mode, which raises the body by approximately 15 cm to overcome obstacles. The Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver, the Infinity roof with removable panels, and up to 18 cameras on the pickup remain available.
At the top of the line, the 3X pickup model can reach an impressive 1,176 hp, according to GM estimates, achieving 0 to 96 km/h in just 2.8 seconds when equipped with the optional 24-module battery.
Production of the Icon 25 and the 2027 lineup is scheduled to begin this year at the Factory ZERO plants located in Detroit and Hamtramck. The model will be sold in the United States and Canada, although sales prices are only expected closer to the start of production. However, the arrival of this commemorative edition comes at a challenging time, as Hummer EV sales registered a drop of about 55% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a cooling demand for high-value electric pickups in the United States.
A new study managed to decipher the name of the first known Mayan astronomer-mathematician, Sak Tahn Waax, along with a complex formula dated to 781 AD.
Mayan society began its development in Mesoamerica before the birth of Christ. Over time, it evolved into a vast civilization that, at its peak, housed millions of individuals distributed across the territory that today comprises Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and other nations. Due to social transformations and Spanish colonization, many aspects of this powerful culture were obscured, generating mysteries, especially concerning its mathematicians and astronomers.
Although there are records of calendars, studies of astronomical cycles, and advanced Mayan calculations, much of this knowledge was historically lost, and the names of these geniuses had never been revealed until recently. A recent research, published in the scientific journal Antiquity, allowed for the identification of the name of an 8th-century Mayan astronomer-mathematician. Specialists from American universities focused on a small room found at the archaeological site of Xultun, an ancient Mayan metropolis located in northern Guatemala, immersed in the Petén jungle.
Xultun has been under investigation since the 1920s, but the specific room was only discovered in 2010. Initially, its walls displayed light stains that could be mistaken for dirt. However, these stains were, in fact, worn engravings with content yet to be interpreted. After being neglected, researchers periodically revisited the site.
Using software to intensify the colors of the paintings, researchers noticed that there were eleven glyphs and approximately fifty mathematical microtexts (small notes containing dates, numbers, and calculations). After a meticulous analysis employing drawings, digitally enhanced photographs, and other tools, the team concluded that it was a mathematical equation. This formula, dated to 781 AD, calculated the time required for Mars and Venus to return to the same position relative to the Sun, completing their respective cycles. The inscription consisted solely of mathematical symbols and numbers, without text.
David Stuart, one of the authors of the study, explained to Science Alert that Mayan mathematics encompassed a unique understanding of the relationships and patterns between various temporal cycles, including the ritual count of 260 days, the solar year, and the cycles of Venus and Mars. Researchers speculate that this formula might have served as a foundation for subsequent calculations by the Mayan civilization, such as those found in the famous Dresden Codex, produced centuries later.
In addition to the formula, a name was found: Sak Tahn Waax, which translates to 'White-Chested Fox'. It is likely this is the credit or signature of the formula's creator. Researchers cannot confirm whether Sak Tahn Waax wrote the formula directly on the wall; one possibility is that another person recorded the calculations and credited the author, while another hypothesis suggests that someone wrote the formula and Sak Tahn Waax claimed authorship.
Regardless, researchers characterize the location as a kind of royal scribes' office, where astronomers conducted their studies. Later, the Mayans themselves covered the area with earth and stones when building new structures around it.
Amazon has made a selection of Fire TV Sticks available on promotion, allowing users to upgrade their televisions to the world of streaming or enhance their existing viewing experience. Three distinct options were presented, catering to various needs, from basic HD models to 4K versions with Dolby Vision support. All devices offer Alexa voice control functionality.
The latest model of the Fire TV Stick HD has received a significant update: it is now powered directly by the television, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Its configuration is simplified, and the remote control allows voice commands through Alexa, in addition to offering early access to Alexa+, the most advanced version of the Amazon assistant.
This enhanced Fire TV Stick HD includes a more robust remote control, which integrates essential TV commands, such as volume adjustment and power on/off, along with shortcuts for home automation. It transmits content in HD definition, making it an economical entry point for those who wish to enjoy major streaming services without major complications.
For consumers seeking the highest quality in both picture and sound, the Fire TV Stick 4K is recommended. This model supports Dolby Vision, providing richer colors and contrast in images, and Dolby Atmos, ensuring an immersive sound experience. Additionally, it has Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, ensuring a faster and more stable connection. Like the HD model, it also grants early access to Alexa+.
Due to stock variations during promotional periods, interested parties are advised to visit the available links immediately to secure the model that best suits their requirements. Regardless of whether the goal is to modernize an old TV or elevate the quality to 4K, there is an alternative for every type of user.
