Tue Aug 12 16:31:54 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Mumbai Hosts International Astronomy Olympiad, India Emphasizes Tech Focus**

**Mumbai, August 12, 2025** – The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) commenced today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, with India highlighting the critical role of technology in its vision for a developed future (“Viksit Bharat”). Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasized the importance of embracing technology during the opening ceremony.

Over 300 high school students from 64 nations are participating in the 10-day event, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. The theme for this year’s Olympiad is ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam,’ reflecting the ancient Indian concept of “the world is one family under one sky.”

Professor Sood described astronomy as an ecosystem that utilizes advanced tools like computation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning, offering vast potential for future exploration and development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message, underscored India’s commitment to international collaboration and expressed hope that the next major scientific breakthrough could emerge from these young minds.

The Olympiad challenges participants with rigorous theoretical, observational, and data analysis exams. Former Vice President of the International Astronomical Union, Ajit Kembhavi, encouraged the students, suggesting that the Olympiad could inspire their future careers. The IOAA was established in 2006 to foster global interest in astronomy among high school students.

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