SK Telecom Launches Dedicated AI Data Center Business Development Company to Kick Off ‘Asia’s AI Infrastructure Hub’ Push

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea crude bypass peaks in March and declines 41% by June, Wood Mackenzie data shows

Gulf crude exports fall 82% from January to June; Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar record zero exports as Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, July 24 –Saudi Arabia redirected virtually all crude exports through its East-West Petroline to Yanbu on the Red Sea following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February, reaching a peak of approximately 4.07 million barrels per day in March. By June, those volumes had declined to approximately 2.39 million barrels per day — a 41% reduction from peak, according to Wood Mackenzie vessel tracking and cargo data.

Gulf crude exports fall 82% from January baseline

From January to June 2026, crude exports from the Middle East Gulf fell 82%, from an average of 18.8 million barrels per day across 370 cargoes to approximately 3.4 million barrels per day across 71 cargoes, according to Wood Mackenzie’s MEC tracking data.

The Strait of Hormuz carried approximately 11.4 million barrels per day of crude capacity in January and February 2026, averaging 6.3 large crude carrier movements per day according to Wood Mackenzie’s VesselTracker. Following US-Israel strikes on Iran on 28 February, traffic through the strait effectively ceased. By early July, large crude carrier movements had partially recovered to approximately 4.4 vessels per day — down 30% from pre-conflict levels — with Suezmax outbound transits at zero, transit vessel counts down 97% from pre-conflict norms, and freight rates approximately three times pre-conflict levels.

Iraq, which exported 3.77 million barrels per day in January, recorded zero exports by June. Kuwait fell from 1.19 million barrels per day to zero from April. Qatar, at 0.72 million barrels per day in January, also recorded zero from April. All three producers are entirely dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for seaborne crude access and have no pipeline bypass alternative. The UAE maintained a diminished position of approximately 0.56 million barrels per day in June, accounting for 68.6% of all non-Saudi Gulf exports in the June-July period.

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea pivot peaks — then declines

Saudi Arabia’s response was to shift crude exports through the East-West Petroline to Yanbu, its Red Sea terminal. In March, 86.7% of Saudi liftings originated from Yanbu, representing 121.9 million barrels across 77 cargoes at an average of approximately 4.07 million barrels per day. That concentration rose to 93.6% in April, 94.3% in May and 98.6% in June, with only a single cargo of approximately one million barrels clearing the Gulf at Ju’aymah during the month.

Despite the near-total concentration of exports through Yanbu, volumes have declined steadily from the March peak. By June, Yanbu loadings had fallen to approximately 2.39 million barrels per day — a 41% reduction from the March peak and a 66% decline from Saudi Arabia’s January total export level of approximately 7.96 million barrels per day across both Gulf and Red Sea terminals.

The destination profile for Saudi Red Sea crude in June and July reflects a clear shift toward South and East Asian markets. Of recorded cargoes, 11 were directed to Ain Sukhna in Egypt for onward pipeline movement, five to Malacca, four to Karachi, three each to New Mangalore and Sikka in India, and two each to Ulsan and Yeosu in South Korea and Yokkaichi in Japan. No direct European crude deliveries were recorded from Saudi Red Sea terminals during this period.

Refined product flows from the region have continued at reduced levels. Wood Mackenzie’s Global Refined Waterborne Products tracking recorded 171 MEG-origin product cargoes in June and July, including jet fuel deliveries to Pembroke in the United Kingdom and Le Havre in France and ULSD movements to Constantza in Romania. Four product cargoes loaded at Jubail on the Saudi Gulf coast in early July, indicating limited commercial passage for smaller vessels.

“For months, the market treated Yanbu as the answer to Hormuz risk,” said Ian Solis, data analyst, Tech/Maritime-Ops for Wood Mackenzie. “The problem is that Yanbu has its own chokepoint. If Bab al-Mandeb comes under sustained disruption from a declared Houthi naval blockade, Asia stands to lose a major crude supply artery. What looked like diversification was in reality a shift from one strategic bottleneck to another.”

Author Vidhi Mardia Launches Her Latest Book ‘The Voice Within’ A Bilingual Poetry Collection That Speaks to the Heart

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon Presents ‘Due Coste’ – A Four Hands Culinary Collaboration: A Celebration of Italy’s Two Coasts

Gurgaon, July 24: Grand Hyatt Gurgaon invites guests to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey with ‘Due Coste’, an exclusive Four Hands Experience at Cena Pranzo, taking place from 7 to 9 August 2026.

Bringing together two of Hyatt India’s acclaimed Italian chefs – Chef Mauro Ferrari of Cena Pranzo and Chef Fabrizio Berretta of La Piazza, Hyatt Regency Delhi – the collaboration celebrates the rich diversity of Italy’s culinary traditions, from the rustic countryside to the Mediterranean coastline. Rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship, the specially curated menu showcases regional flavours, seasonal ingredients, and timeless Italian techniques, reimagined with contemporary finesse.

“At Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences that celebrate authenticity, craftsmanship, and meaningful collaborations. Bringing together Chef Mauro Ferrari and Chef Fabrizio Berretta – two outstanding custodians of Italian cuisine within the Hyatt family – reflects our shared passion for excellence and our vision of offering experiences that go beyond dining. ‘Due Coste’ is a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, brought to life through the creativity, expertise, and camaraderie of two remarkable chefs, and we are delighted to welcome guests to this exclusive gastronomic journey,” said Tarun Seth, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon.

Chef Mauro Ferrari has established Cena Pranzo as a destination for authentic Italian dining through handcrafted pastas, regional recipes, premium ingredients, and warm trattoria-style hospitality. Joining him is Chef Fabrizio Berretta, whose culinary philosophy at La Piazza is rooted in preserving traditional Italian recipes while presenting them with refined contemporary elegance.

Together, the chefs present a menu that celebrates Italy’s regional diversity- from delicate seafood sourced from its pristine coastlines to artisanal cheeses, premium meats, and handcrafted pastas inspired by the country’s countryside.

Highlights from the menu include Scallops & Black Truffle, balancing sweet scallops with creamy stracciatella and aromatic truffle; Sea Urchin Spaghetti, one of Italy’s most iconic coastal dishes; Gorgonzola DOP Risotto with fresh pears; and Milk-Braised Pork, a Northern Italian classic showcasing the beauty of slow cooking. These are only a preview of the culinary experience, with the complete menu available exclusively during the three-day event.

“Italian cuisine is built on simplicity, allowing exceptional ingredients to speak for themselves. This collaboration celebrates the diversity of Italy’s culinary traditions – from the mountains and countryside to the Mediterranean coast, through dishes that honour heritage while embracing contemporary refinement. Cooking alongside Chef Fabrizio makes this experience especially meaningful, as we share the same passion for authenticity, craftsmanship, and creating memorable moments around the table,” said Chef Mauro Ferrari, Chef de Cuisine, Cena Pranzo, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon.

“The beauty of Italian cuisine lies in its ability to tell a story through every ingredient, technique, and region it represents. For this Four Hands Experience, we’ve curated a menu that reflects the flavours we grew up with while bringing together our individual culinary perspectives. It is a celebration of tradition, friendship, and the joy of sharing authentic Italian cuisine with guests who appreciate genuine flavours and heartfelt hospitality,” added Chef Fabrizio Berretta, Chef de Cuisine, La Piazza, Hyatt Regency Delhi.

From the Land to the Sea, Due Coste is more than a chef collaboration – it is a celebration of Italy’s culinary heritage, where the flavours of the countryside meet the freshness of the Mediterranean coast. Through exceptional ingredients, regional traditions, and the shared passion of two chefs, guests are invited on an unforgettable Italian culinary journey.

Event Details

Event: Due Coste – Four Hands Experience Date: 7 – 9 August 2026 Time: Lunch & Dinner Venue: Cena Pranzo, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon

FL Technics Appoints Saulius Bajarunas as Chief Executive Officer

FL Technics, a globally recognised provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and part of Avia Solutions Group, has appointed Saulius Bajarunas as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026. 

Having played a key role in FL Technics’ international expansion and operational growth over the past several years, Bajarunas will now lead the company’s global operations and strategic development as Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Zilvinas Lapinskas, who recently assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Avia Solutions Group. 

“FL Technics has built a strong reputation as a trusted MRO partner with an impressive global footprint. I look forward to working alongside our teams worldwide to continue building on that success, maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability, and helping our customers navigate an increasingly dynamic aviation market,” said Saulius Bajarunas, Chief Executive Officer of FL Technics. 

With more than nine years of leadership experience in the aviation industry, Bajarunas has extensive expertise in aircraft maintenance operations, business development, operational excellence and managing international teams. 

“Leading FL Technics has been a privilege, and I am proud of what our teams have accomplished together over the years. Today, the company is stronger than ever, with an outstanding team, a growing international presence and a solid foundation for continued success. I am confident Saulius is the right leader to guide FL Technics through its next chapter,” said Zilvinas Lapinskas, Chief Executive Officer of Avia Solutions Group.  

 As Chief Executive Officer, Bajarunas will focus on further strengthening FL Technics’ operational performance, supporting the company’s continued development and ensuring long-term value for customers, partners and employees across its global organisation.

Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk Rolls Out ‘Rain Outside. Chowk Inside.’ Campaign to Elevate Monsoon Shopping Experience

Delhi, 24th July: Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk has launched its month-long ‘Rain Outside. Chowk Inside.’ campaign, inviting visitors to enjoy the monsoon with shopping, food, and family experiences, all under one roof. Running throughout July, the campaign transforms rainy days into an exciting indoor destination where visitors can spend quality time without worrying about the weather.

The campaign has been curated to encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the destination while enjoying a seamless blend of shopping and dining under one roof.
As part of the campaign, shoppers can enjoy exclusive rewards and participate in the Spin the Wheel activity to win exciting instant prizes. The campaign also features premium collaborations with leading brands, making every visit more rewarding and memorable. Adding to the excitement, the top three highest spenders during the campaign will be rewarded with exclusive premium gifts from renowned participating brands.

Commenting on the campaign, Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group, said: “The monsoon season changes the way consumers plan their outings, with a growing preference for destinations that offer comfort, convenience and engaging experiences under one roof. Through ‘Rain Outside. Chowk Inside.’, we wanted to create a campaign that goes beyond conventional shopping by combining attractive rewards with meaningful experiences for families and shoppers. Our objective is to make every visit to Omaxe Chowk enjoyable, rewarding and memorable while strengthening our position as one of Delhi’s most vibrant retail destinations.”

The campaign reflects Omaxe Chowk‘s continued focus on experiential retail, where customer engagement extends beyond transactions through thoughtfully curated experiences, seasonal celebrations and rewarding shopping initiatives.

Located at the gateway to Chandni Chowk, Omaxe Chowk has emerged as a landmark retail and lifestyle destination that seamlessly blends the heritage of Old Delhi with contemporary retail, dining and leisure experiences. Through initiatives such as ‘Rain Outside. Chowk Inside.’, the destination continues to redefine the shopping experience by creating engaging environments that encourage repeat visits and stronger customer connect.

The ‘Rain Outside. Chowk Inside.’ campaign will continue until 31st July 2026, offering visitors exciting experiences, engaging activities and memorable moments throughout the monsoon season.

NIT Rourkela Develops Autonomous System and Method for Monitoring and Cleaning Solar Plants

Rourkela, 24th July: Innovators from National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered autonomous system for monitoring and cleaning solar plants. The innovation addresses the challenge of maintaining clean solar plants to ensure peak power generation without regular human intervention.

The system has been developed by Prof. Arun Kumar, Assistant Professor, in collaboration with Prof. Bibhudatta Sahoo, Professor, and research graduates Dr. Lopamudra Hota and Dr. Biraja Prasad Nayak, from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, NIT Rourkela. The team has secured an Indian patent titled, “Federated Learning based Autonomous System and Method for Monitoring and Cleaning Solar Plant” (Application No.: 202531124513 and Patent No.: 595979).

As solar energy capacity in India is expanding rapidly, large-scale solar farms, particularly in arid and dusty regions, face energy losses of up to 40% caused by dust, bird droppings, industrial pollutants, and other debris accumulated on solar panels. Conventional methods/practices used to clean solar panels are labor-intensive and require a large amount of water. Such practices usually rely on scheduled maintenance of the panels rather than on panel conditions.

To address these limitations, the NIT Rourkela research team has developed an autonomous mechanism powered by Federated Learning (FL), the invention provides an AI-driven framework leverages FL to enable intelligent, privacy-preserving monitoring, fault detection, and optimised cleaning recommendations for solar panels. The technology has been validated through simulation and is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-3, demonstrating proof-of-concept under controlled experimental conditions.

A key feature of the developed innovation is its privacy-preserving federated learning architecture. Contrary to conventional AI-operated systems, which share raw operational data with a centralised server, the developed technology shares encrypted data, thus addressing concerns related to privacy, bandwidth, cybersecurity, and scalability.

Speaking about the developed technology, Dr. Arun Kumar, Assistant Professor, NIT Rourkela, said, “The patented system combines federated learning, edge computing, artificial intelligence, autonomous cleaning, and predictive maintenance into a single integrated sand-box platform. Notable features, including real-time edge intelligence, autonomous fault detection, selective need-based cleaning, reduced water consumption, and lower maintenance costs, make it a one-of-its-kind system.”

The developed technology can be applied directly to utility-scale solar power plants, floating solar farms, rooftop photovoltaic installations, industrial solar parks, smart city energy infrastructure, defence installations, and remote off-grid renewable energy systems.

Speaking about the cost effectivelness of the technology, Prof. Bibhudatta Sahoo, Professor, NIT Rourkela, said, “While current market solutions suffer from high capital costs and limited intelligence, our developed system integrates advanced AI capabilities for autonomous operation. Once scaled for field implementation, the technology is expected to deliver superior performance and features at approximately 10% of the cost of existing systems.”

As next step, the research team plans to test the invention for the development of a hardware prototype integrated with an IoT sensing infrastructure, and advance from simulation-based proof-of-concept to prototype validation through pilot deployments. 

Also, they target to collaborate with government agencies and industry partners to undertake field deployments and technology transfer of the developed technology. The team also plans to integrate drone-assisted inspection, multi-agent collaborative cleaning, and predictive energy yield forecasting in the next stage of this innovation.

The developed technology supports the Government of India’s National Solar Mission and Net Zero ambition. By enabling privacy-preserving, and autonomous maintenance of solar energy infrastructure, NIT Rourkela’s innovation has the potential to transform solar plant operations in India and across the world.