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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.”

 

Sungkyunkwan University(SKKU) announced that a research team consisting of Researcher Somi Joo, Professor Changjun Lee, and Professor Daeho Lee from the Department of Artificial Intelligence Convergence has published the results of a study that multidimensionally analyzes the opportunities and risks that arise when using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in educational settings. This study is drawing significant attention as it scientifically verifies how generative AI, which students recently use as an

The research team conducted an experiment targeting 88 university students, utilizing evaluation questions equivalent to the domestic high school academic achievement level. The learning process was divided into three stages: ‘Concept Understanding’ to read and comprehend new content, ‘Problem Solving’ to solve problems based on what was learned, and ‘Result Review’ to check one’s own answers. Subsequently, students were randomly assigned to use generative AI (GPT-4o) at different stages to track its effects.

The experimental results showed that the group that directly solved problems utilizing generative AI recorded higher scores on a subsequent test than the group that used AI simply during the concept understanding stage. This is because the hints and core summaries provided by the AI reduced excessive brain stress and unnecessary processes that occur during problem-solving, thereby drastically increasing learning efficiency.

However, an interesting twist emerged as the ‘dependency’ on generative AI increased. Students who usually relied heavily on AI tended to show lower actual test scores within the problem-solving group. This is because they accepted the answers provided by the AI without criticism, skipping the essential process of deeply contemplating and making the knowledge their own.

On the other hand, even though these highly dependent students experienced a drop in actual scores, their ‘perceived learning’—the feeling that they studied well—and their ‘learning satisfaction’ were much higher. This is interpreted as a result of the AI organizing complex content in an easy-to-read manner and providing kind answers, which induces a sort of ‘learning illusion’ making students feel as if they have perfectly understood everything on their own.

Professor Changjun Lee of SKKU emphasized, “Generative AI is a powerful tool that increases learning efficiency, but relying on it uncritically can lead to the paradoxical result of lowering objective academic achievement.” He added, “An educational guideline is urgently needed to foster students’ independent questioning skills and critical verification abilities so that generative AI can function properly as a learning aid rather than a substitute.”

This study is evaluated to have presented a specific direction on ‘how to use it properly,’ rather than the unconditional regulation or blind adoption of generative AI in the education sector. The study was conducted with support from the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea.

Maharashtra, 24 July: ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading drone technology player has announced today the deployment of eight Q6 V2 drones to support the local police during the ongoing Pandharpur Wari, the annual 250-kilometre pilgrimage on foot that drew an unprecedented footfall of over 30 lakh (3 million) warkaris this year. This marks the second consecutive year that ideaForge has supported aerial surveillance for the Wari, building on its deployment during last year’s pilgrimage. The drones, each fitted with a megaphone attachment, are being used for aerial surveillance, crowd monitoring, and real-time public address to help manage the movement of pilgrims across the pilgrimage route.The Pandharpur Wari is a nearly 800-year-old annual pilgrimage in which millions of devotees, known as warkaris, walk roughly 250 kilometres to Pandharpur in Solapur district to seek the darshan of Lord Vitthal. The pilgrimage centres on the palkis (palanquins) of revered saints, most notably Sant Dnyaneshwar’s palki from Alandi and Sant Tukaram’s palki from Dehu, and culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, a day dedicated to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. The main Yatra spans about 21 days, during which devotees walk together singing hymns and dancing, and this year drew an unprecedented footfall of over 30 lakh (3 million) warkaris, underscoring the scale of coordination required to manage the pilgrimage safely.

A gathering of this size, moving on foot across a 250-kilometre route over three weeks, presents a continuously shifting crowd-safety challenge that is difficult to track through fixed infrastructure alone. ideaForge’s Q6 V2 drones are providing continuous aerial oversight of pilgrim movement, while their integrated megaphone systems allow police personnel to issue real-time announcements and directions to crowds directly from the air helping guide pilgrim flow and respond quickly to congestion or safety concerns along the route.

The deployment was carried out in collaboration with ideaForge’s channel partner M/s Bluesky Amida Pvt. Ltd. and under the guidance of Shri Atul Kulkarni, SP Solapur Rural.

AI-based video analytics for the deployment are being integrated by Bluesky, adding an additional layer of automated crowd-monitoring capability to the live feeds. ideaForge is managing the underlying telemetry, back-end server infrastructure, and live-streaming of the drone feeds through its BlueFire Live platform, ensuring the police control room has uninterrupted, real-time visibility into on-ground conditions throughout the Wari.

The deployment builds on ideaForge’s ongoing work with police forces and public-safety agencies across India, supporting the safe and orderly management of some of the country’s largest religious gatherings through indigenous drone technology.

Ashesh Mathur, Assistant General Manager – Sales, ideaForge Technology Limited said: “A pilgrimage this old and personal needs technology that quietly protects it. When we first supported the Wari last year, we set out to show our systems could keep pace with a procession that moves every single day. This year, we’re returning as a partner the police department already knows and trusts and that familiarity means less time spent re-learning the route and more time spent watching it closely. Every year we do this, we understand a little more about how this pilgrimage moves, where the crowd tends to bunch up, where the terrain makes visibility harder, where a few extra minutes of warning can change how quickly help arrives. That knowledge is arguably the most valuable thing we bring back each year. With “Eyes in the sky” we make sure nothing on that 250-kilometre route goes unseen, so that the millions who walk it can focus on their faith and not on the risks around them.”

Bengaluru, July 24: Bengaluru FC began their pre-season here on Thursday evening, with the team regrouping ahead of the 2026–27 Indian Super League campaign. 

The Blues returned to the field with renewed ambition and two significant new additions to the squad in Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez and Portuguese defender Sandro Embalo. The duo will join the rest of the squad in Bengaluru once their visa formalities are completed. 

“It’s exciting, as it’s a full season this time, and we can truly maximise the potential of the squad. I am really looking forward to what the season holds for us,” said Bengaluru FC Head Coach Pep Muñoz, who heads into this first full season with the club. Muñoz   ended the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, taking the side to fourth on the table, recording two wins, three draws and one loss.

The team is scheduled to travel to the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary for their pre-season testing and will train at their facilities from July 27 to 30, where they will undergo a series of high-intensity tests. 

Darren Caldeira, Director of Football, Bengaluru FC, gave his thoughts on the team’s pre-season: “After a short ISL campaign last season, getting back for pre-season at this stage is important for the squad. It gives the players the time they need to regroup, build fitness, and prepare properly for the challenges ahead. A strong pre-season lays the foundation for the season, allowing the team to be fully ready when the first game arrives.”

New Delhi, 24th July: The New Delhi auditions for VEC Queen of India (Ms. & Mrs.) 2026, Season 3, concluded successfully, drawing an encouraging response from women across the National Capital Region. Organised by Vesna Event Crafters Pvt. Ltd., the auditions saw participants compete for a place among the finalists of the national-level Ms. & Mrs. pageant platform.

The panel comprised Muskaan Gairola, Founder & Director of VEC Queen of India and Vesna Event Crafters Pvt. Ltd.; Sunayana Raina, Creative Head of VEC Queen of India; Kirti Mishra Narang, Official Mentor & Advisory Board Member of VEC Queen of India and Founder of Katalytis; Javed Salmani, celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert( also mention founder of Studio J Luxury Salon, located Gurugram, is a premium beauty and styling destination for elites); Dr. Neha, CEO & Co-Founder of Skin Lattice Clinic; and Mrs. Madhu Singh, winner of Mrs. VEC Queen of India 2025. Participants were evaluated on confidence, personality, communication, stage presence, and     their overall potential to represent VEC Queen of India 2026.

The audition unfolded across several stages. It began with an introduction round in which each participant addressed the jury, followed by a ramp walk performed in batches of three to showcase confidence, personality and stage presence. Each participant then took part in a one-on-one question-and-answer session with the jury, sharing her personal journey, aspirations and the fears she has overcome, along with how she intends to use her talents to create a positive impact through the platform. The audition closed with a certificate felicitation ceremony honouring the jury, special guests, content creators, the styling team and all participating contestants.

A number of contestants were shortlisted as finalists across both the Ms. and Mrs. categories, reflecting the strong response the Delhi auditions received.

“The women who came out for the Delhi auditions brought so much warmth, confidence and individuality to the stage, and that is exactly the spirit VEC Queen of India was built to celebrate,” said Muskaan Gairola, Founder & Director, VEC Queen of India and Vesna Event Crafters Pvt. Ltd. “Every city we visit reaffirms that this platform is about far more than a crown — it is about giving women a genuine opportunity to grow, be seen and step into their own definition of confidence. We are looking forward to watching our Delhi finalists carry that forward into the Grand Finale.” 

The Delhi auditions were supported by a set of partner brands. Skin Lattice, a Gurugram-based premium aesthetic clinic, brings together clinical dermatology and luxury aesthetic experiences through science-backed treatments. Mandy & Co., a handmade lifestyle brand, is known for its artisanal soy candles, handcrafted soaps and curated gifting experiences. Lakmé Academy by Aptech partnered as the Official Makeup & Hair Partner, lending its expertise in beauty, grooming and professional styling to the contestants.

Matrix Films, led by founder Amit Gajvani and based in Karnal, served as the Official Filming Partner, a role it has held since Season 2. With nearly 25 years of experience in photography and cinematography, Amit Gajvani and his team documented the milestones of the Delhi auditions since the platform’s inception in 2001.

Shortlisted finalists will now enter an intensive online grooming and training programme beginning in September, covering personality development, runway walk, communication skills, fitness and styling. The journey will culminate at the Grand Finale in October 2026 in New Delhi, where finalists from across the country will compete for the VEC Queen of India titles.

Bangalore, July 24: Founded by Menaka Bhandary, Blown began as India’s first salon and wine bar concept, a bold, industry-disrupting idea that merged luxury beauty services with social leisure. At a time when salons were purely transactional spaces, Blown reimagined the experience entirely, introducing a format no one in India had attempted before. Eight years later, it remains one of the only brands to sustain this concept successfully, proving just how ahead of its time Blown truly was.

What started as a vision grew into four thriving salons across Bangalore, redefining how modern women experience beauty.

Over the past eight years, Menaka has built Blown while navigating one of the most transformative personal journeys, becoming a mother to two children while scaling a

fast-growing business. Balancing being a Mom with entrepreneurial grit, she quietly shaped Blown into a community-driven, luxury brand.

Blown became more than a salon. It became a space where women could feel confident, celebrated, and red-carpet ready, whether for a milestone event or simply because they chose to.

Now, that experience evolves.Enter Yianni Tsapatori
Yianni Tsapatori is an award-winning hairstylist with 25 years of experience across Europe, New York, and India.|Known for innovation, precision, and refined technique, Yianni has built an international reputation rooted in finesse and technical mastery.

His editorial work has appeared in leading global publications, including

Marie Claire, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Allure, TIME, Beautiful Savage, and Flawless.

His portfolio extends beyond print to major global campaigns and international platforms, including Cartier, Chopard, Adidas, Levi’s, Toyota, Vodafone, MTV, and even the Olympic Games.

His work has been featured at prestigious global events such as the Oscars, Cannes Film Festival, Red Sea Film Festival, BAFTA film awards, Vogue Beauty Awards, and Elle Beauty Awards.

From 2012 to 2018, Yianni served as Global Ambassador and Master Trainer for Balmain Paris Hair Couture, where he was recognised as the company’s leading hair extension specialist and respected globally for his meticulous cutting technique and in-depth product knowledge.

After relocating to India in 2016, Yianni quickly became one of the most sought-after hairstylists in the country, working with celebrated names including Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Alia Bhatt. 

His presence has consistently bridged international technique with Indian glamour. Now, that expertise becomes embedded in Blown.

Future of Blown

Blown is using this moment to open new avenues and build something larger than just a salon chain. With Yianni’s expertise now integrated into the brand, the goal is to embed global standards into every layer of the Blown ecosystem, from artistry and training to technology, product innovation, and client experience.

National Expansion

With four successful locations already operating, Blown now prepares to scale into major metros across India, combining strong business infrastructure with global creative leadership.

The Blown Academy

A structured training program led by Yianni to develop the next generation of elite Indian stylists, ensuring international techniques and precision become part of the foundation of the Indian salon industry.

Elevated Everyday Glamour

World-class techniques adapted for real women, making red-carpet-ready hair accessible, not just for celebrities or international runways, but for everyday moments.

Personal Access

Yianni will personally service clients at Blown, bringing international expertise directly to the chair and creating rare access to globally benchmarked artistry.

Integrated Innovation

Blown will begin integrating cutting-edge products, global techniques, and international service formats, ensuring clients no longer need to travel abroad to access the world’s best in hair. It will all be available at Blown.

The New Chapter

Alongside this partnership, Blown prepares to unveil a bold new location, marking the physical beginning of what we like to call Blown 2.0.

This next chapter is not just about expansion; it is about integration. Every element, from training to technology to technique, will work as part of one cohesive ecosystem designed to elevate the client experience.

This evolution represents the coming together of two visionaries:

A founder who built a luxury brand from the ground up. 

A globally recognised hairstylist bringing decades of mastery to elevate the experience.

Together, they are shaping a new benchmark for the Indian salon industry, one where innovation, artistry, and accessibility coexist.

The Intent

Blown is no longer just about getting your hair done. It is about experience.
It is about knowledge and education. It is about precision.

It is about making high-fashion hair feel effortless and accessible. Two industry powerhouses. Menaka Bhandary and Yianni Tsapatori.

One shared vision.

Stay tuned, Bangalore is about to get Blown away. 

Bengaluru, July 24: India’s homegrown billion-dollar fruit-based drink, Maaza celebrates 50 years of bringing the authentic taste of Indian mangoes from orchards to millions of consumers. On National Mango Day, Coca-Cola India and the Department of Posts, Government of India, released a ‘Special Cover’ celebrating 50 years of Maaza®. The occasion also honoured mango farmers associated with Project Unnati by Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation, recognizing the generations of farming communities whose contribution has helped preserve India’s mango heritage and made Maaza®’s five-decade journey possible.

The Special Cover was released by Shri Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, in the presence of Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle, Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications; Devyani Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia; Coca-Cola India’s bottling partners; mango supplier Foods & Inns Ltd. and NGO partner CENDECT.

Since its launch in 1976, Maaza® has been a familiar part of India’s households, carrying the taste of the beloved mango that is grown in orchards across India. For five decades, the brand has continued to connect consumers with the taste of India’s favourite fruit throughout the year.

The Special Cover serves as a lasting philatelic record, capturing Maaza®’s association with the Indian mango through an illustration inspired by mango orchards and the iconic Maaza® bottle. Titled ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Mango in a Bottle’, the design pays tribute to the brand’s five-decade journey while honouring the farming communities behind it.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, said, 

“India has achieved self-reliance in food production, and our next priority is to create greater value through food processing by strengthening infrastructure and expanding market opportunities for our farmers. Our farmers are our ‘annadatas’, and every effort to strengthen the agricultural value chain is an investment in their future. It is encouraging to see homegrown beverage brands like Maaza celebrate this legacy of India’s beloved mangoes ‘aam’ by bringing its authentic taste to millions of households while supporting farmers and contributing to local economies. The release of the Special Cover by the Department of Posts is a tribute to India’s mango heritage and the farmers who sustain it.”

Sundeep Bajoria, Vice President – Integrated Operations, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia said,

 “For five decades, Maaza has brought the authentic taste of Indian mangoes including Alphonso to millions of consumers, making the country’s favourite fruit available all year round. Rooted in the goodness of delicious Indian mangoes, Maaza has built a lasting connection with generations of consumers while humbly supporting Indian farmer families with procurement, technology support and value chain partnerships. This milestone is a testament to an efficient value chain, from sourcing and processing to bottling and distribution, that ensures our products reach consumers across the country. The Special Cover from the Department of Posts recognizes this shared journey and the ecosystem that has made it possible over the past 50 years.”

Paritosh Ladhani, Joint Managing Director, SLMG Beverages, said,

“Behind every bottle of Maaza is a seamless value chain driven by farmers, processing units, manufacturing facilities, truckers, distributors, and retailers working together every day. We are proud to play our part in ensuring that authentic taste of mangoes reaches millions of consumers through a reliable and efficient supply chain. As Maaza celebrates 50 years, this recognition belongs to every individual across the entire ecosystem whose efforts have helped make Maaza a household name across India.”

The Special Cover builds on Maaza®’s golden jubilee celebrations, which included the national campaign ‘50 saal se, sip-sip mein aam’, and stands as a lasting tribute to the brand’s fifty-year association with India’s national fruit and the farmers behind it.