Strait of Hormuz Traffic Resumes for India: India says 11 India-bound vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran MoU, with 10 Indian-flagged ships still in the Persian Gulf and two Indian ships moving into the Arabian Gulf, easing a months-long bottleneck that matters for LPG and LNG supply. Shipping Costs Spike: As traffic slowly returns, tanker hire rates in the Gulf and around Hormuz nearly doubled, reflecting tighter vessel availability while producers ramp exports. Iran Waiver Spurs Oil Sales Push: With a 60-day sanctions waiver for Iranian petroleum products, Tehran is reportedly rushing to sell crude and condensate to buyers across Asia, including India, as large volumes remain floating at sea without confirmed destinations. Qatar Gas Blast Fallout: A Barzan gas facility explosion at Ras Laffan killed 13 workers (including Indians and Pakistanis) and injured 66; QatarEnergy says preliminary findings point to a technical malfunction, not sabotage. Renewables & Hydrogen Push in India: Kerala earmarks INR 100 crore for renewables, green hydrogen and alternative fuels to build a clean-fuel ecosystem and storage capacity. Energy Transition Tech Moves: Ola Cell wins BIS certification for an indigenously developed LFP 46100 battery cell, while CATL expands sodium-ion momentum with new systems and deals. EU-Kazakhstan Energy/Trade Link: The EU and Kazakhstan pledge deeper cooperation on energy, renewables, connectivity and critical raw materials, including support for transport corridors. Rare Earth/Magnet Supply Chain Deal: Energy Fuels agrees to buy German magnet maker VAC in a $1.9bn deal to strengthen Western rare-earth and permanent magnet sourcing.