Nuclear PR push in India: Abhijit Iyer-Mitra argues New Delhi’s 100 GW nuclear plan hinges less on reactors than on public trust—calling for reactor visits, kids’ outreach and better messaging. Oil shock watch (West Asia): Iran crude offers to China are falling as US blockade pressure tightens, while oil prices climb on renewed sanctions threats. Strait of Hormuz spill risk: Maritime experts warn tankers are going “dark,” raising the odds of collisions and oil leaks in ecologically sensitive waters. Japan inflation signal: Japan’s core CPI accelerated to 1.8% in July, with energy-price and yen effects keeping pressure on households and strengthening the case for a rate hike. ASEAN batteries go industrial: Malaysia’s ASEAN Battery Technology Conference says the region is shifting from lab work to manufacturing, safety and recycling to build a stronger value chain. Grid + storage for India renewables: India’s data-center boom (1.7 GW live IT) and growing behind-the-meter battery storage are reshaping power demand and planning. Clean hydrogen/e-methanol trade: Mitsui and European Energy expand e-methanol deliveries, targeting shipping and land transport fuel use. South Korea fuel caps: Seoul kept petrol/diesel/kerosene price ceilings unchanged for four more weeks amid West Asia tensions and higher crude. China EV safety: China’s massive recall (4.3 million vehicles) targets emergency door releases that can be hard to operate after crashes. Energy innovation pipeline: MoPNG-backed MC²+ Ignite launches a sector-specific accelerator across India’s energy deep-tech ecosystem.