industrial output

Several units report up to 20% shortfall in output

Global steel prices surged in April and early May, with India emerging as a fast-growing market. Hot rolled coil prices rose across major regions, led by Brazil. India's crude steel production saw an 11% year-on-year increase in March, outpacing global trends. China's steel output contracted, though capacity cuts are expected to be delayed.

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has launched an Industry Membership Program to strengthen long-term collaboration between academia and industry. Managed by the institute’s Corporate Relations Office, the programme offers tiered memberships for organisations seeking access to research labs, faculty expertise, patents, technologies and training resources. IIT Delhi said the initiative will support thematic research, innovation partnerships and industry-led R&D through dedicated engagement platforms, including leadership forums, CXO roundtables and Corporate Social Responsibility conclaves.

Fractal Analytics sees strong enterprise AI demand despite a dip in its TMT sector, which impacted growth. The company is shifting towards outcome-based pricing and AI transformation platforms, with healthcare and life sciences showing significant AI adoption. Advances in agentic AI are enabling complex, autonomous tasks, driving enterprise-wide workflow redesign.

Govt will provide a Rs 1 crore grant for grafted cashew saplings, with a focus on coastal and Kalyana Karnataka regions, says the minister

Mark Cuban warns that AI's inconsistency makes human expertise crucial, debunking 'doomer' fears of AI takeover. He highlights that AI's probabilistic nature means it doesn't grasp consequences, making human judgment indispensable. Meanwhile, Google and Uber CEOs reveal AI generates significant code, but human engineers always provide final approval, underscoring the continued need for human oversight.

A diesel shortage, exacerbated by West Asia tensions, has significantly impacted chromite mining in Sukinda Valley, India's primary source of the mineral. Operations have scaled down, affecting thousands of workers and threatening smaller mines with closure due to dwindling fuel stocks. Daily diesel needs are currently unmet, directly reducing output.

Remain AI agnostic at your own peril, warn experts. As artificial intelligence blurs lines between engineering branches, students must get used to handling AI tools and learn cross-discipline skills

A US-Iran conflict has triggered a global energy shock, disrupting oil flows and causing fuel shortages worldwide. India's shift to prioritize cooking gas production has reduced alkylate exports, exacerbating California's already tight gasoline market and pushing prices higher. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Mistral AI co-founder Arthur Mensch warns Europe has a two-year window to build its own AI infrastructure or face long-term dependence on US tech giants. He emphasized that control over chips, energy, and computing power, not just software, will determine AI competitiveness, urging swift action to avoid becoming a "vassal state."

China's economic recovery is facing headwinds as factories slow and consumer spending falters, with April data revealing a significant slowdown. Weak domestic demand, coupled with a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical conflicts and rising energy costs, is squeezing growth. While exports remain strong, they are insufficient to offset internal weaknesses, prompting concerns about the need for further policy support.

Salesforce is significantly boosting AI spending, projecting hundreds of millions on Anthropic tokens, while halting software engineer hiring. CEO Marc Benioff highlights AI's role in enhancing engineer productivity by over 30%, enabling faster output and lower development costs. This strategic shift reflects a broader tech trend of leveraging AI for efficiency, with humans still integral to operations.

In today's dynamic market, Indian enterprises are embracing AI at an impressive pace; however, many find it difficult to transition from initial experiments to broader implementations. The paramount challenge for executives lies not in accessing technology, but in executing it effectively. This demands strong data management, defined governance frameworks, and the ability to convert AI-derived insights into tangible business results.

Engineering remains a powerful career option, but AI has changed its terms. Routine coding is getting automated, entry-level work is being compressed, and the old B.Tech-to-job promise looks less secure. The opportunity now belongs to students who combine fundamentals, AI fluency, domain understanding and judgement — not those who treat engineering as just another coding degree.

SANAM is taking a deliberate pause from the relentless pace of the music industry. The band is focusing on creating music that resonates deeply, rather than succumbing to the pressure of constant online content. This shift prioritizes artistic satisfaction and rediscovery over immediate visibility. Their approach highlights a conscious decision to value longevity and genuine connection in their creative journey.

IIM Jammu's new-age EMBA degree empowers working professionals to enhance managerial and leadership skills without career interruption. This two-year blended program offers structured learning, peer collaboration, and faculty insights, preparing individuals for advanced roles. With a focus on practical application and industry relevance, it's designed for career advancement.