AI & Semiconductors: NVIDIA and SK hynix announced a multiyear partnership to co-develop next-generation memory for “AI factories,” aiming to speed semiconductor design and manufacturing for global AI buildouts. Advanced Manufacturing & Supply Chains: Chinese startup Prinano claims it validated mass production of photonic chips without DUV lithography, using nanoimprint lithography to cut costs and reduce reliance on export-restricted tools. Industrial Policy & Skills: UK manufacturers face a skills and adoption gap for AI, with Make UK reporting only 2% have AI widely embedded and over half cite skills shortages as the main barrier. Auto Industry Signals: BMW India will raise prices up to 2% from July, citing rupee and logistics pressures, while Chery denied any direct investment or technology transfer plans in India amid reports tied to Tata’s EV platform. Energy & Materials: Zimbabwe moved to ban exports of unprocessed lithium concentrate to capture more value domestically, while Abu Dhabi’s “Manufacturers 2026” exhibition targets 1,000+ Emirati energy-sector job opportunities. Manufacturing Operations: US manufacturing activity hit a four-year high in May as firms boosted production and built inventories amid supply and cost uncertainty. Regulatory/Compliance: Pakistan’s LPG cylinder “expiry code” rumor was rejected by OGRA, which says cylinders carry manufacturing and inspection details instead. Geopolitics: Taiwan’s COMPUTEX was shadowed by Chinese military activity, underscoring risks around critical tech supply chains.