This document provides background information on the steel industry. It discusses the history of steel production dating back to ancient China. It then discusses the global steel industry, noting recent years of growth in supply and demand. For the Indian steel industry, it outlines the development of major steel plants after independence, with Steel Authority of India (SAIL) now accounting for over 40% of production. It positions steel as crucial for modern development and notes India's steel industry is growing to meet rising domestic and export demand from key sectors.