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China tightens curbs on tunnel boring machines; India's projects watch the impact
Why in News?
China's tunnel boring machine curbs: the GS-III supply-chain dependence case every infrastructure answer needs
New Chinese curbs on tunnel boring machines raise supply and cost questions for Indian projects.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
China has announced new curbs on tunnel boring machines, equipment widely used in metro, rail and hydropower tunnelling.
India has used imported machines on several infrastructure projects, so the curbs raise questions about supply, costs and project timelines.
The development adds to the debate over supply-chain dependence and domestic manufacturing of heavy construction equipment.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- China has announced new curbs on tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
- TBMs are used for metro, rail and hydropower tunnelling.
- India has used imported TBMs on several infrastructure projects.
- Key concerns: supply continuity, project costs and timelines.
- The issue feeds the debate on supply-chain dependence and domestic manufacturing of heavy construction equipment.
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- A tunnel boring machine excavates tunnels with a circular cross-section through soil or rock, and is widely used in metro, rail and hydropower works.
- Export curbs by a major supplier country can raise costs and delay infrastructure projects in importing countries.
- Reducing import dependence in capital goods is linked to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat approach.
Mains
GS-III (Infrastructure; industry): China's curbs on tunnel boring machines expose India's reliance on imported heavy construction equipment for metro, rail and hydropower tunnels. Policy responses include promoting domestic manufacturing, diversifying suppliers and building stockpile and servicing capacity. The way forward is to combine indigenisation with trusted partnerships so project timelines and costs are protected.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for Parliament and State Legislatures is vested in the Election Commission by:
- Article 325
- Article 326
- Article 324
- Article 327
Show answer
Answer: C — The correct answer is Article 324. It vests the Election Commission with superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.
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