[Newsbits] 9.12.2023 – DURF Facility, CCPI 2024 & more

The India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) was launched to facilitate the smooth implementation of the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This system allows for the electronic exchange of origin information between the customs administrations of India and South Korea, specifically targeting goods traded under CEPA. It includes the electronic sharing of Certificate of Origin data fields, aiming to speed up customs clearance of imported goods. The system was officially launched in New Delhi on December 6, 2023, by officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS). The EODES is expected to enhance trade efficiency, reduce paperwork, and serve as a model for international customs cooperation. However, it also presents challenges such as the need for digital infrastructure, maintaining data quality, and ensuring security and privacy.

The Climate Mobility Impacts Dashboard is an innovative open-access interactive tool developed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with other entities. It projects the potential impact of various climate hazards, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts, under different warming scenarios to offer insights into future climate-related displacement. The tool focuses on regions like Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas, highlighting the significant risk and exposure of populations to these hazards. It aims to inform policy and action by providing data-driven insights into how climate change impacts human mobility and displacement. Challenges include limitations in data and the need for better integration of climate change into migration governance. The way forward involves enhanced research, policy development, and action, with a focus on facilitating migration and providing social protections.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to managing migration issues worldwide. Established in 1951, it operates across over 100 countries with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The IOM aims to ensure humane and orderly migration, offering services and support to governments and migrants, including in emergency situations, health services, labor migration, and border management. It also conducts research and analysis on migration issues. The organization faces challenges such as responding to migration crises, navigating complex policies, and securing funding. The IOM’s future directions include strengthening global cooperation, advocating for migrants’ rights, conducting research for evidence-based policy-making, and building the capacity of states to manage migration effectively.

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is an annual independent monitoring tool that assesses the climate protection performance of 63 countries and the EU, which are collectively responsible for over 90% of global emissions. Denmark leads the ranking, with no country achieving an overall “very high” rating. The index evaluates performance across GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy, aiming to enhance transparency in international climate politics and encourage countries to meet climate goals. Significant challenges remain, as global GHG emissions continue to rise, and many countries, including the U.S. and China, need substantial improvements in their climate action efforts.

Summary: The Deep Underground and Ultra-low Radiation Background Facility for Frontier Physics Experiments (DURF) is the world’s deepest (2,400 meters) and largest (330,000 cubic meters) underground physics laboratory. Located beneath Jinping Mountain in China’s Sichuan province, DURF provides an ultra-clean environment to study dark matter, particle physics, nuclear astrophysics and life sciences by shielding cosmic rays. Jointly built by Tsinghua University and a hydropower company, DURF aims to boost China’s research in frontier physics fields.