India’s Candidature for TIR Executive Board: A Pivotal Step Towards Global Trade Integration
On September 30, 2023, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Ministry of External Affairs came together to host a significant event in New Delhi. The aim was to garner support from ambassadors and delegates representing Contracting Parties to the Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention, 1975) for India’s candidature in the TIR Executive Board (TIRExB) elections, scheduled for October 11, 2023, in Geneva. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this crucial development.
Key Aspects of India’s Candidature:
| Key Aspect | Details |
| India’s Candidate | Mr. Vimal Kumar Srivastava, Principal Commissioner & Head of International Customs Relations at CBIC. |
| Cross-Border Connectivity and Economic Growth | Emphasis on the role of cross-border connectivity in regional integration, economic growth, and geopolitical stability. |
| Contribution to Global Integration | Commitment to full digitization of TIR procedures for streamlined international goods transport. |
| Expanding Geographical Coverage | Vision to expand TIR Convention’s geographical coverage to redefine transit arrangements in South Asia. |
| Distinguished Attendees | Presence of high-ranking officials, including Revenue Secretary, Secretary (West), and Special Secretaries from CBIC. |
| Global Significance of TIR Convention | A globally recognized system of Customs control facilitating seamless international goods transport. |
| Role of TIRExB | A subsidiary body of the TIR Administrative Committee, overseeing and supporting the TIR procedure application. |
| India’s Commitment to TIR | Measures taken since India’s accession, including appointing a National Guaranteeing Association and conducting pilot runs. |
Understanding the TIR System and India’s Role:
| Term | Definition/Information |
| TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) | The international road transport system that simplifies customs procedures and ensures security for goods in transit. |
| TIR Carnet | A standardized customs document serving as a guarantee for the payment of duties and taxes on goods in international transit. |
| How TIR Works | Goods are sealed in a container or vehicle with a TIR Carnet, with customs inspections at departure and destination points, reducing delays. |
| Benefits | Speeds up the movement of goods, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances trade efficiency. |
| India’s Accession Date | India joined the TIR Convention in 2017. |
| National Guaranteeing Association | India has appointed a National Guaranteeing Association to oversee TIR operations. |
| Customs Procedures | Circular 48/2018-Cus was issued in India to detail TIR procedures, and ports/customs stations were authorized for TIR operations. |
| Digital TIR | India has conducted pilot runs, including digital TIR, to modernize and streamline processes. |
| Future Goals | India aims to expand the geographical coverage of the TIR Convention and contribute to global integration, especially in South Asia. |
| TIR Executive Board (TIRExB) | A governing body supervising TIR procedures, composed of nine members from different Contracting Parties. India seeks representation in TIRExB. |
India’s candidature for the TIRExB elections represents a significant stride towards global trade integration and harmonisation of customs procedures. By actively participating in the TIR Executive Board, India is poised to contribute to the digitization of TIR and the expansion of its geographical coverage, benefiting not only the nation but also the broader South Asia region. The successful event in New Delhi, attended by esteemed dignitaries, reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing India’s role in international trade and connectivity. The TIR Convention’s crucial role in facilitating seamless international transport is now bolstered by India’s commitment to its principles and objectives.
Source: PIB
Revolutionising Science: Nobel Prize-Winning Quantum Dots and Their Astonishing Properties
In the world of science, where the laws of nature have held steadfast for centuries, occasionally, a breakthrough occurs that reshapes our understanding of the very building blocks of matter. One such breakthrough emerged around forty years ago, when scientists uncovered the peculiar behaviour of nanoparticles, particularly in the nanoscale range. These tiny particles, a billionth of a metre in size, exhibited properties that defied the norms of their larger counterparts in the periodic table.
Key Aspects of the Quantum Dot Revolution:
The Visionaries:
- Alexei Ekimov, hailing from the erstwhile USSR, and Louis Brus, an American scientist, were the pioneering visionaries who independently discovered the deviant behaviour of nanoparticles, particularly in Copper Chloride and Cadmium Sulphide respectively. Their groundbreaking work laid the foundation for what would become a scientific revolution.
Path to the Nobel Prize:
- In 2023, Ekimov (78), Brus (80), and Moungi Bawendi (62) were honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering work. Their research, conducted three to four decades ago, was a catalyst for the development of quantum dots with unique properties.
Quantum Dots Unveiled:
- Quantum dots, nano-sized particles (ranging from 1 to 100 billionths of a meter), exhibited distinct properties when compared to their larger counterparts. These properties emerged due to the emergence of quantum effects when electrons were confined within the tiny particles.
Light Interaction:
- Quantum dots’ interaction with light was particularly intriguing. The color of a material is determined by the wavelengths of light it absorbs or reflects. The size of quantum dots dictated how they interacted with light, leading to varying colors and optical properties within the same material.
Applications Galore:
- The revolutionary properties of quantum dots found applications across industries. They are integral in modern appliances such as television screens, computer displays, and LED lamps. Moreover, they have made a significant impact in the fields of biochemistry and medicine.
The Quantum Leap in Science:
The groundbreaking work of Ekimov and Brus, leading to the development of quantum dots, unveiled a world where the size of particles could dictate their behaviour. Quantum effects, described by the Quantum Theory, originally formulated by physicists a century ago, were no longer confined to the subatomic realm. These effects were now observable in nanoscale particles.
The ability to create nanoparticles with unique and controllable properties has transformed various industries, from electronics to healthcare. Quantum dots have revolutionised the way we perceive and utilise materials in our modern world.
The discovery of quantum dots and their astonishing properties ushered in a new era in science. Ekimov, Brus, and Bawendi’s pioneering research has left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape. Today, quantum dots are integral to numerous technological advancements and innovations, shaping our world in ways we could never have imagined.
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Source: The Hindu
