PIB Summary- 2nd July, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

European Council

Context

Recently, the Prime Minister of India congratulated H.E António Costa on being elected as next President of the European Council.

About the European Council:

• The European Council is the institution of the European Union that sets the general political direction and priorities of the EU.

Establishment:

• Formed in 1974 as an informal forum for discussion among heads of state or government of the EU member states.
• Gained formal status and role under the Treaty of Maastricht to provide political impetus and guidelines for the EU.

Headquarters:

• Located in Brussels, Belgium.

Membership:

• Composed of the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission.

Meetings:

• Typically convenes four times a year, with the President able to call additional meetings to tackle urgent matters.

Decision-Making:

• Decisions are generally made by consensus, but in some cases, unanimity or qualified majority voting is used. Only heads of state or government have voting rights.

Functions:

• Sets the EU’s overall political direction and priorities but does not pass laws.
• Handles complex or sensitive issues that cannot be resolved through lower levels of intergovernmental cooperation.
• Establishes the EU’s common foreign and security policy, considering strategic interests and defense implications.
• Nominates and appoints candidates for significant EU roles, such as positions in the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission.

Project-76

Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken up a preliminary study on the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under Project-76.

About Project-76:

• Project 76, initiated by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, aims to design and develop India’s first indigenously built conventional diesel-electric submarine.

Scope:

• The plan includes constructing 12 submarines under Project 76.

Design Features:

• These submarines will incorporate air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems and are expected to have a submerged displacement of 3,000 tons, surpassing the capabilities of their foreign-designed predecessors from Projects 751 and 75.
• They will succeed the Sindhughosh (Kilo) class, maintaining a robust 3,000-ton class.

Technological Advancements:

• Expected features include advanced indigenous weapon control systems and lithium-ion batteries.

Significance:

• Represents a crucial milestone in India’s pursuit of maritime dominance.
• Combines cutting-edge French technology from Project 75 with German and Spanish expertise from Project 751.
• Aims to start prototype construction by 2028.

Strategic Importance:

• Enhances India’s submarine-building capabilities.
• Reduces dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for submarine design.