‘Sanjay’, a battlefield surveillance system (BSS)

Context: Indian Defence Minister  inaugurated ‘Sanjay,’ an advanced Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) designed for the Indian Army. 

What is Sanjay?

• ‘Sanjay’ is an automated surveillance system that integrates data from various ground and aerial sensors. 
• Its main features include:
  • Data Integration: Combines information from multiple sources to prevent duplication.
  • Centralized Surveillance: Creates a unified battlefield picture for commanders.
  • Secure Communication: Operates over a secured army data network and satellite systems.
• Developed : Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army.
  • under the “Buy (Indian)” category,
• It reflects India’s focus on self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• This system will be introduced to all operational brigades, divisions, and corps of the Army in three phases by October 2025, declared the ‘Year of Reforms’ by the Ministry of Defence.

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Key Benefits of Sanjay

• Enhanced Battlefield Transparency: Provides real-time inputs to Army Command and Headquarters.
• Advanced Surveillance Capabilities: Acts as a force multiplier for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
• Network-Centric Operations: Enables commanders to operate effectively in both conventional and sub-conventional scenarios.

National Voters’ Day

Context: The 15th National Voters’ Day is being celebrated across the country on 25th Jan 2025.

• Theme 2025: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure”
• Event:
• • The President received the first copy of the book “India Votes 2024: A ​​Saga of​ ​Democracy” from the Chief Election Commissioner.
  • The Indian President will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards to state and district officials who ensured smooth elections. 
  • Special recognition will be given to initiatives that increase voter participation, such as innovative outreach campaigns etc.

About National Voters Day

• Commemorate: National Voters Day is observed since 2011, to commemorate the inception of Election Commission of India.
  • The Election Commission of India established in 1950 will complete 75 years of service to the nation in 2025. 
• Objective: To celebrate  India’s vibrant democracy and empower every citizen to exercise their right to vote.
• Participation: NVD is celebrated at the national, state, district, constituency, and polling booth levels.
• Significance:  
  • Right and Duty: National Voting Day highlights the significance of voting as both a right and a responsibility in a democracy. 
  • Registering New Voters: A key focus of NVD is to register first-time voters and provide voter ID cards on this day.
  • Electoral literacy: It aims to promote electoral literacy by organising campaigns that educate people about the voting process and the impact of their vote.

SEBI’s ‘Sachetisation’ Plan

Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed promoting financial inclusion through “sachetisation” of mutual fund investments.

About Sachetisation Plan

• Definition of Sachetisation: Refers to offering products in small, affordable units, enabling access to a broader population, particularly price-sensitive and low-income groups.
• Initiative Objective: SEBI proposes small-ticket investments starting at ₹250 to encourage low-income groups to begin investing in mutual funds.
• Primary Goals:
• • Make mutual funds more accessible and affordable.
  • Promote small, periodic investments through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).
  • Help individuals develop a habit of systematic savings and investments.
• Target Audience: Focused on reaching underserved sections of society, particularly rural and low-income areas with limited investment opportunities.

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Key Features of SEBI’s ‘Sachetisation’ Plan

• Minimum SIP Amount: The proposed plan allows a SIP starting at ₹250 per month, primarily aimed at first-time investors.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• • Only new mutual fund investors are eligible for this initiative.
  • Existing mutual fund investors are excluded from being considered under this category.
• Investment Limits: A maximum of three ₹250 SIPs per investor is allowed across asset management companies (AMCs).
• Excluded Schemes: Debt schemes, sectoral and thematic funds, as well as small-cap and mid-cap equity funds, are excluded due to their high volatility.
• Commitment Period: Investors are encouraged to commit to a 5-year tenure (60 monthly installments).
  • Premature withdrawals are permitted without any restrictions.
• Technology-Driven Investment Process: Investments must be made through UPI auto pay or National Automated Clearing House (NACH) to reduce transaction costs and improve efficiency.

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