Current affairs 17 April 2025

India’s First ATM Installed Onboard Train for Trial Run.

• Indian Railways has installed an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) onboard the Manmad-CSMT Panchvati Express in Maharashtra as part of a trial, marking a first in India.
• The ATM installation aims to boost non-fare revenue and is part of Indian Railways’ broader modernization plan.
• The ATM was secured using rubber pads and bolts to ensure safety during the maiden journey.

NITI Aayog Launches Report on India's Hand & Power Tools Exports.

• The report highlights India’s potential to achieve $25+ bn in exports from hand and power tools sector over next decade.
• The global hand & power tools market is projected to grow from $100 bn to $190 bn by 2035, with India aiming to capture a 10% share in power tools & 25% in hand tools.
• Challenges include a 14-17% cost disadvantage compared to China, with structural cost issues in India.

Justice BR Gavai To Become 52nd Chief Justice of India.

• Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has named Justice B R Gavai as his successor, who will take over as India's 52nd Chief Justice after Khanna's retirement on May 13, 2025.
• Justice Gavai, elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, has been part of landmark rulings, including upholding demonetization and the abrogation of Article 370.
• His tenure as CJI will last until November 23, 2025.

Maharashtra Signs MoU with IBM for AI Transformation.

• The Maharashtra Government has signed an MoU with IBM to enhance administrative efficiency using AI, hybrid cloud, and data analytics.
• Three AI Centres will be established in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur to train government employees and students in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.
• The initiative aims to improve public service delivery and administrative processes in the state.

"Dalit Chetna" Programme Organized by Sahitya Akademi.

• On Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, Sahitya Akademi hosted the Dalit Chetna programme, where six eminent writers recited their works on Ambedkar’s teachings and vision for a discrimination-free society.
• Writers like Mamta Jayant, Namdev, and Neelam presented poems reflecting Ambedkar’s dreams, while Tekchand and Puran Singh shared short stories highlighting social issues.