*CURRENT AFFAIRS (26:09:2014)

1. NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden wins 'Right Livelihood Award
2014' alongwith Alan Rusbridger.
- Alan Rusbridger is the editor–in-chiefof the UK based newspaper 'The
Guardian' which had broken the news of NSA snooping to the world.
- The award is also referred to as the Alternative Nobel prize of Sweden.
- Both of them receive the prize in honorary category while the cash
prizes have been pocketed by three activists from Pakistan (Asma
Jahangir), Sri Lanka (Basil Fernando) and the US (Bill McKibben).
- The 2-lakh euro prize honours individuals who offer practical and
exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges of the time.
2. Sachin Tendulkar becomes the joint winner of Bradman Honouree 2014
with Steve Waugh.
- The honour, given by the Bradman Foundation, chooses up to two
recipients each year for his/her/their significant contribution to
international cricket as exemplified by Sir Donald Bradman.
- Other Indians to bag the honour: Sunil Gavaskar in 2010 and Rahul
Dravid in 2012.
3. Bamiyan declared as the SAARC cultural capital for the 2015-16; the
honour goes to Dhaka for 2016-17.
- It was announced at the conclusion of SAARC cultural meet in Delhi
where all the respective culture ministers adopted the Delhi
Resolution as a roadmap for cultural relations in the SAARC region for
the period 2014–17.
- Bamiyan is the same city where Taliban had blown up two ancient
statues of the Buddha in 2001 deeming them idolatrous and anti-Islam.
- The year 2016-17 will be the SAARC Year of Cultural Heritage.
4. Book your meal on trains through your mobile; Centre launches the
e-catering service on select trains on Delhi-Amritsar route.
How to avail?
- One is required to call to 1800 1034 139 (Toll free) or SMS to 139
with his PNR number.
- Once the PNR is verified you'd receive list of available dishes on
your phone and then can proceed to make your choice.
- The booking, however, has to be done at least two-hour in advance.
SMS format: MEAL (SPACE) (PNR)
5. Suresh Prabhu has been appointed as the India's Sherpa for the
Group of 20 annual Summit 2014.
- Sherpa is a senior official responsible for preparing the agenda for
their leaders (Modi in this case) to consider during the summit.
- G20 Leaders Summit is to be held in Brisbane this year from November 15-16.
- He is currently the chairperson of the Council on Energy,
Environment and Water.
6. Centre rolls out red carpet for foreign investments in
manufacturing sector with launch of "Make in India" initiative.
7. Malayalam filmmaker MT Vasudevan Nair wins JC Daniel Award 2013 for
lifetime achievement.
- The prestigious award, presented by Kerala government, recognize his
outstanding contribution to the Malayalam film industry.
8. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) is the 15th
biggest dairy organisations in the world.
- They are the maker of renowned milk brand 'Amul'.