Current affairs 21 June 2023

Author Salman Rushdie awarded the prestigious German Peace Prize in 2023.

• British-American author, Salman Rushdie has been selected for the prestigious German Peace Prize 2023 for his literary work and his resolve and positive attitude in the face of constant danger.
• He would receive the award in Frankfurt on October 22, 2023.
• Cash prize: €25,000 ($27,300)
• This prize was established in 1950 to recognize a personality committed to serving international understanding between nations and cultures through their work.

Himalayan Glaciers on Track to Lose up to 75% of Ice by 2100: Report.

• According to a new report, Glaciers in Asia’s Hindu Kush Himalaya could lose up to 75% of their volume by the end of the century.
• Reason: Global warming, is causing dangerous flooding and water shortages for the 240 million people who live in the mountainous region.
• The international scientist team found that ice loss on the peaks of Everest and K2 is speeding up.
• In 2010, the glaciers shed as much as 65% of ice, which was faster than they had in the preceding decade.

UN adopt 1st-ever treaty to protect marine life in high seas.

• UN has adopted the first-ever treaty to protect marine life on the high seas, approved by delegates from the 193 member nations.
• The treaty will create a new body to manage the conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas on the high seas.
• It also establishes ground rules for conducting environmental impact assessments for commercial activities in the oceans.
• The new treaty is under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, came into force in 1994.

Karnataka’s free power scheme, "Gruha Jyothi Scheme".

• Karnataka government has launched a free power scheme named Gruha Jyothi scheme for providing free electricity up to 200 units a month.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also stated that the scheme also extends to tenants living on rent if their electricity consumption matches the scheme's criteria.
• The beneficiaries will get a ‘zero bill’ starting August 1 if usage is within their entitlement.
• The Gruha Jyothi scheme is part of the Congress government's five poll promises.

Nusrat Choudhury becomes first Muslim woman federal judge in US history.

• Nusrat Jahan Choudhury, a civil rights attorney, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Muslim woman to serve as a federal judge in the United States.
• President Joe Biden nominated Choudhury, a civil rights attorney, to the U.S. District Court for Eastern New York in January, and she was confirmed to the life-tenured position with a narrow margin of 50-49 votes.
• Choudhury currently serves as the legal director of the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
• She has been a vocal advocate for racial justice and protecting civil liberties throughout her career.