SNIPPETS 15 JANUARY 2026

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): It is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to renewable energy+ Genesis: 2009, while its statute entered into force in 2010+ Headquarters: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE+ Membership: 170+ countries and the EU (India is a founding member)+ The sixteenth session concluded in Abu Dhabi+ IRENA and International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly released Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2025 prior to the assembly session

Havana Syndrome: Officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), refers to a set of unexplained neurological and physical symptoms first reported in 2016 by US diplomats in Havana, Cuba +Symptoms: Severe headaches and migraines, Dizziness, vertigo and nausea Ringing in ears (tinnitus)+Implications: Raises concerns about new-age warfare using invisible directed-energy weapons+ highlights vulnerabilities of diplomats and intelligence officers abroad

M.S. Sahoo Committee: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has set up an expert committee under M.S. Sahoo to design a framework for assured pension payouts under the National Pension Scheme (NPS)+ Constituted by: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)+ Aim: To create a robust system of assured pension payouts under NPS that reduces market-linked risks and ensures stable and predictable post-retirement income for subscribers+ Chairperson: M.S. Sahoo, former Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

Valley of Flowers:  A fire was reported near the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural)+ Location: Chamoli district of Uttarakhand+ It forms one of 2 core zones (the other being the Nanda Devi National Park) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which is part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)