Golden Temple  

• During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched missiles and drones targeting the Golden Temple, but India's air defense successfully intercepted and prevented the assault.  
• Location: Amritsar in Punjab state of India  
• Guru Ramdas Sahib, the fourth Sikh Guru, initiated the building of the temple and its sacred pool in the 16th century as an inclusive place of worship.   
• Over the years, the temple underwent several renovations, including the addition of intricate marble flooring.   
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, famously adorned the temple’s upper levels with 750 kilograms of pure gold.   
• The revered Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, is enshrined inside the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple.  

Golden Temple  

  COVID  

• Amid rising COVID cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, India has reported 257 mild cases, with the situation under control.  
• Health officials assured that there is no cause for concern, and all necessary measures are in place.  
• JN.1 is the latest variant of Covid in which infections are generally mild to moderate.  
• JN.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness, though vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with health conditions may face complications.  

 Global EV Outlook 2025

• The Global Energy Vehicle (EV) Outlook 2025, released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).  
• Asia and Latin America, especially Thailand, Vietnam and Brazil, are emerging as new EV hubs.  
• India led growth in electric three-wheelers, supported by PM E-DRIVE.