1. Philippines-US military exercise : Paradise island in Philippines caught in the US-China crosshairs . In the process of gaining upper hand in South China sea United States and China militaries skirt ever closer to each other. The main issue is Taiwan. China’s claim over Taiwan, the self-governing island is growing louder and the commitment to defend it appears to be deepening. Itbayat is 156 kilometer to Taiwan and it is becoming strategically important .
2.Kochi in Kerala gets water metro : The water metro in Kochi will connect 10 near by islands in Arabian sea . Tickets can be booked online. Modiji commented that the increased connectivity will improve’ back water tourism ‘ .Water metro system of Kochi is a big infrastructure and travel initiative in India. It has recorded over 6500 passengers on the first day . The ferry are battery operater electric hybrid boats. This is funded by Kerala Government and loan from German bank KfW . It is built at a cost of 1136.83 crores .
3.Adani group plans to raise about 800 million dollar : For financing green energy projects Adani group is planing to raise the fund. For borrowing the group is in discussion with various global banks including DBS bank , standard charted plc etc . This is the big development after accusation of corprorate fraud by Hindenburg Research . Project financing will show banks increasing comfort in giving money. Both banks and Adani group declined to comment . Recently Adani group has lost more than 100 billion dollar market value .
4. Finance ministry plans to classify online games as games of skill or chance : Finance ministry is planning to levy differential GST rates for online games. The games where winning is based on betting or gambling would be charged 28% GST and those which involve some amount of skill might the taxed at 18% . Next GST council meeting will take a decision on the rate to be charged by different the game into game of skill or game of chance .
