What is it? The consolidated loss before tax of Ola, the Indian cab-hailing app in FY16.

Why is it important? The loss is nearly three times more than the loss in FY15. This is being seen as Ola’s cost to remain a block ahead of Uber, its American rival. Revenue increased seven times to Rs758 crore, but a four times rise in advertising (Rs385.5 crore) and over five times increase in employee costs (Rs379 crore), have ensured the losses pile up.

Tell me more: Ola-parent, ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd’s standalone operating revenue was Rs383.44 crore, with which Uber India was almost neck and neck at Rs374.79 crore.

352

What is it? The number of civilians killed in Iraq and Syria by US strikes against ISIS targets since 2014, according to the Pentagon.

Why is it important? The Pentagon number is far less than the estimates of non-profit monitoring groups. Airwars, for example, puts coalition-led civilian deaths in Libya and Syria at 3,164 people at least. High civilian deaths have remained the Achilles heel of the coalition fighting ISIS, as human rights organisations have often criticised them for indiscriminate targeting.

Tell me more: Pentagon further said it was assessing the deaths of 42 people reported recently.

13

What is it? The number of states that have notified rules for the new Real Estate Act.

Why is it important? The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act , 2016, which promises transparency and protection of consumer rights, comes into effect on 1 May. The Act was passed by both houses of Parliament last year, and being a model law, it leaves the state governments to pass their own specific rules. The low numbers indicate the states are not prepared, but might face public pressure to notify rules.

Tell me more: Among other guidelines, the real estate Act mandates developers to separately deposit 70% of the funds collected, exclusively for construction.

10%

What is it? Import duty on gold at present.

Why is it important? The Indian government is reportedly looking at bringing import duty down ahead of the goods and services tax (GST) rollout. Think tank Niti Aayog had suggested reducing the duty to make more gold available for small and medium firms, which in turn can increase jewellery exports. Lower duties also tend to bring down smuggling.

Tell me more: GST of 12% plus the current import duty is likely to make gold more expensive, according to industry players.

$1 billion

What is it? The cost of the anti-missile system called Thaad (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) , deployed by South Korea.

Why is it important? US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks of South Korea footing the bill for Thaad, which the US military built and deployed to South Korea, had put it in a spot. The US has now reassured it will pay for it. The installation of the anti-missile system as its neighbour, North Korea, lines up more missile and nuclear tests has stirred up quite a few problems for the Asian country. They include China’s disapproval and political opposition in the ongoing presidential race in its country. The reassurance will bring some relief to South Korea.

Tell me more: North Korea test-launched another missile on Saturday, which was unsuccessful.

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