[2026-04-18 18:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Huawei retains lead in China smartphone market, Apple shipments surge in first quarter

Snippet: Apple ranked second in the first quarter with a 19 per cent share, boosted by a 20 per cent surge in shipments, the largest growth among the top six brands

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3350566/huawei-retains-lead-china-smartphone-market-apple-shipments-surge-first-quarter?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 18:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Peace out: is Takaichi putting Japan’s pacifist constitution on the chopping block?

Snippet: Goal of changing the post-war system has never been closer, but upper house could still be a stumbling block, analysts argue

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3350506/peace-out-takaichi-putting-japans-pacifist-constitution-chopping-block?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 18:00 UTC+10:00] [Shinzo Abe] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Peace out: is Takaichi putting Japan’s pacifist constitution on the chopping block?

Snippet: Goal of changing the post-war system has never been closer, but upper house could still be a stumbling block, analysts argue

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3350506/peace-out-takaichi-putting-japans-pacifist-constitution-chopping-block

[2026-04-18 17:57 UTC+10:00] [JAPAN] [Factuality: 95]

Source: The Japan Times

Title: Japan pledges 'all possible measures' for Hormuz safety

Snippet: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan will take "all possible measures" to improve the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Read full article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/18/japan/takaichi-hormuz-help-pledge/

[2026-04-18 17:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Villagers compete to erect huge bamboo poles at an Indian folk festival, in photos

Snippet: Members of the Agri-Koli community compete to erect ceremonial bamboo poles in a centuries-old annual tradition honoring the local goddess Raiba Devi, in Rave village near Mumbai, India, Friday, April 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/india-bamboo-poles-festival-photos-c8e9d750dc743e9c200aa142db2f5508

[2026-04-18 17:14 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Rain or shine, Jeju goes on

Snippet: I’m a staff reporter for The Korea Herald, covering national security and foreign policy across the Defense, Foreign and Unification Ministries, as well as the National Assembly. Before entering journalism, I served as an Air Force lieutenant, working as an interpreter and junior planner at the ROK–US Combined Forces Command.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10720178

[2026-04-18 17:00 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Duo partners Clara-Jumi Kang and Kim Sun-wook to hold 11-city tour in Korea

Snippet: Violinist Clara-Jumi Kang and pianist-conductor Kim Sun-wook will launch a nationwide duo recital tour across 11 cities in May, their first joint appearance in Korea in five years.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10719059

[2026-04-18 17:00 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Campaign hagwon: Inside Korea’s intensifying class president elections

Snippet: What was once a popularity-based vote is now a high-stakes contest shaped by helicopter parenting, customized campaign strategies

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10718923

[2026-04-18 16:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: CCPI president says sale of govt’s 40% Petron stake, scrapping oil price fund ‘stupid’ policies

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — The president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands criticized on Saturday what he called the government’s “stupid” oil policy decisions, saying the sale of the state’s 40 percent stake in Petron and the removal of the Oil Price Stabilization Fund weakened the country’s ability to cushion fuel price shocks.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/news/national/ccpi-president-says-sale-of-govts-40-petron-stake-scrapping-oil-price-fund-stupid-policies/2323173

[2026-04-18 16:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Title: Evidence of human sacrifice, interbreeding found at ancient Korean burial complex - study

Snippet: DNA taken from human remains found within a 1,600-year-old burial complex in southeastern Korea reveals that ancient Korean society largely practiced interbreeding and ritual human sacrifice, according to a new study published in Science Advances.

Read full article: https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-893368

[2026-04-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Chinese robo-diving suit could help users consume almost 40% less oxygen

Snippet: Advanced algorithm designed to shadow a diver’s every move could also cut the risk of accidents when undertaking complex underwater tasks

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3350425/chinese-robo-diving-suit-could-help-users-consume-almost-40-less-oxygen?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Chinese robo-diving suit could help users consume almost 40% less oxygen

Snippet: Advanced algorithm designed to shadow a diver’s every move could also cut the risk of accidents when undertaking complex underwater tasks

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3350425/chinese-robo-diving-suit-could-help-users-consume-almost-40-less-oxygen

[2026-04-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China eatery sparks outrage for ‘beating wife’ sales slogan hinting domestic violence approval

Snippet: Other offensive sayings surface, like ‘a wife cannot be beaten to death and peppers cannot burn in the sun’, ignite online anger

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/gender-diversity/article/3350015/china-eatery-sparks-outrage-beating-wife-sales-slogan-hinting-domestic-violence-approval?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [China] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China eatery sparks outrage for ‘beating wife’ sales slogan hinting domestic violence approval

Snippet: Other offensive sayings surface, like ‘a wife cannot be beaten to death and peppers cannot burn in the sun’, ignite online anger

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/gender-diversity/article/3350015/china-eatery-sparks-outrage-beating-wife-sales-slogan-hinting-domestic-violence-approval

[2026-04-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [Climate Change] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Mobile solar pumps provide relief for farmers in Central Luzon

Snippet: This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/mobile-solar-pumps-provide-relief-farmers-central-luzon/

[2026-04-18 15:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Australia and Japan sign $6.5B warship contracts

Snippet: MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday to deliver the first three of a 10 billion Australian dollar ($6.5 billion) fleet of Japanese-designed warships, with the first due for delivery in three years.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/australia-japan-frigates-contracts-mogami-3716bd636db875cc9576ae871816d201

[2026-04-18 15:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Australia and Japan sign Mogami deal, pivot to deeper defense ties

Snippet: A Mogami type frigate is pictured in Yokosuka, Japan on Sept. 5, 2022. (Photo by Koji Uema)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/defense/australia-and-japan-sign-mogami-deal-pivot-to-deeper-defense-ties

[2026-04-18 15:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: US says it will pursue Iran-linked ships in Indo-Pacific region

Snippet: US forces will pursue ships linked to Iran well beyond the Middle East, including in the Indo-Pacific, CNN reported, quoting the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-says-it-will-pursue-iran-linked-ships-indo-pacific-region

[2026-04-18 15:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Ateneo snaps 5-game skid, keeps UE winless for 2nd straight season

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles kept the University of the East Lady Warriors winless for the second straight year and snapped their 5-game skid in the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament with a 25-23, 25-19, 29-27 win at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Saturday.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/sports/ateneo-snaps-5-game-skid-keeps-ue-winless-for-2nd-straight-season/2323157

[2026-04-18 15:30 UTC+10:00] [San Remo Manual] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a right in war and peace

Snippet: Neutral ships have a legal right of passage, even in war. Singapore has defended international law, which provides for a stable world order

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3350493/passage-through-strait-hormuz-right-war-and-peace

[2026-04-18 15:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a right in war and peace

Snippet: Neutral ships have a legal right of passage, even in war. Singapore has defended international law, which provides for a stable world order

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3350493/passage-through-strait-hormuz-right-war-and-peace?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 15:29 UTC+10:00] [US-China] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: Hormuz standoff sets a tense tone for Trump-Xi meet

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/hormuz-standoff-sets-a-tense-tone-for-trump-xi-meet/

[2026-04-18 15:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Heavy traffic expected on NLEX as Summer Blast 2026 draws music fans to Philippine Arena Sunday

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — Heavy traffic is expected along the North Luzon Expressway on Sunday, April 19, as music fans head to the Philippine Arena complex in Bulacan for the star-packed Summer Blast 2026.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/news/national/heavy-traffic-expected-on-nlex-as-summer-blast-2026-draws-music-fans-to-philippine-arena-sunday/2323155

[2026-04-18 15:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Magnitude 5 quake hits Japan’s Nagano prefecture

Snippet: The 1.20pm quake in Omachi registered an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic scale, strong enough ‌to make movement difficult without support

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3350559/magnitude-5-quake-hits-japans-nagano-prefecture?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 15:14 UTC+10:00] [Omachi] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Magnitude 5 quake hits Japan’s Nagano prefecture

Snippet: The 1.20pm quake in Omachi registered an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic scale, strong enough ‌to make movement difficult without support

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3350559/magnitude-5-quake-hits-japans-nagano-prefecture

[2026-04-18 15:11 UTC+10:00] [Opinion] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: Strategic autonomy or ambiguity? India’s Gulf dilemma

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/strategic-autonomy-or-ambiguity-indias-gulf-dilemma/

[2026-04-18 15:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Marcos open to postponing barangay elections to save money for Middle East crisis

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to proposals to postpone anew the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) if it would help save funds amid the crisis in the Middle East, Malacañang said.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/news/marcos-open-to-postponing-barangay-elections-to-save-money-for-middle-east-crisis/2323154

[2026-04-18 14:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: SM Supermalls bags top honor at 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

Snippet: SM Supermalls continues to raise the bar for customer excellence after being named Organization of the Year at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious programs recognizing innovation in business.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/supplements/sm-supermalls-bags-top-honor-at-2026-asia-pacific-stevie-awards/2323156

[2026-04-18 14:52 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Triple-A Pacific Coast League Glance

Snippet: Albuquerque 9, Oklahoma City 5

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/general-news-albuquerque-sacramento-b3f5cb798f55988508ae02fa4e1eb5d9

[2026-04-18 14:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Eala builds up for French Open with Madrid, Rome tourneys

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — Alexandra "Alex" Eala continues her buildup for the Roland Garros with a couple of WTA 1000 tier tournaments.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/sports/eala-builds-up-for-french-open-with-madrid-rome-tourneys/2323146

[2026-04-18 14:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: South Korea’s AI shamans foretell new take on old tradition

Snippet: The technology, which combines voice recognition with a generative AI chatbot, uses a centuries-old belief system to interpret fates

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3350556/south-koreas-ai-shamans-foretell-new-take-old-tradition?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 14:20 UTC+10:00] [Vinaida] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: South Korea’s AI shamans foretell new take on old tradition

Snippet: The technology, which combines voice recognition with a generative AI chatbot, uses a centuries-old belief system to interpret fates

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3350556/south-koreas-ai-shamans-foretell-new-take-old-tradition

[2026-04-18 14:19 UTC+10:00] [Military] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: North Korea taking its nuclear threat to the high seas

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/north-korea-taking-its-nuclear-threat-to-the-high-seas/

[2026-04-18 14:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Pasig launches organ transplant alliance with 3 hospitals

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City has launched a new alliance with major hospitals to expand organ donation efforts and make life-saving transplants more accessible to residents.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/news/national/pasig-launches-organ-transplant-alliance-with-3-hospitals/2323153

[2026-04-18 14:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Vanie Gandler bags PVL Player of the Week plum

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — Two years of rebuilding finally paid off for Cignal, resulting in a breakthrough 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Finals appearance.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/sports/vanie-gandler-bags-pvl-player-of-the-week-plum/2323144

[2026-04-18 14:00 UTC+10:00] [Sport / Rugby Union] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Age

Title: Umaga fears Super Rugby exit could see Tonga and Samoa lost to rugby league

Snippet: All Blacks legend Tana Umaga says he fears an exit of Moana Pasifika from Super Rugby Pacific could open the door for rugby league to take over Samoa and Tonga, and see the proud Pacific nations struggle to qualify for Rugby World Cups in the future.

Read full article: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/umaga-fears-super-rugby-exit-could-see-tonga-and-samoa-lost-to-rugby-league-20260417-p5zoys.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 13:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: 100 times stronger than fentanyl, carfentanil seizures surge

Snippet: Kelley Nalewaja stands by a memorial for her son, Michael Nalewaja, seen in the photo, who died after unknowingly taking a lethal cocktail of fentanyl and carfentanil in November 2025, at her home in El Dorado Hills, Calif., Thursday, April 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/carfentanil-surging-fentanyl-deaths-dea-china-mexico-6b32fe6450861754d8689a595fb830a5

[2026-04-18 13:43 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Balikatan exercises ‘correct path forward’ for PH defense posture, WPS stance — think tank

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines must move beyond rhetoric and fully operationalize an “active defense” posture amid China’s continued assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea, a policy expert said, pointing to expanded joint military exercises with allies as a key step forward.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/news/balikatan-exercises-correct-path-forward-for-ph-defense-posture-wps-stance-think-tank/2323145

[2026-04-18 13:42 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: UE ends campaign with upset of Ateneo

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — University of the East ended its campaign on a high note, outlasting Final Four-bound Ateneo de Manila University in four sets, 25-16, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/sports/ue-ends-campaign-with-upset-of-ateneo/2323140

[2026-04-18 13:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Lawmaker urges scrutiny of bagman's confession; survey reveals more than half disapprove of Sara impeachment

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker and official at the House of Representatives called on the committee presiding over the impeachment,case against Vice President Sara Duterte to scrutinize the testimony of her alleged bagman. Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Robert Nazal underscored the need to uphold truth, fairness, and integrity in the ongoing impeachment proceedings by the justice committee where it heard the testimony early this week of Ramil Madriaga who detailed key information that could determine probable cause.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/news/lawmaker-urges-scrutiny-of-bagmans-confession-survey-reveals-more-than-half-disapprove-of-sara-impeachment/2323148

[2026-04-18 13:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Kennedy Wesley scores 1st international goal and adds assist as USWNT beats Japan 3-0

Snippet: United States defender Kennedy Wesley celebrates after a goal against Japan during the second half of an international friendly soccer match Friday, April 17, 2026, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/uswnt-japan-score-43901008f6258d98318c23132fbe8167

[2026-04-18 13:13 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Investigators question accomplice of notorious 'drug kingpin' in Philippines

Snippet: Investigators said Saturday they have questioned an accomplice and nephew of notorious drug trafficker Park Wang-yeol in the Philippines.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10720126

[2026-04-18 13:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: Why India rejected a vote that could have been a global 'beacon' for women's rights

Snippet: Indian politicians pose outside Parliament House in New Delhi before debate on a landmark bill to reserve one-third of seats for women. (AP Photo)

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-18/india-rejects-move-to-increase-women-in-parliament/106578754

[2026-04-18 13:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: CBy Claire Campbell

Snippet: Claire Campbell is a reporter and digital producer working in the ABC's Asia Pacific Newsroom.

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/claire-campbell/7195908

[2026-04-18 13:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: As China’s biotech firms shift gears, can AI floor the accelerator?

Snippet: Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3350421/chinas-biotech-firms-shift-gears-can-ai-floor-accelerator?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 13:00 UTC+10:00] [China] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: As China’s biotech firms shift gears, can AI floor the accelerator?

Snippet: Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3350421/chinas-biotech-firms-shift-gears-can-ai-floor-accelerator

[2026-04-18 12:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Investigators question accomplice of notorious 'drug kingpin' in Philippines

Snippet: SEOUL, April 18 (Yonhap) -- Investigators said Saturday they have questioned an accomplice and nephew of notorious drug trafficker Park Wang-yeol in the Philippines.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260418000900315

[2026-04-18 12:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: Eman Bacosa declines potential bout vs brother Jimuel

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — Eman Bacosa has made it clear he will not step into the ring against his brother, Jimuel, citing family over rivalry.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/18/sports/eman-bacosa-declines-potential-bout-vs-brother-jimuel/2323132

[2026-04-18 12:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong seen leading Asia in push to scale stablecoins, HSBC says

Snippet: Interoperability and real-world applications seen as key hurdles as city looks to unlock tokenisation’s full potential

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/blockchain/article/3350498/hong-kong-seen-leading-asia-push-scale-stablecoins-hsbc-says?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-04-18 12:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong seen leading Asia in push to scale stablecoins, HSBC says

Snippet: Interoperability and real-world applications seen as key hurdles as city looks to unlock tokenisation’s full potential

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/blockchain/article/3350498/hong-kong-seen-leading-asia-push-scale-stablecoins-hsbc-says