[2026-01-29 07:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: US’ Rubio says China profited from Venezuela’s collapse through cut-price oil

Snippet: US secretary tells senators Beijing received discounted crude via opaque debt deals, saying Maduro’s removal was key to curbing influence

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/us/article/3341598/rubio-says-china-profited-venezuelas-collapse-through-cut-price-oil

[2026-01-28 22:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong police arrest 7 over bogus HK$10 million bankruptcy loan scheme

Snippet: Investigation uncovers loan racket posing as debt‑relief service, deceiving nearly 100 residents

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341575/hong-kong-police-arrest-7-over-bogus-hk10-million-bankruptcy-loan-scheme

[2026-01-28 15:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Taiwan’s defence ministry slams TPP’s ‘unworkable’ military spending plan

Snippet: Opposition party’s proposal would drop plans for ‘T-Dome’ air defence system and cut budget ceiling to US$12.7 billion

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341455/taiwans-defence-ministry-slams-tpps-unworkable-military-spending-plan

[2026-01-28 07:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Sri Lanka stands out for scale and breadth of tax concessions - DailyNews

Snippet: Sri Lanka has long been an outlier in the extent to which it grants tax concessions, former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian said, warning that such policies lay at the heart of the country’s persistent fiscal and macroeconomic troubles.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/28/business/940948/sri-lanka-stands-out-for-scale-and-breadth-of-tax-concessions/

[2026-01-28 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 95]

Source: Daily News

Title: NATO chief wishes 'good luck' to those who think Europe can defend itself without US help - DailyNews

Snippet: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte insisted Monday that Europe is incapable of defending itself without U.S. military support and would have to more than double current military spending targets to be able to do so.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/28/world/941050/nato-chief-wishes-good-luck-to-those-who-think-europe-can-defend-itself-without-us-help/

[2026-01-28 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s consumer spending push faces major challenge – debt-averse households

Snippet: Beijing has renewed its focus on boosting domestic demand in recent months, but households are cutting debt at fastest pace in years

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3341435/chinas-consumer-spending-push-faces-major-challenge-debt-averse-households

[2026-01-27 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China tightens rail approvals as Xi warns on waste and ‘operational’ trouble

Snippet: Intercity lines face stricter break-even rules, as the central government cracks down on ‘back-door’ metro projects and looks to curb redundant infrastructure spending

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3341412/china-tightens-rail-approvals-xi-warns-overbuilding-waste-and-operational-trouble

[2026-01-27 04:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Cheias em Moçambique: Comunicação deficitária é um problema

Snippet: To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/pt-002/cheias-em-mo%C3%A7ambique-comunica%C3%A7%C3%A3o-deficit%C3%A1ria-%C3%A9-um-problema/video-75668356

[2026-01-26 13:51 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: SC concludes hearing into Parliamentary Pensions Bill - DailyNews

Snippet: The Supreme Court has concluded hearing arguments for and against the proposed Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, which seeks to abolish pension entitlements granted to Members of Parliament.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/24/lawnorder/939269/sc-concludes-hearing-into-parliamentary-pensions-bill/

[2026-01-26 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Bitter fruits’: why the Philippines faces a 10-year climb to fix its schools

Snippet: Its ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget might not be enough to close long-standing gaps, experts say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3341105/philippines-will-take-least-10-years-make-proficiency-grade

[2026-01-26 09:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Swire Properties bullish on mainland retail despite slowing market

Snippet: Foot traffic and sales have been rising across Swire’s mainland portfolio, lifted by Gen Z shoppers, holiday spending and policy support

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3341100/swire-properties-remains-bullish-mainland-retail-despite-slowing-market

[2026-01-25 23:29 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: South Korea withdraws budget minister nominee after allegations

Snippet: Conservative Lee Hye-hoon’s appointment was viewed as an attempt by President Lee Jae Myung to promote national unity with cross-party appointments

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3341172/south-korea-withdraws-budget-minister-nominee-after-allegations

[2026-01-25 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Explainer | Why China Miao ethnic group moves houses at night, dances with soot on faces upon completion

Snippet: Age-old tradition stems from time when Miao people had to stage secret home relocations to avoid landlords seeking rent or debt repayments

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3340563/why-china-miao-ethnic-group-moves-houses-night-dances-soot-faces-upon-completion

[2026-01-25 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Invest in people’: China raises minimum wages to boost household spending

Snippet: Most provinces increased pay for low-paid jobs in 2025, part of nationwide efforts to tackle deflationary pressures

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3341028/china-raises-minimum-wages-amid-drive-boost-household-spending

[2026-01-23 16:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: K-drama star Cha Eun-woo’s ad campaigns pulled amid tax scrutiny in South Korea

Snippet: The actor is contesting an additional tax assessment of more than US$13 million tied to a company registered under his mother’s name

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3340942/south-korean-brands-drop-campaigns-k-drama-star-cha-eun-woo-amid-tax-allegations

[2026-01-23 13:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [In This Economy] Travel tax: Time to go

Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/in-this-economy-travel-tax-time-to-go/

[2026-01-23 13:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [Ask The Tax Whiz] What taxpayers need to know about deductible expenses

Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/business/ask-the-tax-whiz-things-to-know-deductible-expenses/

[2026-01-23 08:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ProPublica

Title: How “Bitcoin Jesus” Avoided Prison, Thanks to One of the “Friends of Trump”

Snippet: These highlights were written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

Read full article: https://www.propublica.org/article/bitcoin-jesus-roger-ver-tax-evasion-friends-of-trump

[2026-01-23 06:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: LB Finance PAT up 24% to Rs. 8.9 bn - DailyNews

Snippet: LB Finance PLC reported a strong financial performance for the nine months ended December 31, 2025, recording a 24% year on year increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to Rs. 8.93 billion, underpinned by sustained income growth and a sound financial position.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/23/business/938539/lb-finance-pat-up-24-to-rs-8-9-bn/

[2026-01-23 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: NCE to host policy forum on Economic Resilience - DailyNews

Snippet: The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) will convene its flagship policy forum titled ‘Convening Leaders for Economic Resilience’ on January 28, from 4.00 p.m. onwards at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, bringing together key policymakers, industry leaders and experts to discuss the implications of the National Budget 2026.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/23/business/938329/nce-to-host-policy-forum-on-economic-resilience/

[2026-01-22 05:35 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Why is Slovakia the EU's 'central hub' for VAT fraud?

Snippet: The head of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) delivered a stark message during a visit to Slovakia late last year.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/european-union-slovakia-tax-crime-tax-evasion-laura-codruta-kovesi-eppo-jan-kuciak/a-75577538

[2026-01-21 23:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Passenger numbers for Hong Kong’s Cathay go sky high with 27% increase

Snippet: Cathay Pacific Airways and budget arm HK Express carried more than 36 million passengers in 2025 on the back of tourist growth

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3340725/passenger-numbers-hong-kongs-cathay-go-sky-high-27-increase

[2026-01-21 23:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China widens trade gap with Africa to record US$102 billion amid US pressure

Snippet: Data points to growing African trade deficit as Trump imposes tariffs, and African demand for manufactured goods and commodity price spikes

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3340674/chinese-goods-pour-africa-widening-trade-gap-record-us102-billion-amid-us-pressure

[2026-01-21 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China mum makes daughter walk on knees during cold night, berates worried passers-by

Snippet: Mother blames stress of debt incurred to give girl a ‘better’ education for punishment; netizens say she should ‘see a psychiatrist’

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3339995/china-mum-makes-daughter-crawl-knees-during-cold-night-berates-passers-when-intervened

[2026-01-21 19:15 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China fines e-commerce firm PDD for tax violations amid probe

Snippet: Operator of leading online retail platform was cited for failure to comply with Shanghai’s tax requirements

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3340679/china-fines-e-commerce-firm-pdd-tax-violations-amid-probe

[2026-01-21 18:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Enhanced pension scheme introduced for Fishermen - DailyNews

Snippet: A new pension scheme offering higher and more flexible benefits has been introduced to strengthen the social security of fishermen. Implemented under the Fishermen’s Pension and Social Security Scheme Act No. 23 of 1990, the revised scheme has been updated to better suit current economic conditions.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/21/local/937507/enhanced-pension-scheme-introduced-for-fishermen/

[2026-01-21 18:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Japan bond volatility raises contagion alarm for Asia’s stocks and debt

Snippet: Japan’s yield spike is testing safe-haven assumptions, with markets debating whether the movement is local or systemic

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/3340667/japan-bond-volatility-raises-contagion-alarm-asias-stocks-and-debt

[2026-01-21 14:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Letters | Will the coming Hong Kong budget be on ordinary people’s wavelength?

Snippet: Readers discuss the concerns of Hongkongers ahead of the budget, animal adoption, and seat belt rules

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3340502/will-coming-hong-kong-budget-be-ordinary-peoples-wavelength

[2026-01-21 06:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Import tax a measure to control foreign exchange outflow - Deputy Minister - DailyNews

Snippet: The Government has imposed a 3% tax on vehicle importers to control the outflow of foreign exchange from the country, Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera informed Parliament yesterday (20).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/21/local/937340/import-tax-a-measure-to-control-foreign-exchange-outflow-deputy-minister/

[2026-01-21 04:27 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Nigeria's new tax regime draws varied public response

Snippet: To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/nigerias-new-tax-regime-draws-varied-public-response/video-75584630

[2026-01-21 02:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Bernardo explains how budget sponsors decide who implements public works

Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bernardo-explains-budget-sponsors-decide-implements-public-works/

[2026-01-21 02:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Senators flag DPWH’s ‘contractor-friendly’ budget preparation process

Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/dpwh-contractor-friendly-budget-preparation-process/

[2026-01-20 22:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Snippet: Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3340573/china-targets-hi-tech-industries-domestic-demand-2026-new-policy-package

[2026-01-20 21:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Mad to boost birth rate’: China lets retirees claim prenatal exam costs, sparks mockery

Snippet: Following move to tax condoms, contraceptives, online observers deride Beijing move as desperate attempt to boost birth rates

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3339864/mad-boost-birth-rate-china-allows-retirees-claim-prenatal-exam-costs-sparks-mockery

[2026-01-20 20:03 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Pension provisions to be amended for public officers recruited after January 2016 - DailyNews

Snippet: The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to the pension-related provisions included in the appointment letters of public officers recruited after 1 January 2016, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/20/local/936838/pension-provisions-to-be-amended-for-public-officers-recruited-after-january-2016/

[2026-01-20 12:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: 2 Chinese workers in Malaysia face US$392,000 tax bills after employer fraud

Snippet: The victims’ employer allegedly inflated their salaries to reduce the company’s tax liability, sparking calls for action

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3340486/2-chinese-nationals-malaysia-face-us392000-tax-bills-after-employer-fraud

[2026-01-20 12:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Taiwanese military’s closed-door meeting draws ‘black box’ criticism

Snippet: Taiwan’s defence minister delivers classified briefing on record US$39.5 billion budget in a bid to break opposition blockade

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3340451/taiwanese-militarys-closed-door-meeting-draws-black-box-criticism

[2026-01-20 06:48 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: NGJA revises tax method for rough gem imports to ease industry burden - DailyNews

Snippet: The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has announced a revised taxation methodology for the importation of rough gemstones, a move aimed at easing financial pressure on industry stakeholders and supporting Sri Lanka’s ambition of reaching US$1 billion in annual gem and jewellery export earnings.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/20/business/936403/ngja-revises-tax-method-for-rough-gem-imports-to-ease-industry-burden/

[2026-01-20 06:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Why Sri Lanka must sustain 7% growth - DailyNews

Snippet: Since gaining independence, Sri Lanka has faced one of the most challenging economic crises. Things are beginning to look up for Sri Lanka, as macroeconomic stability, along with confidence, is beginning to return. However, recovery is the only challenge, and there is a lack of clear growth opportunities. Stagnation will lead to growth imbalances, such as high debt, underemployment, and chronic social issues can plague the economy.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/20/general-opinion/936511/why-sri-lanka-must-sustain-7-growth/

[2026-01-19 22:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China Taiping expects higher profit but Tai Po fire could weigh in 2026

Snippet: State-owned insurer expects 215 to 225 per cent jump in 2025 net profit due to a gain in investment income, one-off tax impact

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3340449/china-taiping-expects-higher-profit-tai-po-fire-could-weigh-2026

[2026-01-19 21:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: President reviews 2026 plans for advancing Sri Lanka’s digital economy - DailyNews

Snippet: A high-level discussion to assess the progress of digital projects implemented in 2025 and to examine new initiatives planned under the 2026 budget took place this morning (19) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of the Minister of Digital Economy, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/19/local/936231/president-reviews-2026-plans-for-advancing-sri-lankas-digital-economy/

[2026-01-19 19:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [Rear View] A budget free of pork and 'epal'? Get real.

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/voices/thought-leaders/rear-view-2026-budget-credit-grabbing-politicians/

[2026-01-19 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Financial Times

Title: Stimulus from defence spending could prove elusive

Snippet: PublishedJanuary 19 2026

Read full article: https://www.ft.com/content/3da4352d-1e5e-401d-a6a2-ff909ff5fc96

[2026-01-19 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Rs. 4,853 Bn tax revenue target set for 2026 - DailyNews

Snippet: Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera stated that the Government has set a tax revenue target of Rs.4,853 billion for this year (2026) for the three main revenue-collecting institutions.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/19/breaking-news/935951/rs-4853-bn-tax-revenue-target-set-for-2026/

[2026-01-17 21:06 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Asia Times

Title: China's condom tax no way to pump up low birth rates - Asia Times

Snippet: Keep independent journalism alive

Read full article: https://asiatimes.com/2026/01/chinas-condom-tax-no-way-to-pump-up-low-birth-rates/

[2026-01-17 02:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: World View with Marites Vitug: Fixing the PH budget process

Snippet: Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/view-marites-vitug-fixing-philippines-budget-process-butch-abad/

[2026-01-16 19:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong’s finance chief warns of market volatility, pledges support for families

Snippet: Amid market swings, Financial Secretary Paul Chan urges fiscal prudence and vows to review child tax breaks to tackle record-low birth rate

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3340151/hong-kongs-finance-chief-warns-market-volatility-pledges-support-families

[2026-01-16 11:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 95]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Can new tricks save Hong Kong’s restaurants from ‘irreversible’ Shenzhen trend?

Snippet: Business models are being overhauled as food and drink sector tackles ‘irreversible’ trend of Hongkongers spending their money elsewhere

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340068/whats-cooking-hong-kong-restaurants-thinking-outside-box-bid-survive

[2026-01-16 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [Ask the Tax Whiz] Are you covered by BIR's new e-invoicing regulation?

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/business/ask-the-tax-whiz-things-to-know-bir-e-invoicing-regulation/

[2026-01-16 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Rubber stamp fiasco ends career - DailyNews

Snippet: In the case of M.D.S.A. Perera vs Dharmasena Dissanayake (SC FR/APPLICATION NO 62/2020-2023) the Supreme Court examined an alleged violation of Fundamental Rights under Article 12(1) (Equality) concerning the disciplinary process of a Grade I Accountant. The Petitioner, nearing his 60th birthday, was subjected to two distinct charge sheets that ultimately forced his retirement under Section 12 of the Minutes on Pension, a provision used when disciplinary proceedings are pending at the time of retirement.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/16/general-opinion/934565/rubber-stamp-fiasco-ends-career/