[2025-12-29 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Sri Lanka’s Weekly Economic Indicators Reflect Improving External Inflows and Fiscal Consolidation - DailyNews

Snippet: Sri Lanka’s latest Weekly Economic Indicators released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) point to steady improvements in key macroeconomic fundamentals, supported by stronger external sector inflows, moderating inflation, and continued fiscal consolidation, despite lingering global and domestic challenges.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/29/business/922976/sri-lankas-weekly-economic-indicators-reflect-improving-external-inflows-and-fiscal-consolidation/

[2025-12-29 00:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Consumer demand and public services top China’s financial priorities for 2026

Snippet: National fiscal work conference ends in Beijing with pledge to spur domestic market

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337950/consumer-demand-and-public-services-top-chinas-financial-priorities-2026

[2025-12-28 22:17 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Bicam report on 2026 budget signed, ratification next

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/signing-bicam-report-2026-national-budget/

[2025-12-28 18:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats?

Snippet: Strict flight rules and economic headwinds are forcing scrutiny-wary tycoons to rebase aircraft in places such as Singapore or downgrade to commercial cabins

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337814/why-are-rich-chinese-quietly-moving-private-jets-offshore-slumming-it-budget-seats

[2025-12-28 13:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: What next for Taiwan’s Lai as US$37 billion defence boost blocked by KMT, allies?

Snippet: Procedural blockade for eight-year military spending package has also stalled 2026 general budget review, piling up pressure on ruling DPP

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3337851/what-next-taiwans-lai-us37-billion-defence-boost-frozen-kmt-allies

[2025-12-28 11:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Dozens of Chinese EV makers under pressure to fold or trim operations: analysts

Snippet: Grappling with expiring cash subsidies and tax incentives, China’s car market is forecast to see deliveries slump next year

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337827/dozens-chinese-ev-makers-under-pressure-fold-or-trim-operations-2026-analysts

[2025-12-28 10:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Rappler

Title: Why is Rodrigo Duterte spending the holidays alone at his ICC cell?

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/why-rodrigo-duterte-spending-holidays-alone-icc-cell/

[2025-12-26 15:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Japan Cabinet approves record defense budget to deter China

Snippet: The Japanese Cabinet on Friday approved a record budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/japan-cabinet-approves-record-defense-budget-to-deter-china/a-75307361

[2025-12-26 15:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Japan’s US$782 billion budget to boost military firepower, tame inflation

Snippet: The budget comes as the market worries about Prime Minister Takaichi’s big spending policies adding to Japan’s public debt

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3337764/japans-record-us782-billion-budget-boost-military-firepower-tame-inflation

[2025-12-26 07:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah - DailyNews

Snippet: As Sri Lanka continues its recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, one of the most severe climate disasters in the history of the country the debate over debt relief, climate risk, and economic resilience shows no signs of abating. The cyclone battered the country which is facing crisis of balancing emergency spending, international assistance, and debt commitments.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/26/features/922055/aftermath-of-cyclone-ditwah/

[2025-12-26 06:59 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: New Company, chance to forego debt? - DailyNews

Snippet: In this judgment by Chandra Ekanayake, J., the Court addressed an appeal (Sri Lanka Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd. Vs. Ambewela Livestock Co. Ltd. – SC CHC – APPEAL NO. 54/2007-2014) by the defendant-appellant (Markfed) against a Commercial High Court decision favouring the plaintiff-respondent (Ambewela Livestock Company Limited). The core of the dispute involved a claim for Rs.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/26/lawnorder/922027/new-company-chance-to-forego-debt/

[2025-12-26 06:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: IRD surpasses 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule - DailyNews

Snippet: The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has successfully achieved its annual revenue target of Rs. 2,203 billion, a goal originally set for the end of 2025, as of December 19. Inland Revenue Commissioner General Rukdevi Fernando announced that the Department had surpassed the Government’s Rs. 2,203 billion annual revenue target last Friday (19).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/26/breaking-news/922195/ird-surpasses-2025-revenue-target-ahead-of-schedule/

[2025-12-25 22:37 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: 2026 budget to be signed first week of January | The wRap

Snippet: Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/december-25-2025/

[2025-12-25 21:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: В РФ возник дефицит немецкого препарата против шизофрении

Snippet: С прилавков российских аптек начал пропадать "Сероквель" - один из самых популярных препаратов от шизофрении, психозов, биполярного расстройства и других психических заболеваний. Права на это лекарство принадлежат немецкой фирме Cheplapharm, пишет в четверг, 25 декабря, газета "Коммерсант".

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/ru/v-rossii-voznik-deficit-nemeckogo-preparata-protiv-sizofrenii/a-75300908

[2025-12-25 12:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Guest house rates hit 5-year high as tourists flock to Hong Kong for Christmas

Snippet: But industry leader warns city’s image as tourist destination skewed by exorbitant rates of five-star hotels, while budget lodgings remain largely unknown

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3337635/guest-house-rates-hit-5-year-high-tourists-flock-hong-kong-christmas

[2025-12-25 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: The need for external financing - DailyNews

Snippet: In an environment where Sri Lanka is recovering from its third shock in six years, our economy it not capable of withstanding much. The social landscape stands vulnerable as almost 1/4th of Sri Lankan’s live below the middle-income poverty line earning less than Rs. 1100 a day. About 33% of households goes into debt to cover their basic day-to-day needs, such as food, education and medical treatments.The prevailing common theme is pawning jewellery meet regular income needs.A further, quarter of

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/25/general-opinion/921585/the-need-for-external-financing/

[2025-12-25 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hard work, long hours fuelled China’s rise. Now, it weighs longer breaks

Snippet: China, one of the world’s hardest-working countries, is adopting incentives to increase time off – and potentially boost consumer spending

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337459/hard-work-and-long-hours-fuelled-chinas-rise-now-it-mulls-benefits-longer-breaks

[2025-12-24 21:43 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: 2026 budget under Palace review, will be signed first week of January

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/2026-budget-marcos-review-signed-january-2026/

[2025-12-24 21:02 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: कर्नाटक का हेट स्पीच कानून यूं लगाएगा नफरती भाषणों पर अंकुश

Snippet: कर्नाटक सरकार ने बीते सप्ताह हेट स्पीच पर अंकुश लगाने के लिए विधानसभा में भारी हंगामे के बीच कर्नाटक हेट स्पीच और हेट क्राइम्स (प्रिवेंशन) बिल, 2025 पारित कर दिया. यह ऐसा कानून बनाने वाला देश का पहला राज्य बन गया है.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/hi/hate-speech-after-karnataka-telangana-to-introduce-hate-speech-law-in-budget-session/a-75293085

[2025-12-24 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: Daily News

Title: Thalawa PS 2026 Budget passed sans Opposition - DailyNews

Snippet: The 2026 Budget of the Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha, led by the NPP, was passed yesterday.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/24/local/920858/thalawa-ps-2026-budget-passed-sans-opposition/

[2025-12-24 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: New circular to streamline empowerment programme - DailyNews

Snippet: In order to restore the lives of the people who have been affected and disrupted by the sudden disaster situation caused by the adverse weather conditions, the Ministry of Finance has issued a new circular on the 20th to implement the empowerment programme more efficiently and effectively, superseding Budget Circular No.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/24/business/921025/new-circular-to-streamline-empowerment-programme/

[2025-12-24 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: A reasonable request - DailyNews

Snippet: The call by a group of the world’s top economists for Sri Lanka’s debt repayments to be suspended in the wake of the devastation caused by cyclone Ditwah, is indeed quite reasonable, given the scale of the damage caused in its wake. This, perhaps, is the first time that such a call has gone out from influential sections abroad.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/24/editorial/921123/a-reasonable-request/

[2025-12-23 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: As Germany’s trade deficit with China nears new high, analysts warn of backlash

Snippet: The widening gap, fuelled by a localisation push in China and fierce EV competition, is fuelling fears of political upheaval and rising protectionist sentiment in Berlin

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3337464/germanys-trade-deficit-china-nears-new-high-analysts-warn-backlash

[2025-12-23 06:44 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Top economists call for halt to SL debt repayments after cyclone - DailyNews

Snippet: A group of the world’s top economists – including the Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz – have called for Sri Lanka’s debt payments to be suspended as it tackles the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/23/local/920348/top-economists-call-for-halt-to-sl-debt-repayments-after-cyclone/

[2025-12-23 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: Daily News

Title: EFF 5th review discussions to begin early 2026 - DailyNews

Snippet: The IMF is expected to begin discussions on the fifth review of the country’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in early 2026, IMF sources said. The IMF has taken steps to temporarily postpone the review to assist the Sri Lankan government in addressing the sudden balance of payments and fiscal pressures that have arisen following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah that hit the country on November 28.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/23/business/919993/eff-5th-review-discussions-to-begin-early-2026/

[2025-12-23 05:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ProPublica

Title: What You Should Know About Russ Vought, Trump’s Shadow President

Snippet: On the second day of the federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video set to the classic song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult. The star of that video, which quickly went viral, was Russell Vought, the president’s top budget adviser. More than that, Vought is the architect of Trump’s broader plan to fire civil servants, freeze government programs and dismantle entire agencies, and he’s a big reason the second Trump administration has been more

Read full article: https://www.propublica.org/article/about-russell-vought-trump-shadow-president

[2025-12-23 03:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: SJB, SLPP, SLFP and Dilith-aligned members unite to defeat CMC Budget - DailyNews

Snippet: The inaugural budget of the Colombo Municipal Council for 2026, proposed by the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated today (22).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/22/local/920351/sjb-slpp-slfp-and-dilith-aligned-members-unite-to-defeat-cmc-budget/

[2025-12-23 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China to hide bad debt records for pandemic-hit borrowers who repay small loans

Snippet: New policy by the People’s Bank of China applies to one-off debts up to 10,000 yuan incurred since 2020, aiming to help people rebuild credit

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337354/china-hide-bad-debt-records-pandemic-hit-borrowers-who-repay-small-loans

[2025-12-22 14:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Top economists call for halt to Sri Lanka debt repayments after Cyclone Ditwah - DailyNews

Snippet: A group of the world’s top economists – including the Nobel prize winner Joseph Stiglitz – have called for Sri Lanka’s debt payments to be suspended as it tackles the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/22/breaking-news/919593/top-economists-call-for-halt-to-sri-lanka-debt-repayments-after-cyclone-ditwah/

[2025-12-22 12:43 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: ‘Hunting in zoo’: Indonesia seeks extra tax from rich to plug budget deficit

Snippet: The push is adding to unease among rich Indonesians already rattled by what many see as a crackdown on the affluent under Subianto

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3337256/indonesia-seeks-extra-tax-rich-plug-budget-deficit-hunting-zoo

[2025-12-22 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: IMF approves USD 206 Mn in emergency financial support for Sri Lanka - DailyNews

Snippet: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a disbursement of SDR150.5 million (about US$206 million, equivalent to 26 percent of quota) for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). This emergency support will help address urgent balance-of-payments and fiscal pressures arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah, which hit the country on November 28.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/22/business/919081/imf-approves-usd-206-mn-in-emergency-financial-support-for-sri-lanka/

[2025-12-21 20:06 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s cabinet clears path for VAT law to take effect next month

Snippet: State Council approves draft regulations to implement the new law, which aims to govern China’s biggest source of tax revenue

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3337231/chinas-cabinet-clears-path-vat-law-take-effect-next-month

[2025-12-20 20:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Vanke Hong Kong sells just 7 units in muted Le Mont weekend launch

Snippet: Brokers said the downbeat result reflected Le Mont’s long sales cycle rather than any spillover from parent China Vanke’s onshore debt talks

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3337177/vanke-hong-kong-sells-just-7-units-muted-le-mont-weekend-launch

[2025-12-20 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: President pledges strong, debt-free recovery - DailyNews

Snippet: Parliament approved the Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate aimed at restoring the livelihoods of those affected by the recent sudden disaster and rebuilding damaged infrastructure yesterday (19).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/20/breaking-news/918695/president-pledges-strong-debt-free-recovery/

[2025-12-20 04:57 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ProPublica

Title: Under Trump, More Than 1,000 Nonprofits Strip DEI Language From Tax Forms

Snippet: According to this year’s tax filing, the American Athletic Conference, the $150 million collegiate sports league that includes schools like Rice and Tulane, is striving to be a leader in inclusion, but no longer in diversity or equity.

Read full article: https://www.propublica.org/article/deleting-dei-language-nonprofits-irs-forms

[2025-12-20 02:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Bicam approves P243-B unprogrammed funds, higher than Senate's version

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bicam-approves-unprogrammed-appropriations-budget-2026/

[2025-12-19 20:27 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s military build-up could ‘seriously’ affect Japan’s security, Tokyo warns

Snippet: Release of defence ministry report comes amid soaring tensions with Beijing and a boost to Japan’s military budget and goals

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3337079/chinas-military-build-could-seriously-affect-japans-security-tokyo-warns

[2025-12-19 18:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: 5 arrested in Hong Kong over HK$1.8 million stolen from eMPF pension accounts

Snippet: Scammers impersonated account holders to withdraw funds, prompting managing body to suspend digital verification process

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337048/hong-kong-police-arrest-5-over-stealing-hk18-million-mpf-account-holders

[2025-12-19 14:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [Ask the Tax Whiz] Are BIR audits really on hold? A guide to RMC No. 107-2025

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/business/ask-tax-whiz-bir-audit-guide-cases-not-covered-suspension/

[2025-12-19 12:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Half of NCR cities stop using confidential funds, spending drops 35% in 2024

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/ncr-cities-stop-using-confidential-funds-spending-drops-2024/

[2025-12-19 00:21 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Who is Ma. Belen Ringpis Liban, new chief of Court of Tax Appeals?

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-ma-belen-ringpis-liban-presiding-justice-court-tax-appeals/

[2025-12-18 20:58 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Bicam approves P529.6-B DPWH budget for 2026

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/department-public-works-highways-budget-2026/

[2025-12-18 20:40 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: New pork barrel? Health workers flag MAIFIP budget hike in bicam

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/new-pork-barrel-maifip-bicam-budget-hike-flagged/

[2025-12-18 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: As trade deficit mounts, is EU selling what China wants to buy?

Snippet: Traditional European exports like cars are losing their appeal, while restrictions crimp sales of sought-after lithography machines

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3336897/trade-deficit-mounts-eu-offering-china-what-it-wants-buy

[2025-12-18 12:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Last-minute appeals from gov't agencies plague bicam

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/newsbreak/inside-track/bicameral-conference-committee-updates-2026-budget-december-17-2025/

[2025-12-18 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Elior Group begins training workers for Hong Kong aircraft disassembly industry

Snippet: Company leaders optimistic firm can secure land for operations by third quarter of 2026, but call for tax breaks to boost nascent industry

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3336799/elior-group-begins-training-technicians-hong-kongs-aircraft-disassembly-industry

[2025-12-18 10:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China cements global lead in smart vacuums as Picea acquires Roomba maker iRobot

Snippet: Last month, Picea subsidiary Santrum bought about US$191 million of iRobot’s outstanding debt from the investment firm Carlyle Group

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3336770/china-cements-global-lead-smart-vacuums-picea-acquires-roomba-maker-irobot

[2025-12-18 04:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: 4 Republicans defy House speaker to force vote on extending Obamacare subsidies

Snippet: The revolt comes as millions in America face soaring health insurance costs when their Affordable Care Act tax credits expire at year’s end

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3336830/4-republicans-defy-house-speaker-force-vote-extending-obamacare-subsidies

[2025-12-18 02:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Bicam approves higher AICS budget for 2026

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/assistance-individuals-crisis-situations-higher-budget-bicameral-conference-approval-2026/

[2025-12-17 23:04 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [In the Public Square] Open bicam: Pass or fail?

Snippet: For the first time in our history, the bicameral committee or bicam meetings on the national budget are open to the public. But as the first three days of the livestreamed meetings showed, transparency is one thing; producing a corruption-proof, pork-barrel-less budget is another.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/in-the-public-square-open-bicameral-conference-budget-2026/