[2026-01-05 03:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Financial Times

Title: School IB business management class: BP to sell majority stake in $10bn Castrol to pay down debt

Snippet: PublishedJanuary 4 2026

Read full article: https://www.ft.com/content/fbbddb7c-d375-4a93-9279-ce6a923814e8

[2026-01-05 00:28 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Watchdogs urge Marcos to act on P633 billion in ‘pork’ items in 2026 budget

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/watchdogs-urge-marcos-jr-pork-items-budget-2026/

[2026-01-04 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Korean professors fined for taking students’ tests to inflate scores, stop budget cuts

Snippet: Teachers sat ‘key’ exams to keep poorly performing people at university amid school closure threats; one academic faces extortion bid

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3337722/korean-professors-fined-taking-tests-students-inflate-scores-prevent-budget-cuts

[2026-01-03 16:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [In This Economy] Ushering in 2026 with the first reenacted budget in 7 years: What now?

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/in-this-economy-ushering-2026-first-reenacted-budget-seven-years-what-now/

[2026-01-03 01:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s BYD dethrones Tesla as world’s top electric vehicle maker

Snippet: A customer revolt against Musk’s right-wing politics contributed to a 9 per cent sales drop, allowing BYD to overtake Tesla as the top EV maker

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3338573/tesla-dethroned-chinas-byd-worlds-top-ev-maker-amid-musks-politics-tax-credit-woes

[2026-01-02 16:06 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: [Ask the Tax Whiz] A practical guide to year-end tax compliance in the Philippines

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/business/ask-tax-whiz-practical-guide-year-end-compliance-philippines/

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

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: What challenges does the world economy face in 2026?

Snippet: The global economy has weathered a whirlwind of challenges in 2025, including sharp trade tensions, uneven yet moderate growth and rising concerns over elevated inflation and debt levels in many parts of the world.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/world-economy-challenges-in-2026-ai-bubble-trade-tensions-high-debt-burdens/a-75238039

[2026-01-01 20:17 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: China's plan to boost birth rates with condom tax and cheaper childcare - DailyNews

Snippet: Chinese people will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world’s second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/01/breaking-news/925798/chinas-plan-to-boost-birth-rates-with-condom-tax-and-cheaper-childcare/

[2026-01-01 15:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Small restaurants in China starve as consumers suppress spending appetite

Snippet: Per-capita spending per meal has dropped nearly 24 per cent since 2023, data provider says, as property slump sows uncertainty

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3338242/small-restaurants-china-starve-consumers-suppress-appetite-spending

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

Source: Daily News

Title: Year-end diplomacy - DailyNews

Snippet: Last week, the Government ended a hectic year receiving delegates from India and China, continuing its efforts to revive the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This is while the opposition was upbeat over the defeat of the budget at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/01/features/925341/year-end-diplomacy/

[2026-01-01 06:56 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: CMC budget approved - DailyNews

Snippet: The annual budget of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) was approved yesterday (31) by a margin of two votes during its second reading.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/01/local/925601/cmc-budget-approved-2/

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

Source: Daily News

Title: Closure of Public Debt Department of CBSL - DailyNews

Snippet: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announces the closure of the Public Debt Department (PDD) and the transfer of the Lanka Secure Division of PDD to the Payments and Settlements Department (PSD), effective January 1, 2026.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/01/business/925256/closure-of-public-debt-department-of-cbsl/

[2025-12-31 20:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: "One of our members absent for vote, phone switched off" - Mujibur - DailyNews

Snippet: Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman stated that the government had implemented certain measures to ensure the successful passage of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) budget during its second reading.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/31/local/925075/one-of-our-members-absent-for-vote-phone-switched-off-mujibur/

[2025-12-31 20:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China rolls out trade-in funding for 2026 as campaign to spur spending continues

Snippet: The programme, which has helped stimulate consumption increases, will continue to subsidise purchases of big-ticket goods and refurbishments

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/policy/article/3338298/china-rolls-out-trade-funding-2026-campaign-spur-spending-continues

[2025-12-31 19:31 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Top 10 agencies with biggest budget based on 2026 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/data-documents/top-agencies-biggest-budget-bicam-2026/

[2025-12-31 17:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: CMC Budget approved - DailyNews

Snippet: The National People’s Power Party has successfully won the second reading of the 2026 Colombo Municipal Council budget, securing approval by a slim majority of two votes.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/31/local/925034/cmc-budget-approved/

[2025-12-31 14:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Letters | Annual spending cap protects the medically and financially at risk

Snippet: Readers discuss the healthcare revamp, greater public usage of the Central Kowloon Bypass, and higher education

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3338123/annual-spending-cap-protects-medically-and-financially-risk

[2025-12-31 07:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Sri Lanka should build better in 2026 - DailyNews

Snippet: The passing year was a success for the current government in terms of fiscal consolidation as acknowledged even by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With the continuation of the IMF programme with calibration, the government achieved targets regarding revenue collection, the primary surplus, the current account balance and so on.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/31/general-opinion/924652/sri-lanka-should-build-better-in-2026/

[2025-12-31 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Colombo Municipal Council Budget is a people-centred Budget- Minister - DailyNews

Snippet: Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said the Colombo Municipal Council Budget is a people-centred Budget and that its approval is the most important step that can be taken in the interest of the people of Colombo.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/31/local/924815/colombo-municipal-council-budget-is-a-people-centred-budget-minister/

[2025-12-31 03:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Beijing trims property resale tax in fresh push to stabilise housing market

Snippet: Under new rules, sellers will pay just 3 per cent VAT if they offload a property within two years of purchase, down from 5 per cent

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3338209/beijing-trims-property-resale-tax-fresh-push-stabilise-housing-market

[2025-12-31 03:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Review | Back to the Past: Louis Koo, Raymond Lam lead nostalgic film sequel

Snippet: This big-budget sci-fi fantasy may be an emotional watch for fans of the 2001 Hong Kong show A Step into the Past, even if it falls short

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3338164/back-past-movie-review-louis-koo-raymond-lam-lead-nostalgic-sequel-tvb-series

[2025-12-31 00:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s tech giants offer lavish year-end bonuses amid AI talent war

Snippet: ByteDance is expanding its bonus pool by 35 per cent from a year earlier, as well as increasing the budget for pay rises by 150 per cent

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3338168/chinas-tech-giants-offer-lavish-year-end-bonuses-amid-ai-talent-war

[2025-12-30 23:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: What you need to know about SSS’ 3-year pension hike

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

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-social-security-system-pension-hike-2026/

[2025-12-30 18:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s lagging basic research calls for core tech pivot, economic adviser urges

Snippet: Wang Yiming says Beijing must innovate from the ground up to create deterrents against foreign supply cuts, citing missed R&D spending target

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3338116/chinas-lagging-basic-research-demands-core-tech-pivot-us-curbs-bite-economic-adviser

[2025-12-30 14:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China’s Hainan hosts duty-free shopping spree under new customs regime

Snippet: A flurry of activity accompanied the official establishment of the island’s tariff and tax exemptions - but will the frenzy last?

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338035/chinas-hainan-hosts-duty-free-shopping-spree-under-new-customs-regime

[2025-12-30 06:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Modern Excise Central Laboratory built at a cost of Rs. 200 Mn opened in Kirindiwela - DailyNews

Snippet: Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera, said that government revenue has surpassed the expected target of Rs. 4.9 trillion set in the 2025 national budget, reaching approximately Rs. 5.3 trillion. He further noted that 93% of the expected revenue from the Rs. 4.9 trillion target was contributed by the Department of Inland Revenue, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Department of Excise.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/30/local/924066/modern-excise-central-laboratory-built-at-a-cost-of-rs-200-mn-opened-in-kirindiwela/

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

Source: Daily News

Title: Farmers and fishermen displaced by Ditwah given till January 31, to collect December pension - DailyNews

Snippet: The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has decided to further extend the payment period for the December 2025 pension for farmers and fishermen who are displaced and affected by the Ditwah cyclone until January 31, 2026.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/30/local/924118/farmers-and-fishermen-displaced-by-ditwah-given-till-january-31-to-collect-december-pension/

[2025-12-30 00:51 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Congress ratifies 2026 budget bicam report despite ‘pork’ program concerns

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/congress-ratifies-bicam-report-2026-national-budget/

[2025-12-29 21:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: DOCUMENT: Bicam 2026 report shows House, Senate budget proposal differences

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/data-documents/bicameral-conference-budget-house-representatives-senate-comparison-2026/

[2025-12-29 20:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Title: Argentina's Congress passes first budget under Milei

Snippet: Argentina's Congress approved on Friday the 2026 budget suggested by President Javier Milei, a first since he was elected president over two years ago.

Read full article: https://www.dw.com/en/argentinas-congress-passes-first-budget-under-milei/a-75313059

[2025-12-29 13:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong stocks fail to hold on to gains on slow trade

Snippet: Sentiment swings between concerns over a weakening growth outlook and bets that Beijing will step up policy easing to prop up the economy

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3337968/hong-kong-stocks-rise-2-week-high-beijing-pledges-boost-fiscal-expenditure

[2025-12-29 13:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: No more empty trains: China tightens rules on subway expansions to curb debt

Snippet: Rich hubs, including Ningbo and Suzhou, are hitting regulatory roadblocks as the central government prioritises fiscal discipline over infrastructure-led growth

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337825/chinese-cities-face-subway-delays-beijing-targets-wasteful-spending-high-debt-levels

[2025-12-29 11:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Snippet: Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3337824/philippines-u23-billion-education-budget-highest-ever-will-it-make-grade

[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