[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/

[2025-12-17 20:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Not lovin’ it: Chinese fume at McDonald’s prices, costlier ‘poor man’s meal’

Snippet: Fast-food giant increases menu items by 0.5 to 1 yuan, testing pricing power in a deflationary market where per-capita dining spending has been plunging

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3336762/not-lovin-it-chinese-fume-mcdonalds-raised-prices-costlier-poor-mans-meal

[2025-12-17 20:21 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: LIVESTREAM: Bicam deliberations on 2026 budget — Day 4

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines – The bicameral conference committee (bicam) discussions on the proposed 2026 national budget continues on Wednesday, December 17.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-bicameral-conference-committee-deliberations-2026-budget-december-17-2025/

[2025-12-17 14:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong launches consultation for 2026 budget focusing on economic growth

Snippet: Finance chief says he will engage with public and ‘draw on collective wisdom’ while making sure coming budget aligns with five-year plan

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3336703/hong-kong-launches-consultation-2026-budget-focusing-economic-growth

[2025-12-17 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Asian Regional Debt Management Conference in SL - DailyNews

Snippet: The Asian Regional Debt Management Conference organized by the Asian Development Bank annually will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka in 2026.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/17/business/916370/asian-regional-debt-management-conference-in-sl/

[2025-12-16 22:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: LIVESTREAM: Bicam deliberations on 2026 budget — Day 3

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines – The bicameral conference committee (bicam) meetings on the proposed 2026 budget extend to Tuesday, December 16, as lawmakers from the House and the Senate continue to reconcile their versions of the national spending plan.

Read full article: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-bicameral-conference-committee-deliberations-2026-budget-december-16-2025/

[2025-12-16 21:47 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong signs tax treaty with Norway, marking fourth such agreement this year

Snippet: Treasury chief Christopher Hui said the government plans to begin CDTA negotiations with Slovenia and Oman early next year

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3336653/hong-kong-signs-tax-treaty-norway-marking-fourth-such-agreement-year

[2025-12-16 19:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Biggest winners, losers in House, Senate’s 2026 budget proposal

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/iq/biggest-winners-losers-house-senate-2026-budget-proposal/

[2025-12-16 17:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: House streams bicam waiting game amid DPWH budget deadlock

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/senate-postpones-bicam-house-streams-waiting-game/

[2025-12-16 14:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: FACT CHECK: SC did not declare grounds for impeachment vs Marcos over 2024 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/newsbreak/fact-check/no-supreme-court-impeachment-grounds-vs-ferdinand-marcos-2024-budget/

[2025-12-16 10:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Exclusive | Hong Kong to see more debt restructuring, liquidations amid weak economy: expert

Snippet: Derek Lai says firms are more willing to engage professionals to address their debt problems, increasing the chance of a successful result

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3336386/hong-kong-see-more-debt-restructuring-amid-weak-economy-says-king-liquidation

[2025-12-16 07:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ProPublica

Title: How a Network of Nonprofits Enriches Fundraisers While Spending Almost Nothing on Its Stated Causes

Snippet: In September 2020, the Federal Trade Commission joined regulators in four states to sue four men behind a notorious telemarketing company called Outreach Calling. The FTC alleged that the company, which it described as a “sprawling fundraising operation,” had raised millions on the promise of helping the needy — cancer patients, veterans, firefighters — but instead used the money to line its pockets.

Read full article: https://www.propublica.org/article/political-nonprofits-fundraising-ftc-irs-527s-pacs

[2025-12-16 06:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Overall budget deficit decreases to Rs. 455.8 Bn - DailyNews

Snippet: Workers’ remittances in November 2025 reached USD 673.4 million compared to USD 712.0 mn in October 2025 and USD 530.1 mn in November 2024 according to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Cumulative inflows from January to November 2025 totaled to USD 7.19 billion, marking a 20.7% increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/16/business/915433/overall-budget-deficit-decreases-to-rs-455-8-bn/

[2025-12-16 06:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: ComBank leads Sri Lanka’s SME lending for fifth consecutive year - DailyNews

Snippet: The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again emerged as the country’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), retaining its position for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Final Budget Position Report for 2024.

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/16/business/915116/combank-leads-sri-lankas-sme-lending-for-fifth-consecutive-year/

[2025-12-16 06:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Daily News

Title: Galle MC’s maiden budget defeated - DailyNews

Snippet: The inaugural budget of the Galle Municipal Council for next year (2026) was defeated by a majority of two votes at the monthly meeting of the Municipal Council held yesterday (15).

Read full article: https://dailynews.lk/2025/12/16/local/915267/galle-mcs-maiden-budget-defeated/

[2025-12-16 03:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Dizon urges bicam to restore DPWH budget cuts

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/dpwh-vince-dizon-appeal-bicameral-restore-budget-cuts-2026/

[2025-12-16 03:30 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Rappler

Title: Vince Dizon asks bicam to restore DPWH budget cuts | 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-15-2025/