Headline news for August 20, 2026: United States total debt crossed a historic 40 trillion US dollar threshold. Ukraine’s lawmakers have approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country’s new defence minister. South Korea and the United States will cut short ​annual joint military drills to five days from eleven.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Headline news for August 20, 2026: United States total debt crossed a historic 40 trillion US dollar threshold. Ukraine&rsquo;s lawmakers have approved Yevhenii Khmara as the country&rsquo;s new defence minister. South Korea and the United States will cut short ​annual joint military drills to five days from eleven.
Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.&nbsp;
Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo
Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities
---
Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on:
Channel: <a href="http://bt.sg/btlenson">bt.sg/btlenson</a>
Amazon: <a href="http://bt.sg/lensam">bt.sg/lensam</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="http://bt.sg/lensap">bt.sg/lensap</a>
Spotify: <a href="http://bt.sg/lenssp">bt.sg/lenssp</a>
YouTube Music: <a href="http://bt.sg/lensyt">bt.sg/lensyt</a>
Website: <a href="http://bt.sg/lenson">bt.sg/lenson</a>
Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg
Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party&rsquo;s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.&nbsp;
Discover more BT podcast series:
BT Mark To Market at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmark2mkt">bt.sg/btmark2mkt</a>&nbsp;
WealthBT at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btpropertybt">bt.sg/btpropertybt</a>
PropertyBT at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmktfocus">bt.sg/btmktfocus</a>
BT Money Hacks at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmoneyhacks">bt.sg/btmoneyhacks</a>
BT Market Focus at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmktfocus">bt.sg/btmktfocus</a>
BT Podcasts at: <a href="https://bt.sg/podcasts">bt.sg/podcasts</a>
BT Lens On: <a href="http://bt.sg/btlenson">bt.sg/btlenson</a>

Get a big-picture overview of the latest business events, societal issues and policy changes.

Catch up on the biggest news from around the world at the start of every business day with Lens on Daily. In Lens on Singapore, we take a monthly big picture look at current affairs, societal issues and government policies.

Podcaster: BT Podcasts

The Business Times, SPH Media.

Catch up on the biggest news from around the world at the start of every business day with Lens on Daily. In Lens on Singapore, we take a monthly big picture look at current affairs, societal issues and government policies.
Podcaster: BT Podcasts
The Business Times, SPH Media.

BT Lens On

Lens on Daily from The Business Times is a micro podcast to catch you up on the biggest news at the start of every business day. Lens on Singapore is a monthly big picture feature on current affairs, societal issues and government policies.

Podcaster: BT Podcasts

Produced by: The Business Times, SPH Media 

Lens on Daily from The Business Times is a micro podcast to catch you up on the biggest news at the start of every business day. Lens on Singapore is a monthly big picture feature on current affairs, societal issues and government policies.
Podcaster: BT Podcasts
Produced by: The Business Times, SPH Media