world

Syria to launch new currency on January 1

Syria is set to introduce a new national currency starting 1st January 2026, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdulkader Husarieh, announced on Thursday.

In a statement carried by Syria Arab News Agency (SANA), Husarieh described the move, outlined in Decree No. 293 of 2025, as a “pivotal national milestone” and the beginning of a new economic and monetary phase for the country.

Under the decree, the Central Bank has been granted authority to set the timelines and locations for the currency exchange, Husarieh said, pledging that the process will be smooth and well-organised.

He added that the procedures will be explained clearly and transparently during a dedicated press conference, aimed at enhancing public confidence and reinforcing the partnership between the bank and citizens.

Speaking on the significance of the new currency, Husarieh said it symbolises Syria’s financial sovereignty following liberation and represents a step toward economic stability and development.

Story by WAM

world

Macron wearing shades during Davos

During his address to global bigwigs at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, French President Emmanuel Macron came rocking sunglasses like a secret agent at a ski resort — and international media lost their minds over it.

Global headlines exploded: “Macron’s mystery shades!”

From CNN to BBC to The Hill, everyone zoomed in on the eyewear enigma while he roasted protectionism.

‘Harmless’

Media reports stated that he was first spotted January 15 at a French airbase with a bloodshot eye, he downplayed it as “completely harmless” and “l’oeil du tigre” (eye of the tiger), a Rocky III nod symbolising determination.

The aviator shades were likely Louis Vuitton Pilot Attitude with blue-tinted, mirrored lenses.

Macron stayed on indoors during his WEF speech on Tuesday (January 20), amid critiques of Trump’s tariffs and Greenland threats.

In his speech, the French head of state assailed Trump’s policies, accusing the US leader of actions that “openly aim to weaken and subordinate Europe.”

Meanwhile, Macron’s office confirmed the accessory necessity “for a while,” painless and vision-unaffected, resolving in 1-2 weeks. It has no impact on vision, and is common from strain/sneezing.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM

Culture

Oulu, Trenčín Named 2026 European Culture Capitals

The cities of Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia have been selected as European Capitals of Culture for 2026.

The European Union annually names several cities as European Capitals of Culture to underline Europe’s cultural diversity and honour the cultural and artistic identity of each region.

The two cities replace Chemnitz in Germany’s Saxony and the Slovenian-Italian border twin cities of Nova Gorica/Gorizia.

WAM