logo
Syrian TV Anchor Bolts Off Set Mid-Bulletin After Israeli Strikes

Syrian TV Anchor Bolts Off Set Mid-Bulletin After Israeli Strikes

News1818 hours ago
Last Updated:
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video of airstrikes on Syrian Army HQ, causing an anchor to flee.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday shared a video of his country's armed forces striking Syrian Army headquarters which forced an anchor to abandon her bulletin and run for her life.
While some outlets posted that Israeli strikes targeted a Syrian state-run television news channel, Israel-based news channel ILTV reported that the anchor was reacting to the strikes on the defence ministry and Syrian army headquarters.
The video of the incident was posted by Israeli defence minister Katz with the caption: 'The painful blows have begun".
Powerful airstrikes shook Damascus on Wednesday, targeting the defence ministry as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded they withdraw.
Warplanes swooped low over the capital and unleash a series of massive strikes on central Damascus. The cityscape was blanketed in smoke with a thick plume rising from the defence ministry, a report by Reuters said.
Scores of people have been killed this week in violence around the southern city of Sweida, pitting fighters from the Druze minority against government security forces and members of Bedouin tribes, prompting Israel to strike repeatedly with the declared aim of protecting the Druze.
'We are surrounded and we hear the fighters screaming … we're so scared," said a resident of Sweida, a predominantly Druze city, while speaking to Reuters.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why Coca-Cola in America may soon taste like the one in India
Why Coca-Cola in America may soon taste like the one in India

First Post

time19 minutes ago

  • First Post

Why Coca-Cola in America may soon taste like the one in India

US President Trump says Coca-Cola will return to using real cane sugar in the US, replacing high-fructose corn syrup for the first time since the 1980s. Cane sugar is used for Coca-Cola in other countries like India. Mexico is the largest exporter of raw cane sugar to the US. The move ties into his administration's health push read more US President Donald Trump sips Diet Coke from his wine glass after a toast, during a luncheon for world leaders at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, September 25, 2018. File Image/Reuters United States President Donald Trump has announced that Coca-Cola will begin using real cane sugar in its US beverages, replacing the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that has dominated domestic soda production since the mid-1980s. The move, according to Trump, came after direct discussions with company executives and aligns with broader health goals set by his administration. 'I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,' Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You'll see. It's just better!' The beverage company offered a guarded confirmation of the development. 'We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon,' a company spokesperson said. However, key details — including how quickly cane sugar would be introduced or whether HFCS would be entirely phased out — remain unclear. This announcement positions the Trump White House directly within one of the most enduring debates in American nutrition and food policy: the role and health impact of various types of sweeteners, particularly — HFCS versus cane sugar. Trump's fondness for Diet Coke — which contains aspartame rather than either sugar or HFCS — is no secret. A White House staff member from the presidential food service pours a Diet Coke for US President Donald Trump before the start of a luncheon for world leaders at the United Nations during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, September 25, 2018. File Image/Reuters In January, Coca-Cola presented him with a commemorative Diet Coke bottle. The US' desire for 'Mexican Coke' Coca-Cola's original formula used cane sugar as its sweetening agent, a practice that was consistent well into the 20th century. But during the late 1970s and early 1980s, certain factors led to a transformation in how American beverages were sweetened. A rising global sugar market, US government quotas and tariffs on imported sugar, and expanding subsidies for domestic corn created an environment where HFCS emerged as a cheaper alternative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By 1984, Coca-Cola had fully transitioned to using HFCS in the United States. While the controversial 'New Coke' product came and went during the 1980s, the return of 'Coca-Cola Classic' did not mark a return to cane sugar. Instead, HFCS remained the standard sweetener in the US, even as cane sugar continued to be used in Coca-Cola products sold internationally. In countries like Mexico, where sugar tariffs are less restrictive and corn subsidies are not as entrenched, Coca-Cola retained its original cane sugar formula. Over time, 'Mexican Coke' became a sought-after product in the US for consumers who perceived it to have a superior taste. The glass-bottled, cane sugar–based soda developed a cult following, with limited-edition 'throwback' versions occasionally launched domestically. The preference for cane sugar has even influenced niche markets like kosher food. Coca-Cola's Kosher for Passover version, easily identifiable by its yellow caps, uses cane sugar instead of HFCS to meet religious dietary restrictions. How the US corn lobby will be affected Trump's intervention has broader ramifications that reach beyond beverage formulation. HFCS is derived from corn, an industry heavily concentrated in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. These states are key players in both agricultural policy and presidential politics. Iowa, in particular, holds disproportionate influence due to its first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Corn refiners like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Ingredion have benefitted from decades of farm subsidies and favourable legislation. The announcement by Trump caused immediate ripples in financial markets, with shares of ADM and Ingredion dropping by 6.3 per cent and 8.9 per cent, respectively, in after-hours trading. Meanwhile, the US sugar trade is governed by a tariff quota system that restricts the amount of sugar imported duty-free, keeping prices for domestic sugar higher and supporting sugar growers, particularly in Florida and Louisiana. This system complicates any wholesale shift from corn-based sweeteners to imported cane sugar, which remains more expensive on the US market due to these trade barriers. How dependent is the US on sugar imports In 2023, the United States imported 722,651,000 kilogrammes of raw cane sugar from Mexico alone, valued at $570.8 million, making Mexico the largest source of US cane sugar imports that year. The US also received significant sugar imports from countries including Brazil, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and others. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the total amount of sugar imported during the 2022–23 fiscal year reached 3.61 million tonnes, representing roughly 26.8 per cent of total sugar use in the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US sugar demand was projected to hit 12.56 million tonnes in 2024, with domestic production estimated at 9.22 million tonnes. This gap reinforces America's role as one of the largest sugar importers globally, even while remaining a top-five producer. The anticipated carryover of 1.72 million tonnes suggests a stable stocks-to-use ratio of around 13.5 per cent, which is within the USDA's target range of 13.5 per cent – 15.5 per cent. Any structural shift to more cane sugar–based production would inevitably place additional pressure on these trade flows. 'Make America Healthy Again' Trump's announcement complement the broader goals of his Health and Human Services Department under US Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has launched a campaign under the slogan 'Make America Healthy Again.' This initiative seeks to tackle chronic illness through changes to food, water, and environmental safety, with a particular focus on reducing exposure to synthetic additives and processed ingredients. According to a March press release from HHS, the initiative aims to 'end America's epidemic of chronic illness by focusing on safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins.' Although Kennedy has condemned HFCS in the past, he has also expressed general opposition to sugar consumption. 'Sugar is poison,' Kennedy stated at a public event earlier this year, declining to distinguish between sources such as cane or corn. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This public health campaign recently notched a major agreement with 40 American ice cream producers, including Turkey Hill and Schwoeppe Dairy, who committed to phasing out petroleum-based artificial food dyes like Red No. 3, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and others by the end of 2027. Collectively, these producers account for over 90 per cent of the ice cream sold in the US. Despite these developments, the science on HFCS versus cane sugar remains inconclusive. A December 2023 article from Healthline noted that both sweeteners have 'similar effects on a person's health,' and that both are potentially harmful when consumed in excess. This undercuts the perception that a shift from HFCS to cane sugar is automatically a health win for consumers. California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted sardonically on X, posting: 'Oh thank god! I've totally forgotten about the Epstein files now!' This was a reference to the controversy surrounding the Trump administration's previous vow to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this month, federal authorities reversed its position saying that there was no list of high-profile individuals suspected to have been involved in Epstein's crimes. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies

Renuka Shahane Makes BIG Statement Amid Hindi-Marathi Conflict: 'I Do Not Like People Who...'
Renuka Shahane Makes BIG Statement Amid Hindi-Marathi Conflict: 'I Do Not Like People Who...'

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

Renuka Shahane Makes BIG Statement Amid Hindi-Marathi Conflict: 'I Do Not Like People Who...'

Renuka Shahane voiced her strong views on linguistic inclusivity and cultural respect, especially in Mumbai. Renuka Shahane has expressed her opinion on the rising issues of the language conflict between Hindi and Marathi in Maharashtra. Recently, the actress, who also hails from Maharashtra, appeared on the podcast 'InControversial with Pooja Chaudhri', when she voiced her strong views on linguistic inclusivity and cultural respect, especially in Mumbai. 'If you are in a place for a very long time, it's a good thing to understand the local language, the local culture and be respectful more than anything else…It's not about the speaking of it, much more than the intention of wanting to, you know, respect it. I do not like people who do not feel the necessity to be accommodating of the local language and local culture," Renuka said. 'I do not like violence at all, you know; I do not like the fact that people can be rude about it. Going into a place where Marathi is not spoken and just slapping two or three people, it's not going to help the language in any way," the actress added. This comes at a time when a new debate over language is brewing in Maharashtra – speak Marathi if you live in the state. It all started in April this year when the Maharashtra government passed a decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools. While the decision was rolled back, several incidents have been reported where alleged MNS workers got into a heated argument with people in Mumbai and Pune who refused to speak Marathi. Recently, Janhvi Kapoor's boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya, also argued that even though any language, including Marathi, must be preserved, it cannot be at the cost of someone else's dignity. 'As someone from Solapur, I understand this deeply. Language shapes who we are, it has shaped our states, our stories, given us poets, songs, and revolutions. Marathi is no exception. It must be preserved, protected, and passed on, just like all of our languages. But that pride cannot come at the cost of others' dignity. Especially others who are making an honest, hard living," he wrote on his social media. First Published: July 17, 2025, 13:22 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

'We don't fear war...': Syrian President Sharaa says protecting Druze citizens is 'our priority'
'We don't fear war...': Syrian President Sharaa says protecting Druze citizens is 'our priority'

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

'We don't fear war...': Syrian President Sharaa says protecting Druze citizens is 'our priority'

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa delivered a speech following several days of intense clashes between Druze militia, Bedouin tribes, and government forces. His address comes after Israeli airstrikes targeted the capital, Damascus, last night. Sharaa said on Thursday (July 17) that protecting Druze citizens and their rights is "our priority," as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria. 'We are not among those who fear war. We are the ones who spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people,' he said. Show more Show less

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store