Malabar military exercise 2020: India, US, Japan & Australian navies to set sail

China's foreign ministry said today that the people recently arrested by the US were not Chinese law enforcement officers after Trump administration officials said they were part of "Operation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-operation-fox-hunt-to-target-dissenters-captures-ex-interpol-chief-311725">Fox Hunt</a>".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/operation-fox-hunt-us-arrests-eight-in-alleged-plot-to-intimidate-citizens-to-return-to-china-338636">Also Read |&nbsp;Operation Fox Hunt: US arrests eight in alleged plot to intimidate citizens to return to China</a>

"US is where the most number of fleeing Chinese suspects of corruption and economic crimes are hiding but in recent years, the US has been passive in responding to China's requests for cooperation," China's foreign ministry official Wang Wenbin had said.

Wenbin said the US should not become a "safe haven" for "criminals and their illegal assets."

The US government had charged eight people recently accusing them of coercing Chinese nationals in the country to return to their home country to face charges in a plot known as “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-espionage-programme-operation-fox-hunt-311547">Operation Fox Hunt</a>” and “Operation Skynet".

China had reportedly launched a campaign in 2014 to get fugitives abroad to return to face charges.

US officials had arrested five suspects in New Jersey, New York and California and charged them with conspiring to act as illegal agents for a foreign government.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the charges as &nbsp;"baseless accusation and smears about Chinese efforts to pursue escaped criminals and recover stolen monies".&nbsp;

"We urge the United States ... to shoulder its international obligations and promise, stop coveting after the ill-gotten gains of criminals, and don't be a safe haven for criminals and their illegal assets," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

China's foreign ministry said today that the people recently arrested by the US were not Chinese law enforcement officers after Trump administration officials said they were part of "Operation Fox Hunt".

China's foreign ministry said today that the people recently arrested by the US were not Chinese law enforcement officers after Trump administration officials said they were part of "Operation Fox Hunt". Also Read | Operation Fox Hunt: US arrests eight in alleged plot to intimidate citizens to return to China "US is where the most number of fleeing Chinese suspects of corruption and economic crimes are hiding but in recent years, the US has been passive in responding to China's requests for cooperation," China's foreign ministry official Wang Wenbin had said. Wenbin said the US should not become a "safe haven" for "criminals and their illegal assets." The US government had charged eight people recently accusing them of coercing Chinese nationals in the country to return to their home country to face charges in a plot known as “Operation Fox Hunt” and “Operation Skynet". China had reportedly launched a campaign in 2014 to get fugitives abroad to return to face charges. US officials had arrested five suspects in New Jersey, New York and California and charged them with conspiring to act as illegal agents for a foreign government. However, the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the charges as "baseless accusation and smears about Chinese efforts to pursue escaped criminals and recover stolen monies". "We urge the United States ... to shoulder its international obligations and promise, stop coveting after the ill-gotten gains of criminals, and don't be a safe haven for criminals and their illegal assets," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Fox Hunt row: US should not to be haven for criminals, says China

Residents in northern England are bracing for stricter lockdown measures starting next week as the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>cases continues to mount in the UK.

Watch:

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British foreign secretary Dominic Raab said the country's "tiered" approach looked to be working in combating the virus even as Britain recorded 20,000<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-more-than-90000-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-338894"> COVID-19</a> cases a day on average over the past week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-lockdown-in-france-causes-massive-traffic-jams-338982">Also Read: COVID-19 lockdown in France causes massive traffic jams</a>

The country has also recorded 200 deaths since last week due to the virus. Raab, however, said that a complete lockdown was not on the government's agenda.&nbsp;

Next week West Yorkshire will be put on highest alert with pubs and bars ordered to close early as officials said the rate of infection was among the highest in the country. Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield have been marked on the top tier of restrictions due to large scale surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-bolsonaro-refuses-to-pay-for-chinese-covid-19-vaccine-338962">virus </a>cases.

The British foreign secretary has pitched for "localised approach" in order to ensure areas without virus do not suffer consequences as it would impact the economy. Amid the virus cases, the IMF has warned that UK's economy could contract by 10.4 per cent in 2020 and grow by 5.7 per cent next year as it battles the virus.

"The sharp summer rebound in activity faces strong headwinds from a second wave of COVID-19 infections, Brexit-related uncertainty, rising unemployment, and stress on corporate balance sheets," IMF said.

Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe with over 45,000 fatalities.

According to &nbsp;Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI, the number of coronavirus cases has been doubling every nine days and rising in all age groups and regions in the country even as &nbsp;Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reimposed partial lockdowns to fight the virus upsurge.

Residents in northern England are bracing for stricter lockdown measures starting next week as the number of coronavirus cases continues to mount in the UK. Watch: British foreign secretary Dominic Raab said the country's "tiered" approach looked to be working in combating the virus even as Britain recorded 20,000 COVID-19 cases a day on average over the past week.

Residents in northern England are bracing for stricter lockdown measures starting next week as the number of coronavirus cases continues to mount in the UK. Watch: British foreign secretary Dominic Raab said the country's "tiered" approach looked to be working in combating the virus even as Britain recorded 20,000 COVID-19 cases a day on average over the past week. Also Read: COVID-19 lockdown in France causes massive traffic jams The country has also recorded 200 deaths since last week due to the virus. Raab, however, said that a complete lockdown was not on the government's agenda. Next week West Yorkshire will be put on highest alert with pubs and bars ordered to close early as officials said the rate of infection was among the highest in the country. Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield have been marked on the top tier of restrictions due to large scale surge in virus cases. The British foreign secretary has pitched for "localised approach" in order to ensure areas without virus do not suffer consequences as it would impact the economy. Amid the virus cases, the IMF has warned that UK's economy could contract by 10.4 per cent in 2020 and grow by 5.7 per cent next year as it battles the virus. "The sharp summer rebound in activity faces strong headwinds from a second wave of COVID-19 infections, Brexit-related uncertainty, rising unemployment, and stress on corporate balance sheets," IMF said. Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe with over 45,000 fatalities. According to Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI, the number of coronavirus cases has been doubling every nine days and rising in all age groups and regions in the country even as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reimposed partial lockdowns to fight the virus upsurge.

UK pitches for 'tiered' approach as northern England braces for restrictions

More attacks on French soil are likely as France is engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology", its interior minister said on Friday.

Earlier, a knife-wielding Tunisian man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/47-year-old-man-in-police-custody-over-alleged-links-with-nice-church-killer-338980" hreflang="en">47-year-old man in police custody over alleged links with Nice church killer</a>

"We are in a war against an enemy that is both inside and outside," Gerald Darmanin told RTL radio.

Darmanin said France needs to reel in ''rampant Islamism which is arming people ideologically.''

"We need to understand that there have been and there will be other events such as these terrible attacks," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-labels-mahathirs-tweet-on-france-for-violating-rules-and-glorifying-violence-338821">Twitter labels Mahathir's tweet on France for violating rules and 'glorifying violence'</a>

The Tunisian man who killed three people in a french church only recently arrived in Europe, officials say.

The suspect, 21, had an Italian red cross-document, issued after he arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa by migrant boat last month.

He was shot by police and is in critical condition. One of the victims was "virtually beheaded", said the french chief anti-terrorism prosecutor.

President Emmanuel Macron said it was an "Islamist terrorist attack".&nbsp;France has raised its terror alert system to the maximum level following the incident in Nice, which left three people dead.&nbsp;

More attacks on French soil are likely as France is engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology", its interior minister said on Friday. Earlier, a knife-wielding Tunisian man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police.

More attacks on French soil are likely as France is engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology", its interior minister said on Friday. Earlier, a knife-wielding Tunisian man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police. Also read: 47-year-old man in police custody over alleged links with Nice church killer "We are in a war against an enemy that is both inside and outside," Gerald Darmanin told RTL radio. Darmanin said France needs to reel in ''rampant Islamism which is arming people ideologically.'' "We need to understand that there have been and there will be other events such as these terrible attacks," he added. Also read: Twitter labels Mahathir's tweet on France for violating rules and 'glorifying violence' The Tunisian man who killed three people in a french church only recently arrived in Europe, officials say. The suspect, 21, had an Italian red cross-document, issued after he arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa by migrant boat last month. He was shot by police and is in critical condition. One of the victims was "virtually beheaded", said the french chief anti-terrorism prosecutor. President Emmanuel Macron said it was an "Islamist terrorist attack". France has raised its terror alert system to the maximum level following the incident in Nice, which left three people dead.

'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology'

How Indian Navy's INS Kora destroys target in Bay of Bengal with anti-ship missile

Pakistan's parliament reverberated with "Modi, Modi" chants as foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was speaking on the issue of cartoon row in France. | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulwama-was-great-achievement-under-imran-khans-leadership-admits-pak-minister-fawad-choudhry-338807">Also Read:&nbsp;Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister</a>

Balochistan MPs began raising Modi chants as Qureshi was speaking even as the opposition repeatedly disrupted his speech.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-ex-iaf-chief-india-was-prepared-to-get-back-wg-cdr-abhinandan-at-any-cost-338824/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Qureshi could not ignore the chants and pointed to PML-N's Khawaja Asif saying that "it seems Narendra Modi's soul has entered in him".

Pakistan's foreign minister has been at the centre of controversy after PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Qureshi in a meeting had pointed out that if Pakistan did not release India's IAF pilot <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-was-scared-of-indian-attack-truth-behind-abhinandans-release-revealed-338667">Abhinandan</a> Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan that night "by 9 pm."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bajwas-legs-were-shaking-who-is-pmln-leader-ayaz-sadiq-338795">Also Read:&nbsp;'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Who is PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq?</a>

Sadiq said the meeting included PPP and PML-N leaders as "Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring". Pakistan PM Imran Khan had refused to attend the meeting.

Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

Pakistan's parliament reverberated with "Modi, Modi" chants as foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was speaking on the issue of cartoon row in France. | Also Read: Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Balochistan MPs began raising Modi chants as Qureshi was speaking even as the opposition repeatedly disrupted his speech.

Pakistan's parliament reverberated with "Modi, Modi" chants as foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was speaking on the issue of cartoon row in France. | Also Read: Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Balochistan MPs began raising Modi chants as Qureshi was speaking even as the opposition repeatedly disrupted his speech. Watch: Qureshi could not ignore the chants and pointed to PML-N's Khawaja Asif saying that "it seems Narendra Modi's soul has entered in him". Pakistan's foreign minister has been at the centre of controversy after PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Qureshi in a meeting had pointed out that if Pakistan did not release India's IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan that night "by 9 pm." Also Read: 'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Who is PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq? Sadiq said the meeting included PPP and PML-N leaders as "Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring". Pakistan PM Imran Khan had refused to attend the meeting. Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

'Modi, Modi' chants in Pakistan Parliament as Qureshi speaks

India and Myanmar face a terror threat with a terrorist group being armed by China. The same group has been targeting Indian investments in Myanmar.

Earlier this month India had made a crucial outreach to Myanmar. It was the first joint visit by the Indian foreign secretary and the Army chief. New Delhi's decision to send the Army chief had caught the attention of many observers.

Reports say the Arakan Army has clashed with Myanmar troops on nearly 600 occasions last year. The Arakan Army is the largest insurgent group of Myanmar and most of the attacks have taken place near the Kaladan project which is a $480 million initiative between India and Myanmar.

The Arakan Army has tried to target the Kaladan project using Chinese weapons. On June 23, the Thai military had seized a consignment of Chinese-made weapons. The weapons were worth almost $1 million and they were supposed to go into the hands of the Arakan Army and the Arakan Rohingya salvation army which is another insurgent group.

Reports hint at a steady flow of Chinese weapons. In the third week of February this year, a large consignment of Chinese weapons was smuggled into Rakhine State. The consignment entered Myanmar via the Monakhali beach near the Myanmar and Bangladesh junction.

Myanmar's terrorist groups are therefore attacking Indian investments using Chinese weapons. There is only one party that benefits from it - the Communist Party of China. It is no rouge operation, there is evidence that proves the Chinese state is driving these weapon supplies.

Earlier this year, the commander in chief of Myanmar's military had blamed China for arming the insurgents, however, he didn't name Beijing but a report within the local press in Myanmar connected the dots. The military chief was blaming China for providing arms to both the Arakan Army and the Arakan Rohingya salvation army.

These groups now pose a security challenge to India's investments. Recently, Myanmar cancelled or curtailed key Belt and Road projects(BRI). The $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project has been suspended. A port project in Kyaukpyu has been scaled down while Myanmar and India are moving ahead with the Kaladan project which is nearing completion.

India and Myanmar are working to operationalise the Sittwe port next year. The entire project once completed will connect Kolkata with Sittwe by sea. A land route that's part of the same project will connect Sittwe to Mizoram. Security challenges would make the Kaladan project unviable which would benefit China as the doors for its Belt and Road projects will re-open once again.

The Arakan Army has been declared a terrorist organisation by Myanmar. China is using these terror groups as bargaining chips just to ensure that Myanmar remains trapped in the Belt and Road project. China's actions pose a direct threat to Myanmar and India's interests in Myanmar.

India and Myanmar face a terror threat with a terrorist group being armed by China. The same group has been targeting Indian investments in Myanmar. Earlier this month India had made a crucial outreach to Myanmar.

India and Myanmar face a terror threat with a terrorist group being armed by China. The same group has been targeting Indian investments in Myanmar. Earlier this month India had made a crucial outreach to Myanmar. It was the first joint visit by the Indian foreign secretary and the Army chief. New Delhi's decision to send the Army chief had caught the attention of many observers. Reports say the Arakan Army has clashed with Myanmar troops on nearly 600 occasions last year. The Arakan Army is the largest insurgent group of Myanmar and most of the attacks have taken place near the Kaladan project which is a $480 million initiative between India and Myanmar. The Arakan Army has tried to target the Kaladan project using Chinese weapons. On June 23, the Thai military had seized a consignment of Chinese-made weapons. The weapons were worth almost $1 million and they were supposed to go into the hands of the Arakan Army and the Arakan Rohingya salvation army which is another insurgent group. Reports hint at a steady flow of Chinese weapons. In the third week of February this year, a large consignment of Chinese weapons was smuggled into Rakhine State. The consignment entered Myanmar via the Monakhali beach near the Myanmar and Bangladesh junction. Myanmar's terrorist groups are therefore attacking Indian investments using Chinese weapons. There is only one party that benefits from it - the Communist Party of China. It is no rouge operation, there is evidence that proves the Chinese state is driving these weapon supplies. Earlier this year, the commander in chief of Myanmar's military had blamed China for arming the insurgents, however, he didn't name Beijing but a report within the local press in Myanmar connected the dots. The military chief was blaming China for providing arms to both the Arakan Army and the Arakan Rohingya salvation army. These groups now pose a security challenge to India's investments. Recently, Myanmar cancelled or curtailed key Belt and Road projects(BRI). The $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project has been suspended. A port project in Kyaukpyu has been scaled down while Myanmar and India are moving ahead with the Kaladan project which is nearing completion. India and Myanmar are working to operationalise the Sittwe port next year. The entire project once completed will connect Kolkata with Sittwe by sea. A land route that's part of the same project will connect Sittwe to Mizoram. Security challenges would make the Kaladan project unviable which would benefit China as the doors for its Belt and Road projects will re-open once again. The Arakan Army has been declared a terrorist organisation by Myanmar. China is using these terror groups as bargaining chips just to ensure that Myanmar remains trapped in the Belt and Road project. China's actions pose a direct threat to Myanmar and India's interests in Myanmar.

Arakan Army targets India-Myanmar Kaladan project with Chinese weapons

The world economy is in desperate need of fiscal stimulus with investments drying up and economic activity slowing down again, however, countries have found a way to stave off an economic meltdown.

They are selling off gold reserves to strengthen their chequebook for the first time in a decade. Central banks have become net gold sellers combined together they have sold more gold than they bought. The logic is simple gold prices are at record highs, selling now means more money especially for countries reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

Turkey and Uzbekistan have done most of the selling. Turkey sold 22.3 tonnes of gold with its economy battered by the pandemic. Uzbekistan has sold 34.9 tonnes. It was largely in tune with the country's declared policy. Uzbekistan has been diversifying its reserves away from gold, overall central banks have sold 12 tonnes compared to their purchase of 141 tonnes last year.

Russia too joined in becoming a net seller for the first time in 13 years. Six countries however have continued their buying spree, chief among them are India, UAE and Qatar. The Reserve Bank of India bought 6.8 tonnes of gold and the UAE bought 7.4 tonnes with Qatar grabbing 6.2 tonnes.

India's gold demand plunged 30 per cent in the third quarter but it is expected to stage a recovery in Q4 especially with the ongoing festival season.&nbsp;

However, a slump could be around the corner. Traditionally, central banks have kept gold prices afloat, they have underpinned the stability of the gold bullion. A selling spree by these banks could trigger a collapse but experts feel this trend is temporary. Once the pandemic is under control, economies should be able to recover and central banks should return to being net buyers.

There is also the added cushion of rising investors' demand. Stock markets are too volatile right now. Oil is trading extremely low, so investors are looking at gold as a stable option. The surge in demand is expected to keep gold prices steady but the total gold supply has fallen 3 per cent this year with activity at mines remaining stalled by COVID-19 restrictions.

The great gold bailout is not a long-term solution. It will ultimately increase the pressure on central banks, the key, therefore, is not gold but a vaccine.

The world economy is in desperate need of fiscal stimulus with investments drying up and economic activity slowing down again, however, countries have found a way to stave off an economic meltdown.

The world economy is in desperate need of fiscal stimulus with investments drying up and economic activity slowing down again, however, countries have found a way to stave off an economic meltdown. They are selling off gold reserves to strengthen their chequebook for the first time in a decade. Central banks have become net gold sellers combined together they have sold more gold than they bought. The logic is simple gold prices are at record highs, selling now means more money especially for countries reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Turkey and Uzbekistan have done most of the selling. Turkey sold 22.3 tonnes of gold with its economy battered by the pandemic. Uzbekistan has sold 34.9 tonnes. It was largely in tune with the country's declared policy. Uzbekistan has been diversifying its reserves away from gold, overall central banks have sold 12 tonnes compared to their purchase of 141 tonnes last year. Russia too joined in becoming a net seller for the first time in 13 years. Six countries however have continued their buying spree, chief among them are India, UAE and Qatar. The Reserve Bank of India bought 6.8 tonnes of gold and the UAE bought 7.4 tonnes with Qatar grabbing 6.2 tonnes. India's gold demand plunged 30 per cent in the third quarter but it is expected to stage a recovery in Q4 especially with the ongoing festival season. However, a slump could be around the corner. Traditionally, central banks have kept gold prices afloat, they have underpinned the stability of the gold bullion. A selling spree by these banks could trigger a collapse but experts feel this trend is temporary. Once the pandemic is under control, economies should be able to recover and central banks should return to being net buyers. There is also the added cushion of rising investors' demand. Stock markets are too volatile right now. Oil is trading extremely low, so investors are looking at gold as a stable option. The surge in demand is expected to keep gold prices steady but the total gold supply has fallen 3 per cent this year with activity at mines remaining stalled by COVID-19 restrictions. The great gold bailout is not a long-term solution. It will ultimately increase the pressure on central banks, the key, therefore, is not gold but a vaccine.

Why countries are selling off gold reserves during pandemic

Turkey's Presiden Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;dreams of&nbsp;becoming&nbsp;the leader of the Muslim world and to achieve his dream&nbsp;he's abusing his power.&nbsp;

He has been picking fights with neighbours, insulting world leaders, waging proxy wars and fighting territorial battles but a majority of Turkish people don't support his agenda and his party's ratings have fallen to 31 per cent.

Watch&nbsp;|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-as-erdogan-raises-war-rhetoric-turkish-lira-sinks-338642/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Turkish economy is in no position to fuel his world domination projects. The currency has fallen and the growth rate is at a ten year low but Erdogan persists in his plans. He's waging wars left, right and centre.

He has started a proxy battle in Nagorno Karabakh, indulged&nbsp;muscle-flexing in Libya, Syria and around Cyprus, kicked off a fight with America, sided with Pakistan against India on Kashmir and practically called the French president "mental" but&nbsp;like Newton said every action has an equal and opposite reaction.&nbsp;

Erdogan's adventurism has come at a cost. A cost that unfortunately the Turkish people will have to bear because as the Turkish president waged these battles to claim leadership of the Muslim world Turkey's economy has sunk.

Turkey's currency Lira is in a bad shape. It hit a record low of 8.15 against the dollar. It has lost 26 per cent of its value this year. Turkey has spent $134 billion in the past 18 months to prop up the Lira but seems like those efforts have failed to deliver.

These are difficult times for the Turkish economy with inflation in Turkey reaching 11.7 per cent last month. The Turkish central bank has raised its inflation forecast to 12.1 per cent for this year. High inflation rate means the goods in the market become more expensive. The people of Turkey will have to shell out more money to buy something and they have only Erdogan to blame for the crisis.

It is the longest route for the Lira since 1999. There are three reasons driving the fall of the Turkish currency - the rift between Turkey and France, the threat of sanctions from America over turkey's purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia and the growing geopolitical tension mostly of Erdogan's making which is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the dispute with Greece in the eastern Mediterranean.

It was Erdogan who started the fight with France by insulting Macron and bought the S-400 from Russia even when Turkey faced strong opposition for the deal from NATO. It is Erdogan who is supplying Azerbaijan with proxy Syrian fighters egging them on to keep the fight against Armenia going and it was Erdogan who kicked off a fight with Greece in the eastern Mediterranean.

Now, the Turkish economy is paying the price for his bullying and misadventures. The Ottoman dream drives Erdogan. The dream to re-build the identity of Turkey as a Muslim nation with him as the leader and the dream to lead the Islamic world.&nbsp;

Erdogan is trying to project himself as the saviour of the Muslim faith. Even today when the Lira was taking a nosedive, Erdogan was busy sabre rattling with the West.

He accused Western countries of an attack on Islam to re-launch the crusades, a term that refers to a series of medieval military expeditions. Religious wars between Christians and Muslims.

"They literally want to relaunch the crusades. Since the crusades, the seeds of evil and hatred have started falling on these lands and that's when peace was disrupted," Erdogan said, adding, "it is an issue of honour for us to stand against the attacks against our prophet who honoured Mecca, Medina, Africa, Asia, Europe, in the whole world and at all times."

"Standing against the attacks on the Prophet is an issue of honour for us," he added. It is increasingly becoming clear that Erdogan is moving Turkey towards Islamic authoritarianism while waging proxy battles and diplomatic fights.

Turkey's Presiden Recep Tayyip Erdogan dreams of becoming the leader of the Muslim world and to achieve his dream he's abusing his power. He has been picking fights with neighbours, insulting world leaders, waging proxy wars and fighting territorial battles but a majority of Turkish people don't support his agenda and his party's ratings have fallen to 31 per cent.

Turkey's Presiden Recep Tayyip Erdogan dreams of becoming the leader of the Muslim world and to achieve his dream he's abusing his power. He has been picking fights with neighbours, insulting world leaders, waging proxy wars and fighting territorial battles but a majority of Turkish people don't support his agenda and his party's ratings have fallen to 31 per cent. Watch | The Turkish economy is in no position to fuel his world domination projects. The currency has fallen and the growth rate is at a ten year low but Erdogan persists in his plans. He's waging wars left, right and centre. He has started a proxy battle in Nagorno Karabakh, indulged muscle-flexing in Libya, Syria and around Cyprus, kicked off a fight with America, sided with Pakistan against India on Kashmir and practically called the French president "mental" but like Newton said every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Erdogan's adventurism has come at a cost. A cost that unfortunately the Turkish people will have to bear because as the Turkish president waged these battles to claim leadership of the Muslim world Turkey's economy has sunk. Turkey's currency Lira is in a bad shape. It hit a record low of 8.15 against the dollar. It has lost 26 per cent of its value this year. Turkey has spent $134 billion in the past 18 months to prop up the Lira but seems like those efforts have failed to deliver. These are difficult times for the Turkish economy with inflation in Turkey reaching 11.7 per cent last month. The Turkish central bank has raised its inflation forecast to 12.1 per cent for this year. High inflation rate means the goods in the market become more expensive. The people of Turkey will have to shell out more money to buy something and they have only Erdogan to blame for the crisis. It is the longest route for the Lira since 1999. There are three reasons driving the fall of the Turkish currency - the rift between Turkey and France, the threat of sanctions from America over turkey's purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia and the growing geopolitical tension mostly of Erdogan's making which is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the dispute with Greece in the eastern Mediterranean. It was Erdogan who started the fight with France by insulting Macron and bought the S-400 from Russia even when Turkey faced strong opposition for the deal from NATO. It is Erdogan who is supplying Azerbaijan with proxy Syrian fighters egging them on to keep the fight against Armenia going and it was Erdogan who kicked off a fight with Greece in the eastern Mediterranean. Now, the Turkish economy is paying the price for his bullying and misadventures. The Ottoman dream drives Erdogan. The dream to re-build the identity of Turkey as a Muslim nation with him as the leader and the dream to lead the Islamic world. Erdogan is trying to project himself as the saviour of the Muslim faith. Even today when the Lira was taking a nosedive, Erdogan was busy sabre rattling with the West. He accused Western countries of an attack on Islam to re-launch the crusades, a term that refers to a series of medieval military expeditions. Religious wars between Christians and Muslims. "They literally want to relaunch the crusades. Since the crusades, the seeds of evil and hatred have started falling on these lands and that's when peace was disrupted," Erdogan said, adding, "it is an issue of honour for us to stand against the attacks against our prophet who honoured Mecca, Medina, Africa, Asia, Europe, in the whole world and at all times." "Standing against the attacks on the Prophet is an issue of honour for us," he added. It is increasingly becoming clear that Erdogan is moving Turkey towards Islamic authoritarianism while waging proxy battles and diplomatic fights.

Turkey's economy in free fall as Erdogan pursues world domination

With just four days left for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, Americans have already set a record with over 78 million people having exercised their franchise ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-the-history-and-rules-of-poll-watching-338496">November 3</a> elections.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-predicts-no-thanksgiving-if-biden-wins-at-rally-in-arizona-338687/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to US Elections Project, 78,595,754 early voters have already cast their ballot with over 51 million <a href="mail-in ">mail-in </a>ballots and over 27 million in-person votes.

Texas and California are the forefront of the voting process with over 8 million voters having already chosen their president. In Florida, over 7 million voters have cast their ballot with over fifty per cent of the state's 14 million registered voters already cast their ballots.

As voters continue to pour into polling booths, President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-and-wife-jill-biden-cast-early-vote-in-wilmington-days-before-us-election-338663">Trump </a>and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden are set to rally voters just hours apart in Tampa, Florida. Trump had toured Arizona a day earlier as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-leading-in-us-election-2020-against-donald-trump-survey-338733">Biden</a> visited his home state of Delaware.

"I'm not running on a false promise of being able to end this pandemic by flipping a switch," Biden said, adding,"but what I can promise you is this: We'll start on Day 1 by doing the right thing. We'll let science guide our decisions."

Over 3 million voters in North Carolina have also voted in the US elections so far with over 3 million in Georgia amid the coronavirus pandemic.

During the 2016 elections, 138 million votes were recorded even as some analysts predict the present US elections could witness the highest voter turnout rate in a century.&nbsp;

While visiting Aziona, the US president said: "It's going to be a great, great red wave," while asserting that. "We're going to have an even bigger surprise in six days," comparing it to his performance in the 2016 polls when he beat Hillary Clinton after most opinion polls had put the Democratic presidential hopeful ahead of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-predicts-no-christmas-and-thanksgiving-if-joe-biden-wins-338723"> Trump</a>.

With just four days left for the US elections, Americans have already set a record with over 78 million people having exercised their franchise ahead of the November 3 elections.

With just four days left for the US elections, Americans have already set a record with over 78 million people having exercised their franchise ahead of the November 3 elections. Watch: According to US Elections Project, 78,595,754 early voters have already cast their ballot with over 51 million mail-in ballots and over 27 million in-person votes. Texas and California are the forefront of the voting process with over 8 million voters having already chosen their president. In Florida, over 7 million voters have cast their ballot with over fifty per cent of the state's 14 million registered voters already cast their ballots. As voters continue to pour into polling booths, President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden are set to rally voters just hours apart in Tampa, Florida. Trump had toured Arizona a day earlier as Biden visited his home state of Delaware. "I'm not running on a false promise of being able to end this pandemic by flipping a switch," Biden said, adding,"but what I can promise you is this: We'll start on Day 1 by doing the right thing. We'll let science guide our decisions." Over 3 million voters in North Carolina have also voted in the US elections so far with over 3 million in Georgia amid the coronavirus pandemic. During the 2016 elections, 138 million votes were recorded even as some analysts predict the present US elections could witness the highest voter turnout rate in a century. While visiting Aziona, the US president said: "It's going to be a great, great red wave," while asserting that. "We're going to have an even bigger surprise in six days," comparing it to his performance in the 2016 polls when he beat Hillary Clinton after most opinion polls had put the Democratic presidential hopeful ahead of Trump.

US elections 2020: Over 78 million votes cast; Texas, California lead turnout

PM Narendra Modi today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's attack in Nice. |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-live-update-government-raises-alert-to-attack-emergency-level-338782">France knife attack live update</a>

"Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"India stands with France in the fight against terrorism."

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I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1321814517651787776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A woman was beheaded near the Basilica of Notre-Dame on the Mediterranean coast and three people were killed by a knife-wielding attacker in Nice on Thursday as Nice mayor, Christian Estrosi said it was a "terrorist attack".

Estrosi added that the attacker repeatedly shouted "Allahu Akbar".

Prime Minister Jean Castex later said that the country has decided to raise France's Vigipirate security alert system to the highest "attack emergency" level.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the ''barbaric attack'' pledging solidarity with France in the fight against extremism even as German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stood with France after the "brutal" knife.

PM Narendra Modi today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's attack in Nice. | France knife attack live update "Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.

PM Narendra Modi today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's attack in Nice. | France knife attack live update "Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France," the Indian prime minister said, adding,"India stands with France in the fight against terrorism." I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020 × Watch: A woman was beheaded near the Basilica of Notre-Dame on the Mediterranean coast and three people were killed by a knife-wielding attacker in Nice on Thursday as Nice mayor, Christian Estrosi said it was a "terrorist attack". Estrosi added that the attacker repeatedly shouted "Allahu Akbar". Prime Minister Jean Castex later said that the country has decided to raise France's Vigipirate security alert system to the highest "attack emergency" level. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the ''barbaric attack'' pledging solidarity with France in the fight against extremism even as German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany stood with France after the "brutal" knife.

India stands with France in fight against terrorism, says PM Modi after Nice attack

Pakistan's federal minister Fawad Choudhry speaking in the National Assembly said that "Pulwama was a great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership."&nbsp; |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-was-scared-of-indian-attack-truth-behind-abhinandans-release-revealed-338667">&nbsp;Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed</a>

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In Pulwama last year, a&nbsp;suicide bomber had attacked a vehicle carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Pakistan's Federal Minister Fawad Choudhry, in the National Assembly, says Pulwama was a great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership. <a href="https://t.co/qnJNnWvmqP">pic.twitter.com/qnJNnWvmqP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1321778990831394820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In retaliation, the Indian Air Force sent its fighter aircraft on February 26, 2019, as the jets crossed over into Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on JeM terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Pakistan Minister had actually stood up to slam the charges made by PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq who had revealed that foreign minister Qureshi had asked fighter pilot Wing Commander Varthaman to be returned to India.

However, the minister was quick to add "post-Pulwama" when the opposition reminded him about the incident. A suicide bomber had attacked a vehicle carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway last year on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bajwas-legs-were-shaking-who-is-pmln-leader-ayaz-sadiq-338795">Also Read:&nbsp;'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Who is PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq?</a>

Sadiq added that PPP and PML-N leaders were present during the meeting when "Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring". Pakistan PM Imran Khan had refused to attend the meeting, the PML(N) leader said in Parliament.

Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's federal minister Fawad Choudhry speaking in the National Assembly said that "Pulwama was a great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership." | Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed Watch: In Pulwama last year, a suicide bomber had attacked a vehicle carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Pakistan's federal minister Fawad Choudhry speaking in the National Assembly said that "Pulwama was a great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership." | Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed Watch: In Pulwama last year, a suicide bomber had attacked a vehicle carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. #WATCH: Pakistan's Federal Minister Fawad Choudhry, in the National Assembly, says Pulwama was a great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership. pic.twitter.com/qnJNnWvmqP — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2020 × In retaliation, the Indian Air Force sent its fighter aircraft on February 26, 2019, as the jets crossed over into Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on JeM terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Pakistan Minister had actually stood up to slam the charges made by PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq who had revealed that foreign minister Qureshi had asked fighter pilot Wing Commander Varthaman to be returned to India. However, the minister was quick to add "post-Pulwama" when the opposition reminded him about the incident. A suicide bomber had attacked a vehicle carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway last year on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Also Read: 'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Who is PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq? Sadiq added that PPP and PML-N leaders were present during the meeting when "Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring". Pakistan PM Imran Khan had refused to attend the meeting, the PML(N) leader said in Parliament. Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Fawad Choudhry

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