While many might get confused between the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 and a bad cold or flu, new research discovered how a person can differentiate between the two.

The research from a European group of smell disorder experts, including Professor Philpott, was conducted at the University of East Anglia.

The study published in the journal Rhinology is the first to compare how people with COVID-19 smell and taste disorders differ from those with other causes of upper respiratory tract infections.

The main differences found are that, although COVID-19 patients also lose their sense of smell, they can breathe freely, do not tend to have a runny or blocked nose, and they cannot detect bitter or sweet tastes.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

These findings lend weight to the theory that COVID-19 infects the brain and central nervous system.The research team hopes that their work could help develop smell and taste tests for fast COVID-19 screening - in primary care and emergency departments.

Lead researcher Prof Carl Philpott, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "The loss of smell and taste is a prominent symptom of COVID-19, however, it is also a common symptom of having a bad cold. We wanted to find out exactly what differentiates COVID-19 smell loss with the kind of smell loss you might have with a cold and blocked-up nose."

The research team carried out smell and taste tests on 10 COVID-19 patients, 10 people with bad colds, and a control group of 10 healthy people, all matched for age and genders.

Prof Philpott said: "We wanted to see if their smell and taste test scores could help discriminate between COVID-19 patients and those with a heavy cold. We know that COVID-19 behaves differently to other respiratory viruses, for example by causing the body`s immune system to over-react, known as a cytokine storm, and by affecting the nervous system."

"So we suspected that patterns of smell loss would differ between the two groups. We found that smell loss was much more profound in the Covid-19 patents. They were less able to identify smells, and they were not able to identify bitter or sweet tastes. In fact, it was this loss of true taste which seemed to be present in the COVID-19 patients compared to those with a cold."

He added that this is very exciting because it means that smell and taste tests could be used to discriminate between Covid-19 patients and people with a regular cold or flu.

Although such tests could not replace formal diagnostic tools such as throat swabs, they could provide an alternative when conventional tests are not available or when rapid screening is needed - particularly at the level of primary care, in emergency departments or at airports.

This research also shows that there are altogether different things going on when it comes to smell and taste loss for COVID-10 patients, compared to those with a bad cold.It has previously been suggested that the COVID-19 virus affects the central nervous system, based on the neurological signs developed by some patients.

There are also similarities with SARS, which has also been reported to enter the brain, possibly via smell receptors in the nose.

"Our results reflect, at least to some extent, a specific involvement at the level of the central nervous system in some COVID-19 patients. It is particularly interesting that COVID-19 seems to particularly affect sweet and bitter taste receptors because these are known to play an important role in innate immunity."

''More research is needed to see whether genetic variation in people's bitter and sweet taste receptors might predispose them to COVID-19, or conversely, whether COVID-19 infection changes how these receptors function, either directly or through a cytokine storm - the over-reaction of the body`s immune system," Philpott said.

While many might get confused between the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 and a bad cold or flu, new research discovered how a person can differentiate between the two.

While many might get confused between the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 and a bad cold or flu, new research discovered how a person can differentiate between the two. The research from a European group of smell disorder experts, including Professor Philpott, was conducted at the University of East Anglia. The study published in the journal Rhinology is the first to compare how people with COVID-19 smell and taste disorders differ from those with other causes of upper respiratory tract infections. The main differences found are that, although COVID-19 patients also lose their sense of smell, they can breathe freely, do not tend to have a runny or blocked nose, and they cannot detect bitter or sweet tastes. Also see: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world These findings lend weight to the theory that COVID-19 infects the brain and central nervous system.The research team hopes that their work could help develop smell and taste tests for fast COVID-19 screening - in primary care and emergency departments. Lead researcher Prof Carl Philpott, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "The loss of smell and taste is a prominent symptom of COVID-19, however, it is also a common symptom of having a bad cold. We wanted to find out exactly what differentiates COVID-19 smell loss with the kind of smell loss you might have with a cold and blocked-up nose." The research team carried out smell and taste tests on 10 COVID-19 patients, 10 people with bad colds, and a control group of 10 healthy people, all matched for age and genders. Prof Philpott said: "We wanted to see if their smell and taste test scores could help discriminate between COVID-19 patients and those with a heavy cold. We know that COVID-19 behaves differently to other respiratory viruses, for example by causing the body`s immune system to over-react, known as a cytokine storm, and by affecting the nervous system." "So we suspected that patterns of smell loss would differ between the two groups. We found that smell loss was much more profound in the Covid-19 patents. They were less able to identify smells, and they were not able to identify bitter or sweet tastes. In fact, it was this loss of true taste which seemed to be present in the COVID-19 patients compared to those with a cold." He added that this is very exciting because it means that smell and taste tests could be used to discriminate between Covid-19 patients and people with a regular cold or flu. Although such tests could not replace formal diagnostic tools such as throat swabs, they could provide an alternative when conventional tests are not available or when rapid screening is needed - particularly at the level of primary care, in emergency departments or at airports. This research also shows that there are altogether different things going on when it comes to smell and taste loss for COVID-10 patients, compared to those with a bad cold.It has previously been suggested that the COVID-19 virus affects the central nervous system, based on the neurological signs developed by some patients. There are also similarities with SARS, which has also been reported to enter the brain, possibly via smell receptors in the nose. "Our results reflect, at least to some extent, a specific involvement at the level of the central nervous system in some COVID-19 patients. It is particularly interesting that COVID-19 seems to particularly affect sweet and bitter taste receptors because these are known to play an important role in innate immunity." ''More research is needed to see whether genetic variation in people's bitter and sweet taste receptors might predispose them to COVID-19, or conversely, whether COVID-19 infection changes how these receptors function, either directly or through a cytokine storm - the over-reaction of the body`s immune system," Philpott said.

Smell loss from COVID-19 differs from common cold: Study

Apple Inc&nbsp;on Friday alleged that Epic Games'&nbsp;chief executive had asked it for a "side letter" to create its own game store within the iPhone maker's App Store, which Apple said would have upended the store`s commission-based business model.

The disclosure came in a court filing on Friday in which Apple asked a federal judge in California to deny a request by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games to be kept in the iPhone maker's App Store as a dispute between the two over Apple's in-app payment rules plays out.

Epic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/one-bad-apple-freefortnite-tournament-takes-a-dig-at-apple-322317" hreflang="en">'One bad apple': #FreeFortnite tournament takes a dig at Apple</a>

Apple removed the popular game earlier this month after Epic rolled out its own method of making purchases within the game, which Apple said violated its App Store rules. Those rules require games and other apps to use Apple's in-app payment system, which charges commissions of between 15 per cent&nbsp;and 30 per cent.

Epic sued Apple over the removal, claiming the App Store rules violate antitrust laws. Epic also launched a public relations campaign, with a #FreeFortnite social media push and a parody of Apple`s famous "1984" ad.

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In the filing before US&nbsp;District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, Apple aimed to frame the dispute as part of a broader business disagreement, alleging that Epic CEO Tim Sweeney asked for an exception to its rules to create an "Epic Games Store" inside the App Store. After it rejected the request, Sweeney criticized how it runs the store, Apple said.

Apple said that Sweeney sent Phil Schiller, Apple's App Store chief, an email at 2 a.m. saying Epic would no longer comply with the payment rules, and rolled out its own payment system hours later.

Epic has asked the court to issue an order blocking Apple's removal of "Fortnite" from the store, saying that the move - along with Apple`s threat to terminate the company`s developer account - would cause irreparable harm to Epic and should be put on hold while the case plays out.&nbsp;

Epic said the termination of its developer account could also hamper its ability to offer a product called Unreal Engine, a software tool for computer graphics that hundreds of other games and other apps use to power their offerings.

In Friday's filing, Apple called the removal of "Fortnite" from the App Store a "self-inflicted wound" and argued that Rogers should not grant Epic's request.

"Epic knew full well that, in circumventing Apple’s processes and breaching its contracts, it was putting its entire relationship with Apple,&nbsp;including its Unreal Engine and other projects,&nbsp;at serious risk," Apple wrote in its filing.

"Epic made the calculated decision to breach anyway, and then run to this Court to argue that its customers were being damaged."

Apple Inc on Friday alleged that Epic Games' chief executive had asked it for a "side letter" to create its own game store within the iPhone maker's App Store, which Apple said would have upended the store`s commission-based business model.

Apple Inc on Friday alleged that Epic Games' chief executive had asked it for a "side letter" to create its own game store within the iPhone maker's App Store, which Apple said would have upended the store`s commission-based business model. The disclosure came in a court filing on Friday in which Apple asked a federal judge in California to deny a request by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games to be kept in the iPhone maker's App Store as a dispute between the two over Apple's in-app payment rules plays out. Epic did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read: 'One bad apple': #FreeFortnite tournament takes a dig at Apple Apple removed the popular game earlier this month after Epic rolled out its own method of making purchases within the game, which Apple said violated its App Store rules. Those rules require games and other apps to use Apple's in-app payment system, which charges commissions of between 15 per cent and 30 per cent. Epic sued Apple over the removal, claiming the App Store rules violate antitrust laws. Epic also launched a public relations campaign, with a #FreeFortnite social media push and a parody of Apple`s famous "1984" ad. Also read: Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect child left in hot cars In the filing before US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, Apple aimed to frame the dispute as part of a broader business disagreement, alleging that Epic CEO Tim Sweeney asked for an exception to its rules to create an "Epic Games Store" inside the App Store. After it rejected the request, Sweeney criticized how it runs the store, Apple said. Apple said that Sweeney sent Phil Schiller, Apple's App Store chief, an email at 2 a.m. saying Epic would no longer comply with the payment rules, and rolled out its own payment system hours later. Epic has asked the court to issue an order blocking Apple's removal of "Fortnite" from the store, saying that the move - along with Apple`s threat to terminate the company`s developer account - would cause irreparable harm to Epic and should be put on hold while the case plays out. Epic said the termination of its developer account could also hamper its ability to offer a product called Unreal Engine, a software tool for computer graphics that hundreds of other games and other apps use to power their offerings. In Friday's filing, Apple called the removal of "Fortnite" from the App Store a "self-inflicted wound" and argued that Rogers should not grant Epic's request. "Epic knew full well that, in circumventing Apple’s processes and breaching its contracts, it was putting its entire relationship with Apple, including its Unreal Engine and other projects, at serious risk," Apple wrote in its filing. "Epic made the calculated decision to breach anyway, and then run to this Court to argue that its customers were being damaged."

Apple says 'Fortnite' maker wanted 'side letter' to create own game store

Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan has imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim, by ordering the seizure of all of their properties and freezing of bank accounts, a media report said on Saturday.

The orders, which were made public late on Friday, identified dozens of individuals, including the Taliban's chief peace negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar and several members of the Haqqani family, including Sirajuddin, the current head of the Haqqani network and deputy head of the Taliban.

The list of sanctioned groups included others besides the Taliban and were in keeping with a five-year-old United Nations resolution sanctioning the Afghan group and freezing their assets.

The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had&nbsp;put Pakistan on the "grey list" in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019, but the deadline was extended later due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list, relieved from additional sanctions</a>

Ibrahim, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, has emerged as India's most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings.

The Pakistan government has proscribed 88 leaders and members of terrorist groups, in compliance with the new list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently.

The notifications announced sanctions on key figures of terror outfits such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), JeM, Taliban, Daesh, Haqqani Group, al-Qaeda, and others.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-major-shift-china-sends-stern-message-to-pakistan-on-fatf-281730">In major shift, China sends stern message to Pakistan on FATF</a>

The government ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable properties of these outfits and individuals, and freezing of their bank accounts, the report said.

These terrorists have been barred from transferring money through financial institutions, purchasing of arms and travelling abroad, it said.

The notifications ratified a complete ban on all leaders and members of defunct Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hiding in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas.

Many of Taliban leaders, including those heading the much-feared Haqqani network, have lived in Pakistan since the 1980s, when they were part of the Afghan mujahedeen and allies of the United States to end the 10-year invasion of Afghanistan by the former Soviet Union. It ended in February, 1989.

Pakistan has denied giving sanctuary to the Taliban following their ouster in 2001 by the US-led coalition but both Washington and Kabul routinely accused Islamabad of giving them a safe haven.

The UNSC Sanctions Committee deals with sanctions on entities and individuals declared as terrorists. All states, including Pakistan, are bound to implement the sanctions which include assets freeze, an arms embargo, and travel ban.

It is believed that the latest move by the Pakistan government is part of its efforts to wriggle out of the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF.

On August 12, Pakistan Parliament's lower house passed four bills related to the tough conditions set by the FATF after the government and the Opposition reached a consensus.

The legislation was part of the efforts by Pakistan to move from the FATF's grey list to the white list.

In its third and final plenary held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic in June, the FATF decided to keep Pakistan in the "grey list" as Islamabad failed to check the flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The plenary was held under the Chinese Presidency of Xiangmin Liu.

With Pakistan's continuation in the 'grey list', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB, and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation.

If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.&nbsp;

Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan has imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim, by ordering the seizure of all of their properties and freezing of bank accounts, a media report said on Saturday.

Seeking to wriggle out of the FATF's grey list, Pakistan has imposed tough financial sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders, including Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Dawood Ibrahim, by ordering the seizure of all of their properties and freezing of bank accounts, a media report said on Saturday. The orders, which were made public late on Friday, identified dozens of individuals, including the Taliban's chief peace negotiator Abdul Ghani Baradar and several members of the Haqqani family, including Sirajuddin, the current head of the Haqqani network and deputy head of the Taliban. The list of sanctioned groups included others besides the Taliban and were in keeping with a five-year-old United Nations resolution sanctioning the Afghan group and freezing their assets. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had put Pakistan on the "grey list" in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019, but the deadline was extended later due to COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list, relieved from additional sanctions Ibrahim, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, has emerged as India's most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings. The Pakistan government has proscribed 88 leaders and members of terrorist groups, in compliance with the new list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently. The notifications announced sanctions on key figures of terror outfits such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), JeM, Taliban, Daesh, Haqqani Group, al-Qaeda, and others. Also read: In major shift, China sends stern message to Pakistan on FATF The government ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable properties of these outfits and individuals, and freezing of their bank accounts, the report said. These terrorists have been barred from transferring money through financial institutions, purchasing of arms and travelling abroad, it said. The notifications ratified a complete ban on all leaders and members of defunct Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hiding in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas. Many of Taliban leaders, including those heading the much-feared Haqqani network, have lived in Pakistan since the 1980s, when they were part of the Afghan mujahedeen and allies of the United States to end the 10-year invasion of Afghanistan by the former Soviet Union. It ended in February, 1989. Pakistan has denied giving sanctuary to the Taliban following their ouster in 2001 by the US-led coalition but both Washington and Kabul routinely accused Islamabad of giving them a safe haven. The UNSC Sanctions Committee deals with sanctions on entities and individuals declared as terrorists. All states, including Pakistan, are bound to implement the sanctions which include assets freeze, an arms embargo, and travel ban. It is believed that the latest move by the Pakistan government is part of its efforts to wriggle out of the grey list of the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF. On August 12, Pakistan Parliament's lower house passed four bills related to the tough conditions set by the FATF after the government and the Opposition reached a consensus. The legislation was part of the efforts by Pakistan to move from the FATF's grey list to the white list. In its third and final plenary held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic in June, the FATF decided to keep Pakistan in the "grey list" as Islamabad failed to check the flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The plenary was held under the Chinese Presidency of Xiangmin Liu. With Pakistan's continuation in the 'grey list', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB, and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation. If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Pak targets Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar & Dawood Ibrahim; increases curbs on terror groups to avoid FATF blacklist

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old authoritarian leader, who said he won a sixth presidential term with 80 percent of the vote in the August 9 ballot, made the comments during an inspection of military units in Grodno, near Belarus's border with Poland, according to the president's press service.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

Lukashenko denounced recent mass protests, which he said were receiving support from Western countries, and ordered the army to defend western Belarus, which he described as "a pearl".

"It involves taking the most stringent measures to protect the territorial integrity of our country," Lukashenko said.

His visit comes ahead of large-scale military exercises planned in the Grodno region between August 28 and 31.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/water-cannons-tear-gas-stun-grenades-protesters-clash-with-belarus-police-after-election-results-319520">Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results</a>

Opponents of Europe's longest serving leader have organised strikes and the largest demonstrations in the ex-Soviet country's recent history to protest his re-election and demand that he stand down.&nbsp;

The authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the opposition's Coordination Council, whose members are seeking new elections and a peaceful transition of power.

Lukashenko has rejected the idea of holding another ballot, dismissed calls to resign and accused the opposition of attempting to seize power. On Friday he vowed to "solve the problem" of the protest movement.

Exiled opposition leader and political newcomer, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said this week that Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after Lukashenko's crackdown on mass protests following the disputed election.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory. The 65-year-old authoritarian leader, who said he won a sixth presidential term with 80 percent of the vote in the August 9 ballot, made the comments during an inspection of military units in Grodno, near Belarus's border with Poland, according to the president's press service. Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions Lukashenko denounced recent mass protests, which he said were receiving support from Western countries, and ordered the army to defend western Belarus, which he described as "a pearl". "It involves taking the most stringent measures to protect the territorial integrity of our country," Lukashenko said. His visit comes ahead of large-scale military exercises planned in the Grodno region between August 28 and 31. Also see: Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results Opponents of Europe's longest serving leader have organised strikes and the largest demonstrations in the ex-Soviet country's recent history to protest his re-election and demand that he stand down. The authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the opposition's Coordination Council, whose members are seeking new elections and a peaceful transition of power. Lukashenko has rejected the idea of holding another ballot, dismissed calls to resign and accused the opposition of attempting to seize power. On Friday he vowed to "solve the problem" of the protest movement. Exiled opposition leader and political newcomer, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said this week that Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after Lukashenko's crackdown on mass protests following the disputed election.

Belarus crisis: Lukashenko orders army to defend 'territorial integrity'

Indian authorities have imposed tough anti-coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and the size of Ganesha elephant god idols for one of the biggest religious festivals of the year that started Saturday.

The 10 days of prayers and family gatherings for Ganesh Chaturthi started under a pandemic cloud with the country closing on three million infections and 56,000 deaths.

Most major cities have ordered that effigies of the popular elephant-headed god Ganesha, which can draw thousands of Hindu devotees onto the streets, be shrunk back.

Traditionally, the idols can tower 30 feet&nbsp;high or more and need dozens of people to carry them but this year authorities said they can be no more than 1.1 metres tall in a bid to cut crowds.

<img alt="G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="684353f5-78d4-4842-a8ac-4e707bd98b09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_22.jpg" />

An artisan applies finishing touches to an idol of Hindu elephant god&nbsp;Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, at a workshop

In New Delhi, no Ganesha idols will be shown in public while hard-hit Mumbai has cut back access to the seafront to immerse Ganesha figures, usually the highlight of the festival.

Tens of thousands traditionally flock to the beaches on the final day of the festival to immerse elaborately decorated figurines of the deity in the Arabian Sea.

This year, authorities in India's financial capital have constructed hundreds of artificial immersion ponds across the city to stop hordes crowding the waterfront.

Devotees will also be able to leave their elephant idols at collection centres and volunteers will immerse them in the sea.

Authorities want devotees to mark the festival at home, dampening enthusiasm among pandemic-weary locals. Even the idols worshipped at home must be no more than 13 inches.

In a sign of the times one of the rare Ganesha elephants on display sprays sanitizer onto the hands of devotees who come to pray.

Worshippers are barred from making public offerings to the deity and organisers have been ordered to sanitise outdoor marquees several times a day.

Some cities which have seen a surge in coronavirus cases had proposed a complete ban on Ganesha gatherings in public.

But in Bangalore, authorities relented following protests by religious groups. Public displays of the elephant figures will still be restricted with socially distanced followers having to wear masks.

Indian authorities have imposed tough anti-coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and the size of Ganesha elephant god idols for one of the biggest religious festivals of the year that started Saturday.

Indian authorities have imposed tough anti-coronavirus restrictions on gatherings and the size of Ganesha elephant god idols for one of the biggest religious festivals of the year that started Saturday. The 10 days of prayers and family gatherings for Ganesh Chaturthi started under a pandemic cloud with the country closing on three million infections and 56,000 deaths. Most major cities have ordered that effigies of the popular elephant-headed god Ganesha, which can draw thousands of Hindu devotees onto the streets, be shrunk back. Traditionally, the idols can tower 30 feet high or more and need dozens of people to carry them but this year authorities said they can be no more than 1.1 metres tall in a bid to cut crowds. An artisan applies finishing touches to an idol of Hindu elephant god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, at a workshop In New Delhi, no Ganesha idols will be shown in public while hard-hit Mumbai has cut back access to the seafront to immerse Ganesha figures, usually the highlight of the festival. Tens of thousands traditionally flock to the beaches on the final day of the festival to immerse elaborately decorated figurines of the deity in the Arabian Sea. This year, authorities in India's financial capital have constructed hundreds of artificial immersion ponds across the city to stop hordes crowding the waterfront. Devotees will also be able to leave their elephant idols at collection centres and volunteers will immerse them in the sea. Authorities want devotees to mark the festival at home, dampening enthusiasm among pandemic-weary locals. Even the idols worshipped at home must be no more than 13 inches. In a sign of the times one of the rare Ganesha elephants on display sprays sanitizer onto the hands of devotees who come to pray. Worshippers are barred from making public offerings to the deity and organisers have been ordered to sanitise outdoor marquees several times a day. Some cities which have seen a surge in coronavirus cases had proposed a complete ban on Ganesha gatherings in public. But in Bangalore, authorities relented following protests by religious groups. Public displays of the elephant figures will still be restricted with socially distanced followers having to wear masks.

COVID-19 curbs see elephant idols shrunk for Ganesh Chaturthi

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed Friday ceasefire declarations made by neighbouring Libya's warring rival governments.

Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) announced a ceasefire on Friday and the Eastern-based Libyan parliament called for an immediate ceasefire.

"I welcome statements by Libya's presidential council and the House of Representatives calling for a ceasefire and halting military operations in all Libyan territory," Sisi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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ارحب بالبيانات الصادرة عن المجلس الرئاسى ومجلس النواب فى ليبيا بوقف اطلاق النار ووقف العمليات العسكرية فى كافة الأراضي الليبية باعتبار ذلك خطوة هامة على طريق تحقيق التسوية السياسية وطموحات الشعب الليبى فى استعادة الاستقرار والازدهار فى ليبيا وحفظ مقدرات شعبها
— Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlsisiOfficial/status/1296765021586894848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sisi, whose government has been a major supporter of the eastern-based administration dominated by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, said the twin announcements were an "important step" on the path to restoring stability.

The GNA has been locked in conflict with east-Libyan based forces led by veteran commander Khalifa Haftar, who launched a 14-month offensive on Tripoli before Turkish support for the GNA forced him to retreat in June.

GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj "issued instructions to all military forces to immediately cease fire and all combat operations in all Libyan territories", a statement said.

The LNA is backed by the United Arab Emirates,&nbsp;Egypt&nbsp;and Russia. International intervention in Libya has deepened since the LNA offensive began in April 2019.

The GNA appealed in its statement for the LNA to lift a blockade on oil facilities that has all but halted the country's output, saying revenue should be held in a special account and only be released after a political deal was reached.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed Friday ceasefire declarations made by neighbouring Libya's warring rival governments. Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) announced a ceasefire on Friday and the Eastern-based Libyan parliament called for an immediate ceasefire.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed Friday ceasefire declarations made by neighbouring Libya's warring rival governments. Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) announced a ceasefire on Friday and the Eastern-based Libyan parliament called for an immediate ceasefire. "I welcome statements by Libya's presidential council and the House of Representatives calling for a ceasefire and halting military operations in all Libyan territory," Sisi said in a tweet. ارحب بالبيانات الصادرة عن المجلس الرئاسى ومجلس النواب فى ليبيا بوقف اطلاق النار ووقف العمليات العسكرية فى كافة الأراضي الليبية باعتبار ذلك خطوة هامة على طريق تحقيق التسوية السياسية وطموحات الشعب الليبى فى استعادة الاستقرار والازدهار فى ليبيا وحفظ مقدرات شعبها — Abdelfattah Elsisi (@AlsisiOfficial) August 21, 2020 × Sisi, whose government has been a major supporter of the eastern-based administration dominated by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, said the twin announcements were an "important step" on the path to restoring stability. The GNA has been locked in conflict with east-Libyan based forces led by veteran commander Khalifa Haftar, who launched a 14-month offensive on Tripoli before Turkish support for the GNA forced him to retreat in June. GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj "issued instructions to all military forces to immediately cease fire and all combat operations in all Libyan territories", a statement said. The LNA is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia. International intervention in Libya has deepened since the LNA offensive began in April 2019. The GNA appealed in its statement for the LNA to lift a blockade on oil facilities that has all but halted the country's output, saying revenue should be held in a special account and only be released after a political deal was reached.

Egypt's Sisi welcomes ceasefire declarations by rival Libya governments

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU.

"We are going to speed up our operations in the Mediterranean with the deployment by the end of the year of the Kanuni (drilling ship), which is currently in maintenance," Erdogan said in a keynote address in Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-eastern-mediterranean-has-become-a-crisis-centre-for-europe-322001">Why eastern Mediterranean has become a crisis centre for Europe</a>

A new geopolitical storm brewing in the Mediterranean threatens to become a multinational conflict and it could engulf Europe.

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Currently, there are two factions, on one hand, there are European countries like France, Cyprus and Greece, one the other there's Turkey - a country that wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate and is taking a cue from China's expansionism.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where several geopolitical faultlines converge.

There are maritime boundary disputes, claims and counterclaims of sovereignty which were local affairs but in the last five years it has become serious due to the strategic value of the area and the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves which is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and therefore conflicts over these reserves have began.

Earlier this month, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region as both sides called the collision an "accident", however, what followed&nbsp;tells a different story.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU. "We are going to speed up our operations in the Mediterranean with the deployment by the end of the year of the Kanuni (drilling ship), which is currently in maintenance," Erdogan said in a keynote address in Istanbul. Also read: Why eastern Mediterranean has become a crisis centre for Europe A new geopolitical storm brewing in the Mediterranean threatens to become a multinational conflict and it could engulf Europe. × Currently, there are two factions, on one hand, there are European countries like France, Cyprus and Greece, one the other there's Turkey - a country that wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate and is taking a cue from China's expansionism. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where several geopolitical faultlines converge. There are maritime boundary disputes, claims and counterclaims of sovereignty which were local affairs but in the last five years it has become serious due to the strategic value of the area and the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves which is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and therefore conflicts over these reserves have began. Earlier this month, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region as both sides called the collision an "accident", however, what followed tells a different story.

Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government completes its first two years in office this week, his country seems to be having the worst week it's history.

On Monday, the ''all-weather'' friendship between China-Pakistan failed&nbsp;the test of monsoon after the ceiling of the Islamabad International Airport, made by&nbsp;China State Construction Engineering Corporation, collapsed after heavy rainfall.

Pakistan's army chief Bajwa arrived in Saudi Arabia on the same day, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shah-mahmood-qureshi-to-visit-hainan-for-china-pakistan-foreign-ministers-strategic-dialogue-321896" hreflang="en">Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Hainan for China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ strategic dialogue</a>

On Tuesday, Imran Khan received his two-years work report, in which he failed miserably.

On Wednesday, Bajwa returned to his country sans glory, medals and any sort of aid.

On Thursday, reports came that the country is harassing a Palestinian envoy to sell his car, exposing the country's attitude towards the race.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pakistan-treats-the-palestinian-issue-321997" hreflang="en">How Pakistan treats the Palestinian issue</a>

On Friday,&nbsp;Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi accompanied by his officers is paid&nbsp;an official visit to Hainan, China.

However, no Chinese official turned up to the airport for their guest's official welcome. Before departing for his visit,&nbsp;Qureshi had boasted how he&nbsp;will lead the Pakistan side in the Second Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and how the visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues.

Pakistan and China are longtime allies and partners in the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has seen Beijing pledge over $60 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, central to China’s wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to develop land and sea trade routes in Asia and beyond.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's&nbsp;Railways minister&nbsp;Sheikh Rashid Ahmed&nbsp;prophesied a "nuclear war" against India, saying there will be a "bloody and final war".&nbsp;

In an interview&nbsp;Ahmed said&nbsp;Islamabad has "small" and "perfect" weapons, that will save Muslim lives and target other regions. He also said that Pakistan's weapons can also reach the Indian state of Assam, adding that next 4-6 months will be very critical, in a reference to elections in the United States.&nbsp;

Pakistan is an expert&nbsp;of making empty threats and absurd statements when India is&nbsp;concerned.&nbsp;The most lethal weapon in the&nbsp;country's arsenal, Babur II cruise missile&nbsp;has a range of 750kms. Whereas, the distance between Islamabad to Assam is 2000kms.

Babur II is cheap, inferior copy of India's Nirbhay nuclear missile. It also failed its test launch twice in 2018 and March this year.&nbsp;

Ali Amin Gandapur,&nbsp;Federal minister for Pak-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, also claimed that&nbsp;Pakistan has included PoK in its map.

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government completes its first two years in office this week, his country seems to be having the worst week it's history.

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government completes its first two years in office this week, his country seems to be having the worst week it's history. On Monday, the ''all-weather'' friendship between China-Pakistan failed the test of monsoon after the ceiling of the Islamabad International Airport, made by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, collapsed after heavy rainfall. Pakistan's army chief Bajwa arrived in Saudi Arabia on the same day, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation. Also read: Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Hainan for China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ strategic dialogue On Tuesday, Imran Khan received his two-years work report, in which he failed miserably. On Wednesday, Bajwa returned to his country sans glory, medals and any sort of aid. On Thursday, reports came that the country is harassing a Palestinian envoy to sell his car, exposing the country's attitude towards the race. Also read: How Pakistan treats the Palestinian issue On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi accompanied by his officers is paid an official visit to Hainan, China. However, no Chinese official turned up to the airport for their guest's official welcome. Before departing for his visit, Qureshi had boasted how he will lead the Pakistan side in the Second Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and how the visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues. Pakistan and China are longtime allies and partners in the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has seen Beijing pledge over $60 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, central to China’s wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to develop land and sea trade routes in Asia and beyond. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Railways minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed prophesied a "nuclear war" against India, saying there will be a "bloody and final war". In an interview Ahmed said Islamabad has "small" and "perfect" weapons, that will save Muslim lives and target other regions. He also said that Pakistan's weapons can also reach the Indian state of Assam, adding that next 4-6 months will be very critical, in a reference to elections in the United States. Pakistan is an expert of making empty threats and absurd statements when India is concerned. The most lethal weapon in the country's arsenal, Babur II cruise missile has a range of 750kms. Whereas, the distance between Islamabad to Assam is 2000kms. Babur II is cheap, inferior copy of India's Nirbhay nuclear missile. It also failed its test launch twice in 2018 and March this year. Ali Amin Gandapur, Federal minister for Pak-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, also claimed that Pakistan has included PoK in its map.

Now, Pakistan's railway minister threatens 'nuclear war' against India

Nepal on Friday reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 30,483, the health ministry said.

According to Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, 250 coronavirus patients have been discharged from different health facilities in the past 24 hours.

With this, the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease stands at 18,214.

At present, there are 12,132 COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country.

Till date, coronavirus tests have been conducted on 579,899 people.

With the death of 11 more COVID-19 patients in the last 24 hours, the total number of fatalities has reached 137.

The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 30,483, including 182 in Kathmandu.

Nepal on Friday reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 30,483, the health ministry said. According to Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, 250 coronavirus patients have been discharged from different health facilities in the past 24 hours.

Nepal on Friday reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 30,483, the health ministry said. According to Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, 250 coronavirus patients have been discharged from different health facilities in the past 24 hours. With this, the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease stands at 18,214. At present, there are 12,132 COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country. Till date, coronavirus tests have been conducted on 579,899 people. With the death of 11 more COVID-19 patients in the last 24 hours, the total number of fatalities has reached 137. The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 30,483, including 182 in Kathmandu.

Nepal reports 838 new COVID-19 cases, tally reaches 30,483

President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Security Council agreed at a meeting on Friday that the Belarusian authorities and its people should enter into dialogue to resolve the political crisis.

Russia is a close ally of neighbouring Belarus where nationwide anti-government protests erupted earlier this month over election rigging allegations at a disputed vote.

Two leading members of a newly formed opposition council in the country were questioned&nbsp;in a criminal case that accuses the body of trying to seize power from&nbsp;Lukashenko.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-offers-eu-mediation-with-russia-on-belarus-crisis-322006" hreflang="en">Macron offers EU mediation with Russia on Belarus crisis</a>

Dozens of supporters accompanied Maksim Znak and Sarhey Dyleuski as they arrived for questioning at the headquarters of the Investigative Committee.&nbsp;

The Coordinating Committee was launched this week with the self-described aim of negotiating a transfer of power amid the largest political crisis in Belarus since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Lukashenko's main opponent, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has fled to neighbouring Lithuania, where she has released a steady stream of video messages calling on her followers to rise up peacefully. On Friday she called for more workers to go on strike to protest against the election result.

Joined by a treaty that proclaims, on paper, a "union state" with a Soviet-style red flag, Russia and Belarus usually have no border controls, and are culturally, linguistically and economically intertwined. Putin has pushed hard to make the union state more of a political and economic reality.

Russia has repeatedly asked Lukashenko to let it open an air base in Belarus, something he has refused in the past.

Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, was declared the winner of an August&nbsp;9 presidential election, but tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets saying the election is rigged.

A police crackdown does not seem to have intimidated the protesters and opposition has spread to include strikes at state factories long seen as bastions of Lukashenko's support.

President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Security Council agreed at a meeting on Friday that the Belarusian authorities and its people should enter into dialogue to resolve the political crisis.

President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Security Council agreed at a meeting on Friday that the Belarusian authorities and its people should enter into dialogue to resolve the political crisis. Russia is a close ally of neighbouring Belarus where nationwide anti-government protests erupted earlier this month over election rigging allegations at a disputed vote. Two leading members of a newly formed opposition council in the country were questioned in a criminal case that accuses the body of trying to seize power from Lukashenko. Also read: Macron offers EU mediation with Russia on Belarus crisis Dozens of supporters accompanied Maksim Znak and Sarhey Dyleuski as they arrived for questioning at the headquarters of the Investigative Committee. The Coordinating Committee was launched this week with the self-described aim of negotiating a transfer of power amid the largest political crisis in Belarus since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lukashenko's main opponent, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has fled to neighbouring Lithuania, where she has released a steady stream of video messages calling on her followers to rise up peacefully. On Friday she called for more workers to go on strike to protest against the election result. Joined by a treaty that proclaims, on paper, a "union state" with a Soviet-style red flag, Russia and Belarus usually have no border controls, and are culturally, linguistically and economically intertwined. Putin has pushed hard to make the union state more of a political and economic reality. Russia has repeatedly asked Lukashenko to let it open an air base in Belarus, something he has refused in the past. Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, was declared the winner of an August 9 presidential election, but tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets saying the election is rigged. A police crackdown does not seem to have intimidated the protesters and opposition has spread to include strikes at state factories long seen as bastions of Lukashenko's support.

Russia urges dialogue between Belarusian authorities and citizens to resolve crisis

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters.

There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials.

The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown.

The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment.

The devices, locally called ''payaos,''&nbsp;were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales.

China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year.

The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision.

Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims.

Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing.

China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters. There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials. The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown. The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment. The devices, locally called ''payaos,'' were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales. China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year. The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision. Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims. Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing. China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

South China Sea: Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia.

The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-condemn-bidens-criticism-of-autocrat-erdogan-call-it-pure-ignorance-320963">Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance</a>

The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world.

It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks.

It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958.

But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans.

Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship. The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia. The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul. Also read: Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world. It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks. It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as Turkey pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958. But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans. Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Now, Turkey to convert another former Istanbul church into mosque

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