FIFA's leadership crisis deepened as football bodies split over President Gianni Infantino's future following the collapse of his proposed $4.2 billion commercial rights sell-off. Norway called for Infantino's resignation, saying he had lost the football community's trust, while UEFA maintained its boycott threat. CONCACAF and the AFC also criticised FIFA's handling of the proposal, though several Asian members backed Infantino. Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay and the Confederation of African Football reaffirmed support for the FIFA chief, urging institutional continuity ahead of the 2027 Congress. FIFA apologised for mistakes in the proposal's rollout, insisting governance rules were followed despite widespread criticism over communication and decision-making. (PC: The Telegraph)

India on Friday said it is "closely following the development" after Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a trilateral defence agreement aimed at strengthening collective security. According to Pakistan's foreign ministry, the pact treats an armed attack on any one member as an attack on all three and expands defence cooperation through joint military exercises, training, technology transfers and intelligence sharing. The agreement was signed during a meeting of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The MEA noted it was monitoring the development, while Saudi Arabia continues diversifying defence partnerships amid regional security challenges and tensions with Iran.  

A 14-year-old student killed seven people in Thailand on August 7 after first shooting his two grandparents at home with his grandfather's legally owned firearm. He then went to Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok, where he fatally shot five teachers and staff members and injured 23 others before taking his own life. Authorities said the teenager had reportedly been under academic pressure, though the motive remains under investigation. The attack has shocked Thailand and reignited debate over gun ownership, school safety, and the need for stronger mental health support for young people. (PC: X)

AISA National President Neha Bora was attacked with ink during a student protest in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations. The march, which began at Birsa Chowk, was joined by AISA, SFI, AISF, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, women activists and several Adivasi organisations supporting the student-led movement. Addressing a press conference after the incident, Bora alleged the unidentified attacker invoked religion to justify the assault, claiming he raised slogans such as "Jai Shri Ram" and accused "RSS-BJP goons" of being behind the attack. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the identity or affiliation of the accused, and the incident has intensified political tensions around the ongoing protests.

Global crude oil prices rose above $83 per barrel on August 7, marking a second straight day of gains as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz intensified. Iran's proposed restrictions on vessels it considers hostile have heightened fears of supply disruptions through one of the world's busiest oil transit routes. The uncertainty has increased market volatility, with analysts warning that prolonged disruptions could drive oil prices significantly higher. While additional supply from other producers may eventually stabilize markets, geopolitical risks continue to dominate investor sentiment, raising concerns over inflation, fuel costs, and the broader global economic outlook. 

India has dismissed criticism by US Congressman Riley Moore over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing the legislation as an internal matter. Responding to Moore's claim that the Bill targets Christians and could affect India-US ties, the MEA said many countries, including the United States, regulate foreign funding through domestic laws. The government maintained that the proposed amendments are intended to strengthen oversight of foreign contributions while preserving the religious character of places of worship. The Bill also proposes empowering a government-designated authority to manage the assets and foreign contributions of NGOs whose FCRA registration has been cancelled.

A BBC investigation has revealed disturbing allegations of rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism, and misogyny at the UK's Army Foundation College in Harrogate, which trains 16- and 17-year-old recruits. Several former female recruits accused fellow trainees and some instructors of fostering a toxic environment that failed to protect young women. One survivor alleged she was raped by multiple junior soldiers, while others described repeated abuse and humiliation. Official Ministry of Defence data recorded 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour at the college between 2018 and mid-2025. The British Army said the allegations are deeply distressing and pledged full cooperation with investigations. (PC: BBC)

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman in the Indian Air Force to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) after completing the elite course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Gwalior. The rigorous 20-week programme trains fighter pilots in advanced air combat tactics, mission planning, and leadership. Kanth was among India's first three women fighter pilots commissioned in 2016 and became the country's first woman cleared for fighter combat missions in 2019. Her latest achievement marks another historic milestone for women in India's armed forces and strengthens the IAF's combat leadership ranks. (PC: X)

Lucky Rawat, a Class 10 student from Chakrata in Uttarakhand, has been selected as India's sole representative for the prestigious Icebreaker of Knowledge international expedition to the North Pole. Chosen through a rigorous three-stage selection process, he will join students aged 14–16 from 22 countries on a 10-day scientific and educational voyage aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy, departing from Murmansk, Russia. The programme promotes Arctic research, environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. Lucky's achievement is a proud moment for India, highlighting how talent and determination can earn international recognition. (PC: ANI)

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won his first Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid & Blitz title after a commanding performance in the United States. The 20-year-old secured the championship with a round to spare by drawing against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round before finishing on 23.5 points, 1.5 points clear of the field. Praggnanandhaa led the standings throughout the tournament, losing only two of his 27 games. The victory strengthens his position in the Grand Chess Tour standings ahead of the prestigious Sinquefield Cup and marks another major milestone in his impressive 2026 season. (PC: X)