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. 

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)

A school shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand's Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, left a teacher dead after a student opened fire on campus. Four others, including three students and another teacher, were injured before the suspected gunman died by suicide, according to police. The attack triggered panic as students evacuated the school while emergency services and security personnel rushed to the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. The incident has renewed concerns over school safety in Thailand, following another deadly school shooting earlier this year. 

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay an additional $567 million to address harm caused to children through Facebook and Instagram, making it the largest child safety ruling against the company. The decision follows an earlier $375 million penalty, bringing Meta's total liability to $942 million. The court ruled that Meta's platforms contributed to children's mental health issues and failed to adequately protect minors from exploitation. It also ordered stronger child safety measures, including enhanced age verification, improved safeguards for young users, and regular compliance reporting. Meta has said it will appeal the ruling. (PC: X)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched one of their largest coordinated offensives in years, targeting Saudi-backed government forces across several frontlines with missiles, drones and ground assaults. The attacks reportedly caused heavy casualties, marking the deadliest escalation since the 2022 truce and raising fears of a wider regional conflict amid tensions linked to the Iran war. Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes, accusing the Houthis of endangering civilians and regional stability, while the United States also denounced the attacks. The renewed fighting threatens peace efforts, risks worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis, and could further destabilize the Middle East. (PC: EPA)

Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks that allegedly killed 45 soldiers belonging to the internationally recognised Yemeni government forces. According to the Houthis, the operations targeted multiple frontline positions, intensifying fighting despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities. The Yemeni government has not independently confirmed the casualty figures, and the claims remain unverified. The renewed violence underscores the fragile security situation in Yemen, where years of conflict have caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The latest clashes raise concerns over further escalation and could complicate regional and international efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire. (PC: EPA)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a dark, tinted-window vehicle at a secret Tehran location, where he allegedly could not see him and later questioned whether the voice he heard was Khamenei's, according to Iran International. The report said the brief meeting, secured after repeated requests and resignation threats, ended without a handshake before Pezeshkian was asked to leave. However, Pezeshkian had earlier described a separate May meeting as cordial and lasting two-and-a-half hours. The report also highlighted his difficulty communicating with Khamenei, alleged policy rifts, denied follow-up meeting requests, and Khamenei's continued absence from public view for five months. (PC: NDTV)

Rail services across large parts of the UK were thrown into chaos on Wednesday after an electrical failure at a railway communications centre disrupted operations. National Rail said the outage affected routes across Greater Manchester, the Midlands and north-west England, forcing widespread cancellations, delays of up to 60 minutes, and train rescheduling. The disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day as engineers work to restore normal operations. Passengers have been advised to check the latest travel information before starting their journeys and allow extra time. The incident adds to ongoing concerns over the resilience of Britain's rail infrastructure during peak travel periods. (PC: iStock)

Panic erupted aboard a Batik Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi after a passenger allegedly smashed an emergency exit window panel and tried to open the emergency exit door mid-air. The incident occurred between 9.30 pm and 11 pm on flight OD 231. The accused, 36-year-old Jamsheer Athanikkal from Kerala's Palakkad district, reportedly threatened passengers and cabin crew before being restrained by fellow travellers. Police said there was no apparent provocation, and he later told investigators he acted because he "felt like it." After the aircraft landed safely at Kochi airport, Batik Air's security team lodged a complaint, leading to Jamsheer's arrest. (PC: The Indian Express)

Nigerian security forces have rescued more than 300 people abducted by militants in what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described as the country's largest single-day hostage recovery operation. The intelligence-led mission, carried out by the military, police, and counter-terrorism units, took place in the forests of Kainji Lake National Park. Those rescued included victims kidnapped during earlier attacks in Kwara and Niger states. The freed hostages are receiving medical treatment before reuniting with their families. The operation marks a significant success in Nigeria's ongoing fight against militant violence and widespread kidnapping. (PC: AP)