Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 8 Aug 2012

1. GOLD FOR HOY AS UK BEATS RECORD

Team GB this morning has 22 gold medals - its greatest hall for a century - after cycling victories by Sir Chris Hoy and newcomer Laura Trott. Hoy's gold was the sixth of his career, taking him past Sir Steve Redgrave's Olympic tally as he retires. Disappointment for Victoria Pendleton though, who took only silver.

Chris Hoy sheds tears of joy as he makes UK Olympic history

2. BANK PREDICTS ZERO GROWTH FOR UK

The Bank of England has predicted zero growth for the UK economy in 2012 in its quarterly growth forecast. Just a year ago, the Bank was predicting the UK economy would grow by 2% this year. The forecast will put pressure on chancellor George Osborne to relent on his 'Plan A' of austerity measures.

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UK growth forecast cut to zero but King tries to be cheery

3. EGYPT FIRES ON ISLAMISTS IN SINAI

Egypt has carried out air strikes on its own territory, firing missiles from helicopters on suspected Islamist militants in a village on the Sinai peninsula, killing 20. The militants are said to have killed 16 border guards in that area on Sunday. Israel said then it had killed some of the culprits after they broke through into its territory.

Egypt-Israel peace treaty 'must be revised' to stop Sinai terror

4. ASTRONOMER LOVELL DEAD AT 98

Sir Bernard Lovell, the designer of the radio telescope at Jodrell Bank, sometimes dubbed the father of modern astronomy, has died at the age of 98. Lovell developed the first ground-scanning radar used on RAF aircraft during the war and later used similar technology, building the Jodrell Bank telescope for £700,000 in 1957.

Five things you might not know about Sir Bernard Lovell

5. MISSING GIRL TIA SHARP LEFT WITH EX-CON

The missing 12-year-old, Tia Sharp, was left in the care of an ex-prisoner, reports the Daily Telegraph. The last person to see the girl on Friday was her grandmother's partner, 37-year-old Stuart Hazell who was jailed for 12 months in 2010 after being caught with a machete. Tia's family say they are distraught as she remains missing.

6. MADONNA JOINS PUSSY RIOT, BRIEFLY

Madonna showed her support for the female punk band Pussy Riot as she performed in Moscow. The US singer appeared on stage wearing a balaclava in the style of the band, with their name written on her back. Members of the group are currently on trial in Russia for singing an anti-Putin song in the capital city's main cathedral.

Who are Pussy Riot and why has Putin put them on trial?

7. FLOODED SOMERSET HIT BY MOSQUITO PLAGUE

Somerset residents have been forced to buy mosquito nets after a plague of the biting insects was fomented by lying floodwater. The Somerset Levels area was hit by severe flooding earlier this year. A local MP has accused the environment agency of creating an ecological disaster by not de-silting local rivers or alleviating floods.

8. ENGLAND RANKED THIRD BY FIFA

The England football team has risen to third in the Fifa rankings, their highest position ever, despite being knocked out in the quarter finals of Euro 2012. Roy Hodgson's side moved above Uruguay because some of the South American side's points had expired. Spain are number one, Italy are ranked six and Brazil a lowly 13th.

9. CASH GAMBLING APP LAUNCHED FOR FB

A gambling game for Facebook which allows users to play for real money has been launched in the UK - the first time any FB app has allowed users to play for real money. Only available in the UK initially, the game has been developed by a London firm. The social network will use age-rating technology to keep out under-eighteens.

10. HOT TICKET: FROM PERU WITH COLOUR

Lima, a new Peruvian restaurant, has opened in Fitzrovia, London to strong reviews. Chef Virgilio Martinez serves super-colourful Peruvian fusion dishes such as Japanese-inspired salmon tiraditos and suckling pig served with Amazon cashews. “A revelation”, says the Evening Standard.

Lima serves 'beautiful' fusion food from Peru's rich culture