Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 8 Mar 2012

1. SYRIA MINISTER DEFECTS TO REBELS

Syria's deputy oil minister, Abdo Hussameddin, is resigning from the government and joining the uprising. Hussameddin, who describes al-Assad’s regime as “criminal”, is the highest-ranking politician to abandon the regime. A UN chief who visited Homs says parts of the city are "devastated".

What Abdo Hussameddin has risked by standing up to Assad

2. FORBES REVEALS RECORD BILLIONAIRES

Despite the financial crisis there are now 1,226 billionaires in the world with a record combined wealth of £2.9 trillion, the Forbes magazine rich list has revealed. Among them are 37 British billionaires, an increase of five since last year, led by the Duke of Westminster, who is worth £7 billion.

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Big money losers revealed on 2012 Forbes Billionaires List

3. HEART DISEASE PILL COUNTERS RACISM

One side effect of a heart disease pill may be a reduction in the users' racism. Volunteers given the propranolol beta-blocker scored lower on a psychological test of racist attitudes than volunteers given a placebo. Scientists believe this is because racism is founded on fear and the pill acts on nerve circuits.

4. STALKING TO BE MADE A CRIME

Stalking will be made a specific criminal offence, David Cameron announced today. The Prime Minister, who has described stalking as "an abhorrent crime" which "makes life a living hell for the victims", unveiled legal reforms allowing stalkers to be jailed for up to six years.

Little to celebrate in UK on International Women's Day

5. SOLAR STORM HITS EARTH

Earth is being buffeted by a powerful solar storm caused by two huge solar flares on the surface of the Sun. Experts warn that the space weather could cause disruption to power grids, air travel and GPS services. The solar storm is the largest of its kind for five years.

Huge solar storm hits Earth - and there's more to come

6. KONY 2012 FILM IS VIRAL HIT

A YouTube film calling for the arrest of Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, has been viewed 32 million times in the last 48 hours. 'Kony 2012' was made by activists who want to make the warlord famous to increase the likelihood of his capture. He is accused of abusing and enslaving children in Uganda.

Kony 2012 is talk of the internet - but how wise is the campaign?

7. NEW IPAD AS APPLE AWAITS RIVAL

The much-anticipated new Apple iPad, unveiled yesterday, has a high-resolution 'Retina Display' screen, a faster processor, 4G connectivity and an improved camera. Apple will face a new challenge this year when tablets capable of running the full Windows 8 system will go on sale.

New iPad gets mixed reception despite stunning 'retina' screen

8. CANAL TORSO COULD BE SOAP ACTRESS

A headless female torso, believed to be that of a former EastEnders actress, was found in a London canal yesterday. The body, found in Regent's Canal, is thought to be that of Gemma McCluskie who played Kerry Skinner in the soap. Her brother, Tony McCluskie, has been arrested in connection with the discovery.

9. MESSI HITS FIVE FOR BARCA

Lionel Messi became the first player to score five goals in a Champions League tie as Barcelona walloped Bayer Leverkusen 7-1 last night. Messi has scored 53 goals in 49 games for club and country this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly set to sign Germany striker Lukas Podolski from Cologne.

Is five-goals-a-night Messi just the best ever? Rooney thinks so

10. HOT TICKET – HARDY'S TESS GOES TO INDIA

Trishna, Michael Winterbottom’s film adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, set in India, opens in Britain this weekend. Freida Pinto stars as the ill-fated Trishna, whose relationship with a roguish young businessman cannot escape the limits of class and poverty. “A triumph,” says the Evening Standard.

Winterbottom's Trishna takes Hardy's tragic Tess to India