Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 15 Nov 2012

1. UK BLAMES HAMAS FOR GAZA CRISIS

Foreign Secretary William Hague has said Hamas "bears principal responsibility for the current crisis" in Gaza. Earlier, three Israelis were killed after their building was hit by rocket fire from Palestinian militants. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said the Israeli Defence Forces "are prepared to widen the operation" in the Gaza Strip following its assassination of Hamas military leader Ahmed al-Jabari yesterday.

Gaza conflict: world holds its breath for first Netanyahu war

2. ITV DISCIPLINES PHILIP SCHOFIELD

‘This Morning’ presenter Philip Schofield and four production staff are said to have received written warnings from ITV for “ambushing” David Cameron with a list of alleged paedophiles and, in doing so, allowing a camera to catch a glimpse of the names. Lord McAlpine is to sue everyone who wrongly named him on Twitter as being connected to the paedophilia scandal.

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'We know who you are': Lord McAlpine goes for the tweeters

3. CHINA: ALL POWER TO XI JINPING

Xi Jinping, 56, was this morning formally named as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, giving him immediate power over the largest army in the world. It makes him more powerful than his predecessor, Hu Jintao, was when he took power in 2002.

What do we know about Xi Jinping, China's new leader?

4. LOW-TAX AMAZON 'A THREAT TO JOHN LEWIS'

John Lewis could be put out of business unless the government forces foreign multinationals like Amazon to pay fair taxes, says the retailer's managing director, Andy Street. His demand for a "level playing field" follows this week's appearance of executives from Amazon, Google and Starbucks before MPs.

John Lewis: solve Amazon tax 'problem' or we'll go bust

5. ABU QATADA DEMANDS RELOCATION

Lawyers for Abu Qatada have revealed that he and his family have asked to be relocated at the taxpayer's expense from their £400,000 home in Wembley, north London. The Daily Telegraph says it is unclear whether the extremist cleric wants more space or wishes to get away from the constant media presence outside.

Abu Qatada asks to move house at taxpayer's expense

6. INDIA DOMINATE ENGLAND IN FIRST TEST

Graeme Swann was England's saviour as India dominated the first day of the first cricket Test in Ahmedabad. The spinner took all four wickets to fall as the home side ended on 323-4. Virender Sehwag smashed a rapid 117 and Cheteshwar Pujara finished on 98 not out. But Sachin Tendulkar made only 13.

7. MODERN ART AUCTION SETS SALES RECORD

Sales at Sotheby's Modern Art auction in New York yesterday notched up a company record of $375m indicating that the art market is "happy, healthy and well". Francis Bacon's painting 'Screaming Pope' fetched $30m, a Mark Rothko abstract $75.1m - double the pre-sale estimate - and a Jackson Pollock 'drip' painting $40.4m.

Francis Bacon and Rothko lead way as auction records tumble

8. SAVILE POLICE ARREST DAVE LEE TRAVIS

Former Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis has been arrested by police investigating claims of sexual abuse brought against Jimmy Savile, the BBC reports. Police said a man in 60s from Bedfordshire was being held on suspicion of sexual offences. Travis, 67, would be the fourth arrest in connection with Operation Yew Tree.

9. PETRAEUS SCANDAL: WOMEN LOSE PASSES

The US military yesterday revoked security passes for both of the women at the heart of the scandal that led to the resignation of General David Petraeus as CIA director. Security clearance was suspended for mistress Paula Broadwell, while the pass for a Florida air base "frozen" for Jill Kelley, who had complained of harassing e-mails.

David Petraeus: a personality cult with a zipper problem

10. HOT TICKET: BILLIE PIPER GETS HIGH AT NT

Lucy Prebble's new play 'The Effect' has opened at the National Theatre to rave reviews. Billie Piper and Jonjo O'Neill star as a pair of medical trial volunteers who fall in love after taking a mood-altering drug. "Scintillating performances", says the Evening Standard. Until 23 February.

Billie Piper 'thrillingly good' in National Theatre's The Effect