Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 7 Feb 2013

1. U-TURN ON GOVE PLAN TO SCRAP GCSES

Education Secretary Michael Gove today announced a U-turn in the Commons over his plans to scrap GCSE exams in key subjects and replace them with an English Baccalaureate Certificate. The reversal was announced alongside plans for a new "core curriculum" for schools. Labour greeted the change as a "humiliating climbdown". Teachers are "delighted".

Bac to the drawing board: Gove forced to drop Baccalaureate

2. FIVE MORE HOSPITAL TRUSTS FACE INQUIRY

Five more NHS hospital trusts are to be investigated over high death rates in the wake of the public inquiry into failings at Mid Staffordshire. There have been at least 3,000 deaths above the average expected at the five trusts in the last two years. They are: Colchester, Tameside, Blackpool, East Lancashire and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals.

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Pressure builds on NHS boss Nicholson to step aside

3. ENGLAND BEAT BRAZIL 2-1 AT WEMBLEY

England secured their first win over Brazil for 23 years in an international friendly at Wembley last night, played as part of the FA's 150th anniversary celebrations. England won 2-1. Wayne Rooney scored in the first half with his 33rd goal for England, while Frank Lampard scored in the second half to clinch victory.

Wilshere man of the match in England's big win over Brazil

4. HUHNE GAVE ME NO CHOICE - VICKY PRYCE

Vicky Pryce, former wife of the disgraced cabinet minister Chris Huhne, told Southwark Crown Court today that she had “no choice” but to take his speeding points. When he first asked her, she gave a "resounding no". Then she received a letter addressed to her as the "nominated driver" and "exploded". She said he told her: "You've got to sign this now."

Chris Huhne's 'final insult' as he puts iPad on expenses

5. AUSSIE SPORT ROCKED BY DRUGS PROBE

Australian sport has been rocked by the discovery that the use of banned drugs is widespread. A year-long investigation has found banned substances, sometimes supplied by organised crime, are widely condoned by coaches and support staff. Home affairs minister Jason Clare said the findings were "will disgust Australian sports fans".

Drugs inquiry kills 'integrity' of Australian sport

6. BOE'S MARK CARNEY DEFENDS PAY PACKET

Mark Carney, the next governor of the Bank of England, has defended his £874,000 pay packet during an appearance at the Treasury Select Committee today. The 47-year-old Canadian banker said his salary was justified because the fact he was not taking a pension meant it was in line with that paid to the current governor, Sir Mervyn King.

New Bank chief Mark Carney says he's worth £874,000 salary

7. JEMIMA KHAN TURNS ON 'CULT-LIKE' ASSANGE

Journalist Jemima Khan yesterday attacked WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, saying he has gone from speaking truth to power to expecting "blinkered, cultish devotion". A long-time supporter of Assange, she wrote in the New Statesman that he should be in Sweden facing allegations of sexual misconduct made against him.

Assange like 'cult leader' says demoralised Jemima Khan

8. CREATOR OF STAR WARS' YODA DIES AT 98

Stuart Freeborn, the British make-up artist renowned for his contributions to '2001: A Space Odyssey' and the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 98. His most famous creation was Yoda, whom he based on Albert Einstein and his own face. Star Wars creator George Lucas described him as a "make-up legend".

Five stories about Stuart Freeborn that aren't made up

9. NEWS CORP DOUBLES ITS PROFITS

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has reported a more-than-doubling of its profits despite spending another $56m to cover costs related to the defunct News of the World and the inquiries into illegal telephone hacking and bribery of public officials. Net income for the three months to December came in at $2.38bn thanks to strong growth at Fox TV and other cable networks.

News Corp profits double but company pays out for hacking

10. HOT TICKET: DEAD SPACE REVISITED

The third installment of the popular Dead Space science fiction-horror survival videogame series is released in the UK this week. In 'Dead Space 3', players take on the role of Isaac Clarke as he attempts to kill the mutant-alien Necromorphs that threaten human colonies on a distant frozen planet. "Thrilling," says Gamespot.

Thrilling Dead Space 3 'best yet' in sci-fi horror series