Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 25 Feb 2013

1. RENNARD SCANDAL: 'WE SCREWED UP'

The Lib Dem president, Tim Farron, admitted it had failed in its duty of care to women who made allegations of sexual harassment by Lord Rennard and said 'we screwed this up'. The party's leader Nick Clegg admitted he was aware of 'non-specific' allegations that a senior party official had sexually harassed women but insisted he has nothing to hide.

Lord Rennard: is it all a plot to undermine Clegg's leadership?

2. DAY-LEWIS WINS HISTORIC THIRD OSCAR

Daniel Day-Lewis has won an Academy Award for his performance as Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's film, making him the first actor ever to win the best actor Oscar three times. Best film went to Argo, announced from the White House by Michelle Obama. Jennifer Lawrence won best actress for Silver Linings Playbook. Adele won best original song for Skyfall.

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Oscars 2013: top winners at the 85th Academy Awards

3. CABLE: CREDIT RATING 'LARGELY SYMBOLIC'

The pound has plunged after the UK lost its AAA credit rating for the first time since 1978. Business Secretary Vince Cable said yesterday that the downgrade by Moody's was "largely symbolic" and told the BBC that credit ratings agencies were like "tipsters" and had a "pretty bad record". Ken Clarke, a former Tory Chancellor, said it could take Britain years to regain its AAA listing.

UK's loss of AAA rating sends pound into downward spiral

4. PISTORIUS 'WAS OFTEN SPOILING FOR A FIGHT'

Marc Batchelor, the South African footballer whose argument with Oscar Pistorius was raised at last week's bail hearing, yesterday described how the Paralympian was "often spoiling for a fight". He said Pistorius telephoned twice to call him a "piece of shit" and threaten to "f*** him up" after he had stepped into a row about a friend's girlfriend.

Oscar Pistorius' brother Carl facing traffic death charge

5. RANULPH FIENNES QUITS ANTARCTIC MISSION

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has pulled out of an expedition across Antarctica in winter because of severe frostbite. The 68-year-old was injured after a fall while skiing during training at a base camp in Antarctica. He used his bare hands to fix a ski binding in temperatures around -30C.

6. LEGAL ACTION OVER BULGER KILLER PICTURES

The attorney-general is to take legal action against internet users who posted pictures said to be of one of James Bulger's murderers. The publication of any information that could identify Jon Venables and Robert Thompson has been banned, but several images of one of the men appeared on Twitter earlier this month.

7. DR WHO'S DALEK DESIGNER DIES AT 84

Ray Cusick, the designer of the iconic Daleks who were the original bad guys in 'Dr Who', has died of heart failure at 84 after a short illness, his daughter Claire Heawood said yesterday. Cusick was a staff designer at the BBC. He died as preparations were being made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show.

Five reasons Ray Cusick's Daleks are Dr Who's No 1 foe

8. CARDINAL RESIGNS OVER PRIESTS' CLAIMS

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Britain’s most senior Roman Catholic cleric, has stepped down as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. His decision came today after it emerged that four priests had accused him of "inappropriate behaviour". The Cardinal contests the claims, which date back 30 years. The Vatican is expected to accept his resignation.

9. 'LE SPICE BOY' BECKS MAKES PSG DEBUT

David Beckham, dubbed Le Spice Boy by the local press, made his debut for his new club Paris Saint-Germain last night with a crowd-pleasing display of his skills. He passed the ball to set up a winning goal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic after being called from the bench in the 76th minute. PSG beat arch-rivals Marseille 2-0.

David Beckham impresses on debut for Paris Saint-Germain

10. HOT TICKET: A CHORUS LINE IS BACK

A revival of the Marvin Hamlisch's hit 1975 musical 'A Chorus Line' has opened at the London Palladium. 'EastEnders' star John Partridge appears as a director auditioning a group of hopeful dancers for a place in a Broadway show. "Tremendous artistry," says the Daily Mail. Runs until January 2014.

A Chorus Line is back with love letter to Broadway