Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 17 Jun 2013

1. G8: OBAMA FLYS IN, PM AND PUTIN ARGUE

The road to a lasting peace in Northern Ireland is "as urgent now as it has ever been", US president Barack Obama said after arriving in Northern Ireland for the G8 summit. The event got off to a bad start when talks between David Cameron and Vladimir Putin on Syria stalled after the Russian leader refused to stop arming President Assad.

Syria: chorus of voices say it is 'madness' to arm the rebels

2. NSA LEAK: ‘UK SPIED ON G20 POLITICIANS’

Turkey and Russia are reportedly furious that the British government allegedly spied on their politicians and senior officials during the 2009 G20 summit in London. The allegations were made by American whistleblower Edward Snowden, who said UK agencies had intercepted phonecalls and monitored the computers of G20 delegates.

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British 'spied' on foreign officials at 2009 G20 meetings

3. SAATCHI: NIGELLA ROW A 'PLAYFUL TIFF'

Charles Saatchi claims that pictures of him holding his wife Nigella Lawson by the throat during an argument show nothing more than a "playful tiff". The couple were photographed rowing at a London restaurant prompting domestic abuse claims. Saatchi said the pictures were taken during an "intense debate" and that they made up the same day.

Will 'Nigella attack' change our views of domestic abuse?

4. MODERATE ROUHANI THANKS IRANIANS

Hassan Rouhani has used his first press conference since being elected president to thank Iranians for "choosing moderation". He saluted the "passionate young Iranians" who helped him win more than 50% of the vote and said he would not forget his election promises. He said his government’s aim was "constructive interaction with the world".

Iran shocks West by allowing Hassan Rouhani to win election

5. IAN BRADY: 'LET ME STARVE TO DEATH'

Ian Brady, the ‘Moors Murderer’ jailed for killing five young people in the 1960s, has made his first public appearance in decades at a hearing that will decide if he can starve himself to death. Brady, 75, who has been on hunger strike since 1999, wants to be sent to an ordinary prison in Scotland where he will not be force fed.

Moors Murderer Ian Brady bids to starve himself to death

6. STUART HALL JAILED FOR 15 MONTHS

Former BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting indecently assaulting 13 girls, one aged nine. The 83-year-old admitted 14 offences that occurred between 1967 and 1985. Hall's barrister told the court the former broadcaster had "all of 13" victims compared to Jimmy Savile's 1,300.

Stuart Hall sentenced to 15 months for 14 sex assaults

7. BLACK SABBATH TOP CHARTS AFTER 43 YEARS

Midlands heavy metal band Black Sabbath are at the top of the UK album charts for the first time since 1970. Two years in the making, their album, 13, has beaten Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye to the top spot, despite hitches along the way including Ozzy Osbourne reverting to alcoholism and guitarist Tommy Iommi contracting cancer.

Black Sabbath's '13' is metal band's first No. 1 in 43 years

8. AIRBUS TROUNCES BOEING IN PARIS

The world's biggest air show has started with a bang for European manufacturer Airbus, which took a mammoth single order for 20 of its A380 superjumbos. The deal helped Airbus secure orders worth £11.6bn on the first day of the Paris air show - three times as much as is arch rival, Boeing, which took orders worth £3.87bn.

9. PRINCE PHILIP LEAVES HOSPITAL

The Duke of Edinburgh has left hospital, 11 nights after he was admitted for exploratory abdominal surgery. The 92-year-old royal walked out of the private London Clinic where he had been recovering since his admission on 6 June. Buckingham Palace says he is expected to take about two months to convalesce.

10. HOT TICKET: BALDWIN GOSPEL PLAY REVIVED

A revival of James Baldwin’s ‘The Amen Corner’ has opened at the National Theatre. An uncompromising pastor loses control of her Harlem gospel church when her errant husband and wayward son undermine her authority. With Marianne Jean-Baptiste and the London Community Gospel Choir. “Uplifting,” says The Times.

Baldwin's Amen Corner at NT: 'pure theatrical poetry'