Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 9 Jul 2013

1. IMF RAISES GROWTH FORECAST FOR UK

The IMF has lifted its economic growth forecast for Britain this year from 0.7% to 0.9%. The upward revision is more modest than the full 1% some had predicted, but it was enough to prompt the Treasury to say it shows the economy is moving from rescue to recovery. It is the first time since April 2012 that the IMF has raised its forecast for Britain.

2. APRIL JONES' KILLER ATTACKED IN PRISON

Mark Bridger, the man convicted of abducting and murdering five-year-old April Jones in Wales last October, has had his throat slashed in Wakefield Prison by an inmate carrying a makeshift blade or shank. Bridger, who faces his entire life in jail, was given stitches in hospital. Despite a massive search, April's body was never found.

April Jones' killer attacked by inmate with makeshift blade

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3. MANSOUR LAYS OUT ELECTION TIMETABLE

Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, has set out a timetable for rewriting the Islamist-drafted constitution passed under the ousted Mohamed Morsi and putting the new constitution to a referendum. Elections for a new parliament could then be held next February. He also promised a judicial review into the killing of 51 Islamist protesters yesterday.

Egypt: Mansour poll plan seeks to stop bloodshed

4. SNOWDEN 'ACCEPTS' VENEZUELA ASYLUM

A senior Russian politician has tweeted that the fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden has accepted Venezuela's offer of asylum, the BBC reports. Alexey Pushkov subsequently deleted the tweet, but it has heightened speculation that Snowden has taken up an offer made to him by Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro.

5. WHOLE-LIFE JAIL TERMS BREACH HUMAN RIGHTS

Giving killers whole life sentences, without the right to a parole review, is cruel, degrading and in breach of their human rights, according to the European Court of Human Rights. The controversial ruling was handed down this morning as a result of an appeal by three convicted killers - Jeremy Bamber, Peter Moore and Douglas Vinter.

MPs blast Strasbourg ruling on whole-life terms

6. UK HEATWAVE SET TO LAST UNTIL WEEKEND

The current heatwave is expected to last through until Sunday at least, according to forecasters. Sunday was the hottest day of the year so far with Bournemouth recording a high of 29.7C. Temperatures might dip a little tomorrow but should bounce back for another hot and sunny weekend in most parts - except northern Scotland where wind and rain are possible.

7. CROW THREATENS TO BACK ANOTHER PARTY

Ed Miliband's promise to reform the financial links between trade unions and the Labour Party were praised today by former PM Tony Blair and Unite leader Len McCluskey. But Bob Crow of the RMT said the unions should fund another party that gives a greater voice to working people who are suffering "the most brutal cuts and austerity in a generation".

Crow: if Labour wants distance let's find another party to back

8. HOW PAKISTAN FAILED TO SPOT BIN LADEN

Osama bin Laden managed to live undetected in various homes in Pakistan between his arrival in the country in 2002 and his death at the hands of US special forces in May 2011, according to an independent report into the failures to discover him earlier. Police even failed to detain him when he was stopped for speeding in Swat.

9. ELTON JOHN CANCELS HYDE PARK CONCERT

Elton John has been forced to pull out of this Friday's Barclaycard British Summer Time gig in Hyde Park because he is suffering from appendicitis. Doctors have put him on a course of intensive antibiotics and expect to perform surgery in the coming weeks. Upcoming European tour dates have been postponed, starting with tonight's in Barolo, Italy.

10. HOT TICKET: MEXICAN ART AT ROYAL ACADEMY

A new exhibition of Mexican art, 'Mexico: A Revolution in Art', has opened at the Royal Academy in London. It features work by key figures from the early 20th century Mexican cultural renaissance, including Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Manuel Alvarez Bravo. "Fascinating," says The Daily Telegraph. Until 29 September.

Mexico: A Revolution in Art 'year's boldest exhibition'