Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 30 Jul 2013

1. APPLE 'TO INTRODUCE FINGERPRINT SCANNER'

The latest Apple iPhone could feature a fingerprint scanner when it is launched later this year. A test version of operating system, iOS7, contains code that refers to biometric interfaces, prompting rumours that users will unlock the new iPhone with their unique fingerprint. Some believe the technology could mean the end of current password security systems.

New Apple iPhone 'to feature biometric fingerprint scanner'

2. TALIBAN ESCAPE IN PAKISTAN JAIL BREAK

More than 240 Taliban militants have escaped following an assault on a prison in Pakistan. Gunmen, some of whom were dressed in police uniforms, opened fire on the jail in the north-western town of Dera Ismail Khan with rocket-propelled grenades and machine-guns. At least 12 people were killed in the midnight attack. Only 14 prisoners have been recaptured.

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240 prisoners escape in Taliban midnight attack on Pakistan jail

3. 'BEDROOM TAX' LEGAL CHALLENGE RULED OUT

Ten families seeking to overturn the proposed 'spare bedroom tax' on welfare claimants because it discriminated against the disabled lost their High Court battle today. Two judges ruled that it was not their role to "micro-manage" government policy. Lawyers said the 'tax' breached their clients' human rights as they need the extra space for health reasons.

4. MIDDLE EAST PEACE TALKS RESUME IN US

Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have resumed following a Washington dinner hosted by US Secretary of State John Kerry. He said it was a "very special" moment as both sides sat down to break the traditional Muslim fast of Ramadan. The first talks in three years come after Israel approved the release of Palestinian prisoners.

5. NURSES 'RATIONING' CARE, SURVEY FINDS

Almost nine out of ten nurses are forced to skip basic patient care every day due to time pressures at work, research has shown. In a survey of nearly 3,000 NHS staff at 46 hospitals in England, 86 per cent of nurses said that they had not done necessary tasks in their most recent working day. Two-thirds said they lacked the time to comfort patients.

6. JUROR JAILED OVER FACEBOOK POST

A juror who posted a note on Facebook claiming that he wanted to "f*** up a paedophile" was jailed for two months yesterday after being found guilty of contempt of court. Kasim Davey, 21, of Palmers Green, north London, posted the message during the retrial of Adam Kephalas, who was later convicted of sexual activity with a child.

7. RYANAIR PILOTS TO GO SLOW TO CUT COSTS

Pilots at Ryanair have been ordered to fly more slowly in an effort to save on fuel. The go-slow will add an average of two minutes to every hour's flying time across Europe. Accounts published yesterday reveal a quarter of Ryanair's revenue now comes from "add-on" fees including charges for bags or boarding passes.

Ryanair tells pilots to fly slower after announcing fall in profits

8. JELLYFISH BOOM IN UK’S WARM WATERS

The recent heatwave has led to a rapid increase in the number of jellyfish spotted in the UK's coastal waters. The Marine Conservation Society said that, since June, record numbers have been reported by members of the public. A paste made of bicarbonate of soda and water, spread over the sting, is the best salve. Urine is an alternative.

9. MURDOCH DIVORCE COULD GET MESSY

The divorce of Rupert Murdoch and wife Wendi Deng could become "acrimonious" after she hired a new lawyer. Deng replaced family friend Pamela Sloan with estates specialist William Zabel in a move that could put the Murdoch family trust under scrutiny. The care of the couple's two children and division of assets could also be resolved in court.

Murdoch faces tough divorce as Deng switches lawyers

10. HOT TICKET: PIKMIN ADVENTURE SEQUEL

Nintendo's latest Pikmin strategy adventure video game has been released in the UK. In Pikmin 3, for Wii U consoles, players must harness the powers of the tiny Pikmin to help them repair a spaceship, explore alien environments and harvest fruit to prevent a famine. "Enthralling," says The Guardian.

Nintendo's adorable aliens return in Pikmin 3