Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 28 Sep 2013

1. CAMERON & CLEGG TALK SECOND COALITION

David Cameron has held talks with Nick Clegg about forming a second coalition after 2015, as concern mounts in Downing Street that the Conservatives will not win the next election. In a new book, Matthew d'Ancona writes that Cameron has accepted “that the arithmetic in the Commons meant that a second hung parliament was entirely possible”.

2. OBAMA AND ROUHANI’S HISTORIC CALL

Barack Obama has spoken by phone to Iranian president Hassan Rouhani - the first direct contact between US and Iranian leaders for more than 30 years. Obama told Rouhani, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly, that he believes a “comprehensive solution” over Iran’s disputed nuclear ambitions is possible.

3. PM UNVEILS MARRIAGE TAX BREAK PLANS

David Cameron has unveiled his plan for some married couples to get tax breaks worth up to £200 a year. The prime minister said four million couples would benefit from a £1,000 transferable tax allowance from 2015. The reform, announced ahead of the Tory conference, follows a deal with the Liberal Democrats to introduce free school meals for children under eight.

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4. 100-YEAR-OLDS AT RECORD HIGH

The number of people living past the age of 100 has increased five-fold in 30 years, new data shows. The Queen sent telegrams to 12,320 centenarians in England and Wales last year – compared to just 2,420 in 1981, according to the Office for National Statistics. Women can now expect to live for 82.6 years on average compared with 78.7 years for men.

5. UN ADOPTS SYRIA WEAPONS RESOLUTION

The UN Security Council has adopted a binding resolution on ridding Syria of chemical weapons. At a vote in New York, the 15-member body unanimously backed the draft document agreed earlier by Russia and the US. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the decision as "historic", adding: "Tonight the international community has delivered."

6. 30 YEARS UNTIL ‘CLIMATE CALAMITY’

The planet is 30 years from calamity if people continue to emit greenhouse gases at current rates, according to a panel of UN scientists. The world would face nearly inevitable warming of more than 2C, rising sea levels, heatwaves, and droughts. The panel also said it was “95 per cent certain” that human beings were the “dominant cause” of global warning.

7. TORY VICE CHAIR ‘RAPE’ ARREST

The Conservative Party’s vice chairman has been arrested over allegations that he raped a teenage girl. Alan Lewis, who owns the Crombie clothing chain, was questioned at a police station in London over claims he attacked a teenage student in the 1960s. The arrest of Lewis, 75, comes as the party prepares for its annual conference in Manchester.

8. SAUNDERS IN NEW CANCER ROW

Comedian Jennifer Saunders has risked the fury of the cancer community by saying some victims want to continue wearing the disease as a badge even after recovery. "You suddenly get so much attention, and if you’re not used to that, I bet it can sway you a little bit," she tells The Times. "They must be so p***ed off when their hair grows back."

9. ALCOHOL IMPROVES MEMORY IN ELDERLY

A study has found that a daily tipple of alcohol improves memory in most elderly people. Researchers found that 80% of pensioners will have improved memory and learning skills as a result of regular moderate drinking. The anti-inflammatory properties of alcohol are also believed to protect against dementia and stroke.

10. MOURINHO: SPURS CAN WIN TITLE

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Tottenham could win the Premier League. "Tottenham are a big contender,” he said ahead of today’s tie between his side and the north Londoners. “They have bought players with quality," he added. "Six teams are competing for the position. Any one of the six teams can be first, any one can be sixth."