Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 26 Jan 2015

1. GREECE: SYRIZA LEADER SWORN IN AS PM

Alexis Tsipras, leader of the anti-austerity party Syriza,has been sworn in as prime minister of Greece. The radical far-left party has formed a government after falling just two seats short of a full majority. Syriza and its coalition partner, Independent Greeks, want Greek debt written off and an end to high taxes and spending cuts imposed by the EU.

Greek elections: will Syriza victory trigger a 'Grexit'?

2. OBAMA ATTENDS INDIA’S REPUBLIC DAY

Barack Obama has watched India’s Republic Day celebrations, the first US head of state to do so, as part of a three-day visit which began on Sunday. Indian PM Narendra Modi hailed a pact to allow US companies to supply India with civilian nuclear technology as marking a “new journey” of co-operation.

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3. GREEK CROONER DEMIS ROUSSOS DIES

Demis Roussos, the Greek singer who became a global star in the 1970s and sold 60 million albums worldwide, has died at the age of 68. Born in Egypt, Roussos was a member of the prog rock band Aphrodite's Child before going solo. The kaftan wearing singer's hits included Forever and Ever and he also became a key figure in the play Abigail's Party.

4. UK AND US BRACED FOR HEAVY SNOW

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for heavy snow in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England on Wednesday and Thursday. Low-lying areas could see 5cm, with twice that higher up. A “historic” blizzard with three feet of snow is forecast for the north-eastern US tomorrow.

5. HOAX CALLER TO PM ‘HIGH ON COCAINE’

Downing Street has confirmed that a hoax caller had a “brief” conversation with David Cameron after pretending to be GCHQ chief Robert Hannigan. A man claimed responsibility, telling The Sun his antics were “hilarious” and that he had been “off my face on booze and cocaine” when he made the call.

PM pranked: five of the best hoax calls

6. CAMERON WANTS NI PARTIES IN TV DEBATE

Prime Minister David Cameron has questioned why parties from Northern Ireland had not been included in plans for a pre-election TV debate. Last week TV broadcasters put forward plans for debates featuring seven party leaders last week after Cameron refused to join any debate if the Green Party was not represented.

7. ABBOTT DEFENDS OZ HONOUR FOR PHILIP

The Australian PM, Tony Abbott, has defended his decision to award a knighthood to Prince Philip, saying it recognised his “long life of service and dedication” to Australia. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said he was amazed the honour was serious, adding: “Giving our top award to a British royal is anachronistic.”

Prince Philip's knighthood whips up a storm in Australia

8. MPS CALL FOR MORATORIUM ON FRACKING

MPs have called for a moratorium on fracking in the UK as it could undermine the country's efforts to tackle climate change. Members of the Environmental Audit Committee say that fracking will increase the UK's reliance on fossil fuels and undermine carbon emission targets. They also warned of fracking's impact on water supplies, air quality and public health.

What are the pros and cons of fracking?

9. FIRST FEMALE BISHOP ORDAINED

Reverend Libby Lane has become the Church of England's first female bishop. She was consecrated during a ceremony at York Minster in front of 1,000 people. The Church voted to ordain female bishops in November last year, and Lane has now been made Bishop of Stockport. There was a slight delay during the ceremony as one clergyman protested the move.

10. BRIEFING: A BRUSH WITH ASTEROID BL86

Asteroid 2004 BL86 is about to pass by the Earth in what passes for a near miss in astronomical circles. Astronomers – professional and amateur – will be able to observe the celestial body tonight, assuming that skies are clear. A reassuring statement from Nasa explains that the asteroid poses no threat to life on Earth.

Giant asteroid 2004 BL86 to buzz Earth in celestial 'near miss'