Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 26 Apr 2015

1. NEPAL RESCUE EFFORTS INTENSIFYING

Rescue efforts are continuing in Nepal after more than 1,800 people were killed in the country's worst earthquake in more than 80 years. Teams from all over the globe are rushing to Nepal following the 7.9 magnitude quake. Tens of thousands of petrified Kathmandu residents spent the night outside in freezing temperatures fearing another major tremor.

2. TORIES SUFFER ‘WOBBLY WEEKEND’

David Cameron has set out a plan for the first 100 days of a Tory government, saying wages, welfare, housing and childcare will be at the heart of their programme. However, The Sunday Times says the party is suffering a “wobbly weekend” after donors and prospective MPs openly criticised their own campaign and called for Boris Johnson to take over from Cameron.

Election 2015: Nick Robinson, one man who’d welcome a second election

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

3. SUPER-RICH DOUBLE WEALTH SINCE CRASH

Britain’s super-rich have doubled their wealth since the economic crisis. The wealthiest 1,000 people based in Britain are now collectively worth £547bn, up from £258bn in 2009, an increase of 112%. According to The Sunday Times Rich List, there are now 117 sterling billionaires based in Britain, up 12% on last year and up 172% on 2009.

4. LABOUR WOULD CURB RENT HIKES

Labour would ban private landlords from increasing annual rents by more than inflation for three years. Ed Miliband said he would act to curb "massive" rent hikes which have forced some people out of their homes. New tenants would have the right to find out what predecessors paid to help negotiate the "best deal". However, Tories say rent controls "destroy investment in housing".

5. DIANA POPULAR NAME FOR ROYAL GIRL

Diana would be the most popular name if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a girl. In a YouGov poll for The Sunday Times, 12% said naming the child after her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, would be the best choice. If the Royal couple have a boy, 13% would like him to be called James. Other popular names include Alexander and Alice.

6. THOUSANDS TO RUN LONDON MARATHON

Tens of thousands of people are preparing to run the 35th London Marathon. More than 51,000 people will race the 26.2 mile course. Many will also be raising money for charity and hoping to beat 2014's record amount of £53.2m. Formula 1’s Jenson Button and Radio 1 DJ Greg James will take part. Paula Radcliffe, the current world record holder, will be running her final marathon.

7. RATS AND SPIDER BITES ON THE RISE

The number of people admitted to hospital after being bitten by rats, spiders and bedbugs is soaring. The increase is being blamed on council budget cuts and the growing popularity of gardening. Experts say more compost heaps, warmer temperatures and the growing trend for keeping poultry may also attract rodents to the suburbs.

8. LESBOS ‘WAS SEX TOURISM CAPITAL’ OF OLD

The Greek island of Lesbos was the “sex tourism capital of ancient Aegean”, according to a forthcoming television documentary. Former Apprentice star Margaret Mountford will reveal that the island was the Magaluf of its day. Despite its perceived connection with lesbianism, it was a notorious sexual playground for straight men.

9. WHICH IS UK’S LEAST COMFORTABLE CAR?

The Nissan Note Mk1 is the most uncomfortable car on the road, according to a poll of 61,000 motorists by car magazine Auto Express. The model scored slightly worse than Hyundai’s Mk1 version of the i20 and the Fiat Panda Mk2. Lexus came top for comfort with five models in the top ten. Auto Express said: “Seat comfort is a big factor.”

10. CAN ARSENAL SLOW CHELSEA’S MARCH?

Arsenal can put a spoke in the wheels of Chelsea’s title bid by beating them at the Emirates today. The Blues are 10 points clear at the top with six games remaining, and they will be champions if they beat Arsenal and Leicester in their next two matches. Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal says a poor start to the campaign stopped Manchester United from challenging for the Premier League.