Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 27 Sep 2015

1. Cameron deal allows Assad to stay on

A deal to end the civil war in Syria could allow president Bashar al-Assad to stay in power, says The Observer. David Cameron arrives at the United Nations today, holding out the prospect of a transition arrangement. Cameron shares the view of his foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, that Assad must ultimately step down but could remain for a while as part of a transitional government.

2. Virgin births trend makes babies ‘teddy bears’

Dozens of heterosexual young women have had ‘virgin births’ after undergoing IVF in Britain, according to the Mail on Sunday. Some of the women are using the £5,000 fertility treatment to bypass the need to involve a man, and others so that they can save themselves for a “special relationship”. Campaigners said the practise turns into little more than “teddy bears" to be “picked off the shelf”.

3. Jeremy Corbyn’s team linked to street insurrection

Key members of Jeremy Corbyn's team have supported street riots, claims the Sunday Telegraph this morning. Labour's shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, called for insurrection against government, while economic adviser John Ross said the ruling class would be killed if they resisted. John Corbyn’s economic adviser, Andrew Fisher, boasted of his role in violent student protests.

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4. Has Nasa found life on Mars?

Has NASA found life on Mars? That is the question posed by excited space geeks after the US space agency announced a “major” press conference for tomorrow. NASA says it is preparing to unveil a “major finding” that has raised speculation among outer-space fanatics. It may announce the discovery of microbial life on the planet or evidence of flowing water.

5. EU renegotiation has ‘stalled’ says diplomat

Britain's EU renegotiation has “stalled”, David Cameron has been told. EU leaders are warning that the prime minister's refusal to outline in detail demands on workers' benefits and freedom of movement has delayed the start of talks in advance of referendum. “It does seem to have stalled,” said a diplomat. “It’s very awkward for us all.”

6. Ted Hughes ‘in bed with lover as Plath killed herself’

Ted Hughes was in bed with another woman on the night his wife, Sylvia Plath, killed herself a mile away, according to a new book. The biography claims that on the fateful evening in 1963, Hughes took Susan Alliston to the London flat where he and Plath had spent their wedding night. Sir Jonathan Bate, provost of Worcester College, Oxford, says he had “full access” to archives and papers.

7. Zuckerberg to bring internet to refugee camps

Mark Zuckerberg has vowed to help the United Nations bring the internet to refugee camps. “Connectivity will help refugees better access support from the aid community and maintain their links to families," he said. The Facebook founder made the announcement as he addressed the UN Private Sector Forum. He called for universal internet access to be made a global priority.

8. Labour to overhaul policy process

Labour will overhaul its policy-making process in the aftermath of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership victory. A review will be unveiled at the party's annual conference which starts today in Brighton, says the BBC. The overhaul may lead to the end of the National Policy Forum and give power over policies to registered supporters. Analysts say the change will be controversial.

9. Wales beat England in famous victory

Wales coach Warren Gatland said England made a crucial mistake by not going for a late penalty kick that could have drawn their World Cup tie at Twickenham. Instead, with three minutes of the Group A clash left, England captain Chris Robshaw opted for a five-metre line-out that Wales successfully dealt with to preserve a sensational 28-25 victory.

10. Chelsea drop points as horror season rolls on

Chelsea’s horror season continued yesterday evening with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle. Manager Jose Mourinho gave his side a mark of “minus one out of 10” for their first-half performance in the tie. Leaders Manchester City were beaten 4-1 by Tottenham, while Arsenal beat Leicester City 5-2. Watford host Crystal Palace this afternoon.