Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 17 Mar 2016

1. Angela Merkel draws up refugee deportation deal

Asylum-seekers landing on the Greek islands will be deported within days under a new system drawn up by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Centres previously used to register refugees will be converted into vast detention camps, dormitories and court rooms and asylum-seekers will face interviews with EU officers, with Greek judges ruling on any appeals.

2. Trump presidency a 'top ten risk' to the world

Donald Trump winning the US presidency is one of the top ten risks facing the world, says the Economist Intelligence Unit. The British think-tank warns the Republican could disrupt the global economy and intensify political and security risks in the United States. However, it does not expect him to defeat Hillary Clinton, "his most likely Democratic contender".

Trump travel ban: Judge expands definition of relatives

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3. US student gets 15 years' hard labour in North Korea

A 21-year-old US tourist has been sentenced to 15 years' hard labour for stealing a propaganda banner from a a hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea. Otto Warmbier was found guilty of subversion after a one-hour trial, according to reports from foreign news agencies allowed to maintain a presence in the state.

North Korea detains another US citizen

4. Arrests 'thwart imminent Paris terror massacre'

A terror attack on Paris was stopped after four suspected Islamist extremists were arrested in the capital, claim French intelligence officials. The alleged plan for a massacre, four months after attacks in the city centre left 130 people dead, showed the terrorist threat "remains at a very high level", President Francois Hollande said.

US warns of Europe Christmas terror

5. US accuses Islamic State of genocide in Syria and Iraq

The US has accused Islamic State of genocide against Yazidis, Christians and Shia Muslims in Syria and Iraq. Secretary of State John Kerry claimed the terror organisation was responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing and called for an independent international investigation into its actions.

6. Magician and TV presenter Paul Daniels dies aged 77

TV magician Paul Daniels has died at the age of 77 after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. He left hospital last week to spend his final days at home, rejecting radiotherapy as it had little chance of lengthening his life. As well as his Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran for 15 years on the BBC, he also presented several popular quiz shows and featured in reality TV programmes.

Paul Daniels: Best tricks from the legendary magician

7. SeaWorld to end orca breeding programme

SeaWorld is to end its captive killer whale breeding programme as it phases out live shows featuring the animals. The US theme park operator says its "last generation" of orcas will remain at the parks as they would be unlikely to survive in the wild. The company, which has 12 parks, has been criticised for its breeding programme and treatment of killer whales.

SeaWorld to end killer whale breeding programme

8. Happiest place in the world is named by study

Denmark remains the happiest place in the world to live, according to a new report. It is the third time in four years it has topped the survey. The UK came in at number 23. The annual study ranks more than 150 countries by happiness levels using factors such as gross domestic product per head of the population and healthy years of life expectancy.

The happiest (and unhappiest) countries in the world

9. Rolf Harris denies new indecent assault charges

Disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris has denied indecently assaulting seven girls and women. The 85-year-old former TV star, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court via a video link from prison, pleaded not guilty. The new charges date from 1971 to 2004 and relate to females aged between 12 and 17.

10. Defeated Wenger praises Barcelona 'art'

Barcelona have players who "transform normal life into art", said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after his team went out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage for the sixth successive season following a 5-1 aggregate loss against Barcelona. The La Liga side's famous front three - Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez - all found the net.

Arsenal bow out as Barcelona stars emphasise gulf in class

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