Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 18 Aug 2018

'Barbaric' Home Office delays asylum decisions for 20 years

The Home Office has left some people waiting more than 20 years for decisions on their asylum claims. The Guardian reports that 17 people received decisions from the Home Office last year on claims they had submitted more than 15 years ago, four of whom had waited more than 20 years for a decision. Charities say the delays are "utterly barbaric".

Type 2 diabetes soars among young people

The number of children and young people being treated for type 2 diabetes has risen from 507 to 715 in four years, according to NHS data. Child health experts said the rise was "alarming". Children in minority ethnic groups were most affected. Local authorities said more needed to be done to tackle the obesity crisis in children.

Trump slams officials for delaying his military parade

Donald Trump has rounded on Washington DC officials for postponing his prized military parade. The postponement follows reports the cost had soared to $92m (£72m). The US President accused the local authorities of inflating the price. He added: "Now we can buy some more jet fighters!" He was impressed by France’s Bastille Day parade when he visited Paris in July 2017.

Indian PM visits Kerala as further torrential rain is forecast

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the southern state of Kerala to witness the devastation caused by what has been described as the worst flooding in a century. At least 324 people have been killed and more than 200,000 are homeless after prolonged heavy rain caused landslides and floods. Torrential rain and strong winds are expected over the next few days.

Navy officer says Moscow activity is 'frightening'

A leading figure in the Royal Navy says Russian submarine activity has become "frightening" and "eye-watering". Commodore Jerry Kyd, the commanding officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, said that Russia had shown "clear intent" by increasing naval activity. HMS Queen Elizabeth begins her maiden transatlantic voyage today and will take part in a test for US supersonic jets.

Imran Khan sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan

Former World Cup cricket captain Imran Khan has been sworn in as Pakistan's prime minister after winning a majority. He was elected prime minister in a vote at the country's National Assembly on Friday. Khan’s ascension brings to an end of decades of rotating leadership between two establishment parties, accompanied by periods of military rule.

Swiss city rejects Muslim couple over gender contact

A city in Switzerland has blocked a Muslim couple’s application to become Swiss nationals because of their refusal to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The mayor of the city of Lausanne said it took the decision over the couple’s lack of respect for gender equality. Some Muslims say that Islam does not permit physical contact with a person of the opposite sex, apart from family members.

Defiant Nigel Farage joins new Brexit campaign group

Nigel Farage says "the time has come to teach the political class a lesson". Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the former Ukip leader declares: "I'm back fighting for a real Brexit." Announcing he is backing the Leave Means Leave campaign group, he says: "It is now beyond doubt that the political class in Westminster and many of their media allies do not accept the EU referendum result."

Meghan Marke's dad compares royals to Scientologists

Meghan Markle’s father has compared the Royal Family to Scientologists because of their "cult-like" secrecy. Speaking to The Sun, he said: "They are either like Scientologists or the Stepford family. If they hear anybody say anything they just lock the doors. They need to speak up!"

Usain Bolt arrives in Australia to chase football dream

Usain Bolt has arrived in Sydney as he prepares to train with an Australian A-League club. The eight-time Olympic gold medallist is linking up with Central Coast Mariners, who have agreed to let him train with the team indefinitely in his pursuit of a contract. It is hoped he can be first-team member for the new season, which kicks off in October.