Portal:Current events/2012 April 25

April 25, 2012 (Wednesday)

Armed conflict and attacks

Pakistan successfully tests the Shaheen-1A nuclear-capable ballistic missile, which is able to reach targets in India. (Reuters)
Syrian uprising: United Nations envoy Kofi Annan describes the situation in Syria as bleak, raising concerns about reports indicating that Syrian Army forces are conducting operations against opponents. (Sky News)
South Sudan releases Sudanese prisoners of war as border clashes between the two states seem to abate. (Reuters)

Business and economy

South Korean retailers cease selling beef from the United States after a case of mad cow disease is reported. (Reuters)
Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate the UK economy has returned to recession after shrinking by 0.2% in the first three months of 2012, bringing about a much-feared double-dip recession. (BBC)

Law and crime

A judge on the Cook County Circuit Court rules that the Amazon tax levied on Internet businesses by the US state of Illinois is unconstitutional. (Chicago Tribune)

Politics

News International phone hacking scandal:
- Adam Smith, a special adviser to Jeremy Hunt, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, resigns over his role in Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation's attempt to take over satellite broadcaster BSkyB. (AP via Seattle Times)
- Rupert Murdoch gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry, claiming former British Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown "declared war" on his organisation after The Sun newspaper came out in support of the Conservatives in 2009, an allegation denied by Brown. (BBC)