10 things you need to know today: April 20, 2012

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

last updated 8 January 2015

1. CHINA DOWNPLAYS INDIA'S MISSILE LAUNCH

China is playing it cool following India's successful launch Thursday of a long-range missile called the Agni-V, which is purportedly capable of reaching cities as far away as Shanghai — a milestone for India. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman insisted that the two countries "are not rivals" but "partners." According to experts, India has been increasing military spending partly because of China's growing dominance in the Indian Ocean. In 1962, the two countries went to war over border disputes. Despite the measured government response to the launch, an editorial in China's state-backed Global Times said, "India should be clear that China's nuclear power is stronger and more reliable." [CNN]

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Police and FBI rigorously searched the basement of a New York City apartment building on Thursday in hopes of finding the remains of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared in 1979 without a trace. Etan's disappearance was covered heavily by the media at the time, and he was one of the first missing children to appear on a milk carton. In recent months, authorities have received tips suggesting that Etan's remains are buried in the basement. A carpenter thought to be friendly with the boy had his workspace in the building. [Associated Press]

The co-founder of the musical group The Band died "peacefully... surrounded by family, friends, and band mates" Thursday afternoon. The singer and multi-instrumentalist was 71 and had suffered from throat cancer. "As a member of the one of the most influential rock and roll groups, The Band, Levon Helm produced music that was as much timeless as it was timely," a statement from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reads. [CNN]

Nicolas Sarkozy could become the first one-term French president since 1981. France's first round of voting takes place Sunday, and polls forecast a tight race between Sarkozy and his key challenger in the 10-person field, Socialist Francois Hollande. However, Hollande is predicted to win in a face-off next month. A Sarkozy defeat would have broad diplomatic implications given the relationships Sarkozy has fostered with other European leaders and President Obama. [New York Times]

University of British Columbia researchers have found that the jellyfish population is on the rise around the world, and the animals are wreaking havoc on fishermen and swimmers. Asia and coastal Europe have been the hardest hit, while North America's coasts have largely been unaffected thus far. Overfishing and pollution are two of the biggest reasons for the jellyfish boom, because when fish are killed by fishermen or dirty water, that leaves more food in the ocean for jellyfish. [Yahoo! News Canada]

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