Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 6 Apr 2012

1. THINK TANK: UK ESCAPES RECESSION

Britain escaped recession by a whisker in the first quarter of the year predicts The National Institute of Economic and Social Research. The think tank estimates that the economy grew by 0.1pc. A spokesman said that the figure could "not change the view that the economy is flat".

2. MET SUSPENDS EIGHT IN RACE PROBE

The Metropolitan Police has suspended eight officers as part of the Independent Police Complaints Commission's investigation into complaints of racism against the force. At least three other officers have been placed on restricted duties. Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey said the Met "does not tolerate racism".

3. POPE REBUKES AUSTRIAN REBEL CLERGY

Pope Benedict XVI has told an Easter Mass that “the church has received no authority from the Lord" to ordain women priests. His remark follows challenges to the church's stance on female clergy by a group of dissident Austrian priests. The Pope criticised their "disobedience".

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4. BORIS AND KEN PUBLISH TAX RETURNS

The publication by the London Mayoral candidates of their income tax returns marks the “Americanisation of British politics” says an expert. Boris Johnson revealed earnings of almost £1.7 million over four years. Ken Livingstone has been accused of paying a lower rate of tax than a City Hall cleaner.

5. TOBACCO DISPLAY BAN STARTS

Supermarkets and other large stores are banned from displaying tobacco products as the latest anti-smoking legislation comes into effect today in England. Ministers hope the move will reduce the number of young people who start smoking. Small shops are exempt from the ban until 2015.

6. 'MERCHANT OF DEATH' JAILED

Arms dealer Viktor Bout, who has been dubbed the 'Merchant of Death', has been sentenced to 25 years in jail following his conviction for conspiring to sell weapons to anti-American guerrillas in Colombia. The ex-Soviet officer shouted "it's a lie" as the US judge sentenced him.

7. ISLE RESORT 'UK'S SUNNIEST PLACE'

The row about the sunniest part of the UK has been re-ignited after the Isle of Wight resort of Shanklin laid claim to the honour. Earlier this year Hastings and Eastbourne made competing claims to be Britain's sunniest place. Shanklin locals believe the title could be worth millions of pounds of tourist revenue.

8. ALIEN ABUDCTION HELPLINE LAUNCHED

The UK's first telephone helpline for people who have been contacted or abducted by aliens has been launched. The manager of the Anomalous Mind Management Abductee and Contactee Helpline says callers have been "crying with relief that someone is finally prepared to take them seriously".

9. TSUNAMI GHOST SHIP SUNK

A 'ghost ship' that has been drifting in the sea since the 2011 tsunami in Japan has been sunk after the US Coast Guard unleashed cannon fire to sink it in waters off Alaska. The Ryou-Un Maru, which has been endangering other vessels during its lonesome voyage, was destined for scrap when tsunami waves set it adrift last year.

10. MANCINI: I'D PUNCH BALOTELLI

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said he would punch Mario Balotelli every day if he was his team-mate and admitted he understands why team members are frustrated with the controversial forward. He believes the title race will be over if United open an eight-point lead at the weekend.