WORLD NEWS
Come on board for a news over drive as GT brings to you news and views from across the globe uncensored

US
A Cadillac hearse that carried the body of former US president John F Kennedy, following his assassination in Dallas was sold for a whopping $160,000.

UK
The landmark clock tower containing Big Ben at Britain’s Westminster Palace is tilting. Media reports suggested that the mother of all parliaments is slipping into River Thames.

Egypt
Tens of thousands converged in Cairo’s Tahrir Square on January 25, 2012 to mark the first anniversary of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, as debate raged over whether the rally was a celebration or a second push for change.

India
• India ranks a lowly 125th in addressing pollution control and natural resource management challenges while Switzerland takes the top spot, according to the 2012 Environmental Performance Index.
• India displayed its military might during the 63rd Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath, New Delhi.

Iran
The new indigenously built spy plane and satellite  by Iran are slated to get operational next month. The new “maritime patrol aircraft” would keep a tab on the country's coastlines. The new satellites are intended to help Tehran's space program in exploration of the cosmos.

China
China’s birth rate is expected to hit a record high in 2012 (the Year of Dragon as per Chinese Zodiac) as young couples are rushing to have what is regarded as a ‘golden dragon baby’.

N. Korea
North Korea has warned its citizens against using cell phones inside the country, saying anyone caught talking on mobile would be branded as “war criminals” and punished.

Myanmar
The Myanmarese leader Aung Suu Kyi began her poll campaign at Yae Phu village. Suu Kyi is running for the parliament and wants to amend the constitution drafted by Army.

Road to Reform

The first of its kind competition on legal reforms saw budding lawyers from across India suggesting legal route to empowerment 

Decriminalization of politics and electoral reforms were some of the issues that were eloquently debated during the valedictory function of competition on legal reforms organized by Amity Law School (ALS) on January 20, 2012.
The budding legal professionals from various prestigious law schools suggested unified elections for parliament and assembly apart from recommending more financial independence for the Election Commission. They also proposed  making the source of donation received by political parties’ public and an annual audit by Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) to keep a check on them.
The event saw Vivek Tankha, Addl. Solicitor General of India and Rahul Dev, CEO & Editor in Chief, CNEB sharing their views on the topic and emphasizing the need for youth to become active stakeholders in the current democratic setup.
Asserting that it was important for laws formulated by the judiciary to come into immediate action Tankha said that there was a dire need to put an end to malpractices followed by political parties. He also highlighted the far reaching consequences of movements like those initiated by social activist Anna Hazare. He laid stress on the need to respect democratic values and strongly opposed criminalization of politics.
Condemning the criminalization of politics, eminent journalist Dev said the country needs fearless leaders like former Election Commissioner T N Seshan,  who do not shy away from introducing electoral reforms. He said it was important for people to strictly adhere to law so that the world’s greatest democracy could function smoothly.
The event concluded with Gen Nilendra Kumar, Director, ALS congratulating the participants. He said the insight provided by the students would be sent to the parliament library and law commission.
The competition saw ILS Pune emerging the winner.

Envision: Amity’s
green warriors

Amitians pledge their sovereignty towards environment by setting up club Envision

Vignesh J, Amity School of Communication

“Every time I have spent some moments on a seashore, or in the mountains, or sometimes in a quiet forest, I think this is why the environment has to be preserved.”
— Bill Bradley

An avid desire to restore the lost glory of Mother Nature has brought students and teachers of Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences (AIES) together to set up an ecology club in Amity University, Uttar Pradesh under the name ‘Envision’.
Soon after its launch, the club kicked off its operation on December 21, 2011 by holding an awareness program to sensitize people about the importance of conservation under the guidance of Prof J C Kapoor, Director, AIES. The program saw Maj Gen (Retd) K J Singh, Vice Chancellor AUUP and Dr Balvinder Shukla, Pro VC (A), AUUP pledging their support to the cause.
“The club believes that conscious efforts are needed to tackle pollution and other eminent threats to the environment. It would be possible to build a cleaner, safer and greener planet only if we firm our resolve to conserve water, reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming,” Richa Dave, an active member of the club said.
They also appreciated the efforts of the department to raise awareness about the issues afflicting the environment and humanity in general.
The program marked the beginning of activities like JAM, debate, quiz, best out of waste, poster making etc to promote conservation and environmental awareness. A host of activities related to environment were also held to draw the attention of the youth towards the cause and to encourage them to do their bit for mother earth. 
(Those interested to join the club as members can mail their details at jkalucha@gmail.com)