Five Top News 2012

 Paralimpic Games

In running the fastest T44 100 metres time in Paralimpic Games history, Jonnie Peacock (Britain) cemented his status as the fastest amputee sprinter in the world.

The 19-year-old sprinter ran a Paralimpic record of 11.08 seconds to qualify quickest for the final, which also hold Paralimpic champion Oscar Pistorious (South Africa) and Alan Oliveira (Brazil). But Peacock ran a new Paralimpic recorf of 10.90 seconds. Oscar Peacock's leg was amputated below the knee after meningitis 14 years ago, but he was detemined to take part and win 100 metres. As a 16-year-old Peacock fixed a personal best record of 12.23 seconds in his first Paralimpic World Cup in Manchester.

"Curiousity" rover

NASA's Curiousity rover has measured the Red Planet's atmospheric composition.

It's the first time when the chemistry of the atmosphere has been tasted from the surface of the planet since the Viking landers in the 1970s. SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) analysis is continueing, though no major surprises are suspected as carbode dioxide will dominate. CO2nis the chief component of the Marsian air and Methane should be short-lived and its persistance suggests a replenishing source of some kind either biological or geochemical. The results from this first test will be announced next week.

Elections

Mitt Romney vows to restore America's promise.

Mitt Romney accused President Barack Obama of failing to deliver on his promises and presented his plan involving energy independence, cutting the budget deficit and creating jobs. He also spoke of his Mormon faith. He said that the Obama campaign had "no tangible ideas" and "would take the country backwards". His speech was the climax of the three-day Republican convention, which correspondents saw as an attempt to show the human side of a candidate. 

Gazprom

Russian gas giant denies breaking competition rules.

Russian energy giant Gazprom has refused allegations of breaking the European competition law, after the EU  launched an investigation into the firms behaviour in central and European member states. Brussels opened the probe on Tuesday citing concerns the firm was abusing its dominant market position. Despite Gazprom's insistence it struck to the rules, some experts aren't surprised by the EU's move.

Great Britain Celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee

 Great Britain celebrated the Queen Elizabeth II diamond anniversary with events spread over four days, with millions attending street parties across the country, the Thames flotilla, the Epsom Derby and pop concerts. The 86-year-old Elizabeth, head of state for 16 countries, has exceeded all female monarchs in the period of ruling.  She is considered to be the world’s richest queen with an estimated personal fortune of 310 pounds.