Around the World in 8 Links: Jan 27, 2012

Catch up on news from around the globe as we take you around the world in eight links. This week: a building collapse in Brazil, ACTA protests in Poland and the Year of the Dragon begins.

At least five dead in building collapse
Five people have died and 16 more are missing after three mulistory buildings collapsed in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. This collapse, which comes after a gas explosion in 2011, raises concerns over Brazil's infrastructure as the country readies itself to host the World Cup and Olympic Games.

Landslide buries Papua New Guinea towns
A landslide buried two towns in rural Papua New Guinea. The landslide covered two villages while people slept, and over 60 people are suspected dead or missing.

Argentina, U.K. battle over Falkland Islands
The U.K. and Argentina debated over the fate of the Falkland Islands, where Britain maintains a military presence. British Prime Minister David Cameron called Argentina's efforts "colonialist" while Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez called the British presence a "usurpation."

Protesters march against ACTA

In Poland, thousands gathered to march against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. Opponents say the treaty amounts to Internet censorship. The treaty has already been signed by a number of nations.

Egyptians mark anniversary of revolution
Egyptians gathered in Tahrir Square to mark the one-year anniversary of the movement that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. But factions in the demonstration were divided over celebrating the ousting of Mubarak or continuing to demonstrate against the generals who took power.

Fukushima's animals abandoned
When the Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered a meltdown, thousands were evacuated. Believing they would be back quickly, fleeing residents left animals behind. Many of the abandoned animals starved to death or died of disease. Animal right activists, who have been asking to be allowed in the area, are outraged over the lack of rescue for animals.

Whales shot in New Zealand
After rescue efforts failed, conservation staff in New Zealand had to put down 33 stranded whales. The whales were the last of 99 that had stranded themselves, and volunteers had made repeated efforts to refloat the animals.

Year of the Dragon begins

Crowds gathered to celebrate the lunar new year and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon is considered particularly auspicious in the Chinese zodiac and the new year was welcomed with parades and festivals.