1. Vladimir Putin

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has been named International Person of the Year by Britain's The Times newspaper for succeeding in his ambition of bringing Moscow back to the international top table. The paper said Putin, 61, a judo black belt, has hip-flipped US President Barack Obama on the Syrian crisis, wrestled the EU to the ground on Ukraine, tripped up the opposition at home and rescued weaker team players such as President Assad of Syria and Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower, who was given asylum in Russia.

2. Barrack Obama

Barack H. Obama is the 44th President of the United States.
His story is the American story — values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the conviction that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others.

3. Xi Jinping

When David Cameron visits Beijing this week he should strive to shake hands with Xi Jinping, the man destined to lead China into a new age

Those foolhardy enough to forecast who will occupy 10 Downing Street or the White House in 10 years' time would risk being told they needed their heads examining. China is different. Barring a major reversal of fortune, the future leadership of the last major state ruled by a Communist party is set until 2022.

4. Paus Francis

Habemus Papam!

That phrase to mark the election of new Pope. Yes, after two days and five rounds Conclave solemn procession, finally white smoke out of the roof of the Sistine Chapel, Wednesday (13/03/2013) at around 19:07 when the Vatican or Thursday at 2:07 pm.

5. Angela Merkel

Angela Dorothea Kasner, better known as Angela Merkel, was born in Hamburg, West Germany, on July 17, 1954. Trained as a physicist, Merkel entered politics after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. Rising to the position of Chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union party, Merkel became Germany's first female chancellor, and one of the leading figures of the European Union, following the 2005 national elections.