10 Most Memorable Moments of 2014 – Biggest News of 2014

Ah, 2014! The memories feel like they happened just yesterday, don’t they? It was a year of world-shaking events, stirring emotions, and lasting imprints on our collective memory. Now, imagine we could hop in a time machine and head back to 2014 to experience the most unforgettable moments and 2014 highlights. From the heartwarming to the heart-wrenching, from the inspiring to the jaw-dropping, let’s remember the instances that transformed an ordinary year into one for the history books.

But before we start this retrospective journey, let’s set the scene. The world was at a crossroads, teetering between technological advancement and societal change. A new generation was emerging, hungry for innovation and social justice. Meanwhile, we were learning how interconnected we all are, and how much every action reverberates around the globe. And in that buzzing, vibrant scenario, some events stood out, casting long shadows we still perceive today.

Each of these top moments doesn’t just encapsulate the spirit of 2014; they shaped the world we live in today. They’re reminders of our capacity for greatness, our propensity for change, and our tenacity in the face of adversity. So let’s take a stroll down memory lane, reliving the past to better understand our present. Check out 10 Most Memorable Moments of 2014.

10 – The riots in Ferguson, Missouri

The world’s media has turned its attention to the town of Ferguson in Missouri, USA several times during 2014. It all started because of unrest and rioting, which was sparked by the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by police. This took place on 9th August, and the unrest that followed lasted for several weeks. A few months later, on 24th November, it was declared that the police officer (who was named as Darren Wilson) would not be indicted, which led to a new wave of riots. The after-effects of all this conflict still rumble on. The year may be ending, but this probably won’t be the last we hear of the town of Ferguson!

09 – The Scottish referendum on independence

This year has seen a number of different states around the world holding referendums on whether or not they should become independent. However, in many cases the votes have been declared unlawful or invalid. In the case of Scotland, the idea of becoming independent from the rest of the United Kingdom has been bubbling away for years. It all came to a head on 18th September 2014, when the country officially voted. It was a subject that completely divided a nation, but the results were clear. With a majority of 55%, Scotland voted ‘no’ to independence, thus remaining a member of the UK.

08 – The FIFA World Cup

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup always takes the world by storm, with World Cup fever sweeping through every country. This year, Germany took the crown, after beating Argentina 1-0 on 13th July in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Although it only takes place once every few years, this is one of the biggest sporting events in the world; with Germany flying on the wings of success, the world is now turning its attention to the next World Cup in 2018, which will be held in Russia.

07 – The kidnapping of 276 Nigerian girls by Boko Haram

Boko Haram is a terrorist organisation that can be found in Nigeria, and on 14th April this year they abducted 276 Nigerian schoolgirls. The fates of these girls are unimaginable, with many being forced to convert to Islam, as well as being forced into marriages. This sparked international outrage, with the #BringBackOurGirls campaign garnering support from some of the world’s most powerful and influential women.

06 – The death of Robin Williams

The world went into mourning on 11th August 2014 when news broke that actor Robin Williams had died. This comedy genius was best known for his roles in titles such as Mork and Mindy, Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam! He was a legendary figure in so many people’s childhoods, which is what made his death so surprising and tragic. Thankfully his films have become ingrained in our hearts and minds. So even though the man himself may no longer be around, his legacy will live on forever.

05 – Malala Yousafzai becoming the youngest person to receive a Nobel Prize

In October 2012, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by the Taliban as she was on her way to school. She was just 15 years old at the time. Remarkably, this young girl made a complete recovery. She has gone on to become one of the most powerful and influential activists for female rights and education in the world. On 10th October 2014, it was announced that Malala Yousafzai would be the joint recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. This is really quite incredible! Especially considering how far she has come in the last couple of years, as well as her young age. It is worth remembering that she is still only 17 years old. This fact makes her the youngest person to receive a Nobel Prize ever.

04 – The Philae probe landing on a comet

As part of the Rosetta space mission, scientists made history on 15th November when they successfully landed the Philae space probe on the surface of a comet. This marked the climax in a mission that started ten years ago – but their work is far from over. The information and data gathered during this mission is not only part of one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of our time, but will go towards facilitating future space exploration, as well.

03 – The conviction of Oscar Pistorius

Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was one of South Africa’s most popular and best loved sportsmen. Known as the ‘Blade Runner’, his incredible athletic ability gained him notoriety around the world. However, on Valentine’s Day in 2013, his world came crashing down when his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot and killed. Oscar Pistorius was charged with her murder, and on 12th September this year, the verdict was in. He was found guilty of culpable homicide, as well as one separate firearm-related charge. Later, he was sentenced to five years in prison. This was a case that shook the world, and changed the life of this infamous athlete forever.

02 – The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370

8th March 2014 saw one of the most baffling and bizarre events in history, when Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 – filled with 239 passengers and crew – apparently disappeared off the face of the planet. Radar showed that the plane deviated from its normal route, but no distress signals were set off. Before long, the plane had dropped off the radar completely. Since that moment, no evidence of the plane has ever been found. The search mission was the biggest and most expensive of its kind in history, involving multiple nations. With no debris or bodies to be found, the conspiracy theories about what happened on that day are rife. Whether it was an act of terrorism, a conscious act on behalf of the pilot, a government cover-up or even alien abduction, your guess is as good as mine!

01 – The Ebola outbreak

Without a doubt, one of the biggest events to strike the world this year was the Ebola outbreak. It is impossible to put a date on this as it is still an ongoing problem. For now, it has taken the lives of over 7,000 people so far. These have been concentrated around the West African countries of Sierra Leone and Guinea. But there have been a few cases of it spreading to other parts of the world, as well. Many people have criticised the response to the Ebola outbreak as being too slow, with aid and border checks only being set up very recently. Ebola has become a threat that has blighted the lives of people around the world over the course of this year. But hopefully it won’t continue too far into the future!

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Our rundown of the most unforgettable moments of 2014. These pivotal moments aren’t just about remembering the past; they’re about recognizing how these events have helped shape our present. After all, history isn’t just a series of dates and events. It’s a vibrant tapestry, full of colorful threads that interweave to form the fabric of our shared human experience.

As we gear up for the new year, it’s beneficial to look back on these top moments and reflect on their lasting impact. Each event is a reminder that we are part of a grand, ongoing narrative, filled with highs and lows, triumphs, and trials. And within this grand story, we find the resilience, courage, and hope that define us as individuals and as a collective.

So, as we toast to the new year, let’s carry these stories with us. Not as mere memories of days gone by, but as powerful lessons that can guide us into a brighter future. After all, knowing our past is the first step to shaping our future. Here’s to remembering the best of times, the worst of times, and everything in between. Here’s to another year of making unforgettable memories. Happy New Year, everyone!