Flashback 2014: What happened across the world this year

The year 2014 was a significant one. While Ebola made a deadly appearance in Africa and in a few states outside it, a passenger flight from Malaysia disappeared soon after taking off, never to be found again. Another Malaysian aircraft was shot down in Ukraine, allegedly by Russia-backed separatists, killing all passengers on board. Germany won the Fifa World Cup this year in Brazil while Scotland gave a close verdict against the referendum to secede from the United Kingdom. In December, 132 children were massacred in an army school in Peshawar in Pakistan.

Here is a look at the top events of 2014:

Schoolchildren massacred in Peshawar

132 children were massacred by seven Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants in an army school in Peshawar in Pakistan on December 16.

Phil Hughes died of fatal head injury

Young Australian batsman Phil Hughes died in the hospital on November 27 after receiving a fatal head injury while batting in a domestic cricket match in Sydney, Australia.

MH 370 disappeared mysteriously

MH 370, a Malaysian Airlines flight carrying 239 people disappeared mysteriously soon after taking off from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing on March 8. The plane was never found again despite several countries launching a massive search operation across the land and sea.

Shooting down of MH 17

MH 17 was the second Malaysia Airlines passenger aircraft which made the headlines for the wrong reasons. The plane was shot down in the territory in Ukraine which is controlled by pro-Russian separatists. All 298 people on board were killed in the incident that took place on July 17.

Scotland votes 'No' in referendum for independence

Scotland went to a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom on September 18 in which 'No' won, though not overwhelmingly. While 55.3% of the voters was against the independence, 44.7% was in favour of it. Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, voted in favour of the independence.

Flood claims 280 lives in Pakistan

280 people died in a devastating flood in Pakistan in early September.

25th anniversary since the fall of Berlin Wall

The 25th anniversary since the fall of the Berlin Wall was observed on November 9.

100 years since the outbreak of First World War

July 28 marked 100 years of the outbreak of the First World War.

Germany win Fifa World Cup for 3rd time

Germany bagged their third title in World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final played in Brazil's Maracana Stadium on July 13. Germany, who bulldozed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semifinal, became the first European team to win the coveted trophy on American soil.

Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow

The 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow in Scotland between July 23 and August 3. England, Australia and Canada held the first three positions in the medals table followed by tthe hosts and India.

Hong Kong protests against Chinese decision

A huge protest broke out in Hong Kong on September 26 against China's decision on political reforms. Over 470 people were injured in the clashes and over 950 people were arrested.

AirAsia Flight disappears, just like MH370

An AirAsia Flight QZ8501 disappeared after taking off from Indonesia for Singapore on December 28. The plane had 162 people on board. The wreckage and the bodies were found from December 30 onwards.

Ferry catches fire off Greek coast

Several people were trapped after a fire broke out in an Italian ship off the coast of the Greek island of Corfu on December 29. One person was killed in the fire. Rescue operations were hit by the inclement weather.

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