News Headline
Germany Wins FIFA World Cup 2014
MUMBAI: In a nail biting finish, after 64 matches spanning a period of one month, Germany on Sunday night was crowned FIFA World Cup 2014 champions. It won thanks to a lone goal, courtesy from substitute Mario Goetze who scored smoothly during extra time, anointing the Germans as the first European team to win the title on South American soil.
In the 113th minute, Gotze took a pass from the left from Andre Schurrle, trapped it on his chest and swiveled it past Sergio Romero and effortlessly kicked it into the net. This was enough for the Germans to start celebrating and Argentina to begin wailing.
For Goetze it was dream come true as he expressed “I’m more than happy and I’m happy with the team and what happened here in Brazil. I guess it’s more or less indescribable how I feel. It is absolutely sensational.”
While Messi and the Argentineans’ had the best early chance, the Germans were too strong in every way with the best all-round collection of players. But for Messi there was some rejoicing, as he was declared the Best player of the Tournament receiving the Golden ball. Germany’s Manuel Neuer received the Golden Glove as he was declared the best goalkeeper.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh both tweeted about the World Cup match. While Modi wished both Argentina and Germany for the final, Yuvi congratulated Germany and said it brought back the 2011 world cup final memories for him.
The most mentioned players on twitter from the winning team were, Mario Gotze, Manuel Neuer, Christoph Kramer. From the Argentinan team it was Lionel Messi, Gonzalao Higuain and Javier Mascherano.
This wasn’t the first time the two giants have met in a final. In 1986, Argentina beat Germany in the final in Mexico. Four years later, Germany was crowned world champions after beating the South Americans in Italy. Sundays match again saw the two lock horns with Germany winning their fourth title besides winning in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
