After three years of closed borders, China will effectively re-open on 8 January to those with work and study visas, and those seeking to visit family. The country has largely abandoned its zero-Covid policy - partly due to protests from fed-up citizens and partly because of the impact on the economy.

In the US many people are still in danger as the deadly snow storm dubbed as the blizzard of the century is battering parts of North America and Canada. At least 28 people have died in western New York state. Local authorities are warning people to stay home.

The war in Ukraine is affecting many people across the world. Even as the Russian offense continues - we take a look at the impact on Ukraine’s rich businessmen, the so-called oligarchs, who wielded enormous influence and power in the country. They have lost billions - and with them much of their clout.

(Picture: China, Shanghai, people queing up at hypermarket. Picture Credit: Getty Images)