In Pics: Biggest World Events Of 2022

Reports of a spike in Covid cases in China have prompted authorities to reassess the readiness of the health infrastructure. A year that started with optimism is ending on a note of caution.

2022 began on a note of optimism after two years of disruption due to the Covid pandemic. With most parts of the world easing curbs, sports and public events took centrestage again and tourism received a boost as people took off to put the tough time behind them. The year, however, was not without its difficulties. The Ukraine war threatened world peace, global inflation hit family budgets and the climate change challenge only grew taller. As 2022 draws to an end, a fresh surge in Covid cases in China has brought back grim memories, and the world has its fingers crossed for 2023.

The Ukraine War: The Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February after President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of being an "anti-Russia" state and alleged that the US-led NATO is expanding to the east and this is a threat to the borders of Russia. Over 300 days on, the war is still on, with Ukraine putting up a spirited resistance to the Russian offensive.

Imran Khan's Ouster: In April, Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan Prime Minister, becoming the country's first Prime Minister to lose power by a no-confidence vote. The vote saw high drama, with Mr Khan's attempt to dissolve the national Assembly prompting an intervention by the Supreme Court. Shehbaz Sharif, brother of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, succeeded Mr Khan.

Sri Lanka Economic Crisis: As the island nation reeled under the worst economic crisis in its history, the people took to the streets. The protests intensified around March-end and peaked in May, when Mahinda Rajapaksa was forced to resign as Prime Minister. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who refused to resign as president, was forced to flee the country as the agitation grew. He was eventually forced to quit, becoming the first Lankan President to do so mid-term. Ranil Wickeremesinghe was elected by the Lankan parliament for the remainder of Mr Rajapaksa's term.