24 hours in pictures

Oberstdorf, Germany: a mountain stream runs through a snowy winter landscape Photograph: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/EPA

Chicago, US: geese fly over Lake Michigan at Montrose Beach Photograph: Nam Y Huh/AP

Kathmandu, Nepal: a Nepalese woman protests against an increase in violence against women outside the prime minister's official residence Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

Titabar, India: a man arranges the headgear of another before playing the khol, a traditional percussion instrument, as they participate in an attempt to create a Guinness world record. 14,833 people participated in the event Photograph: Anupam Nath/AP

Harbin, China: divers perform with beluga whales inside a tank at the Harbin Polarland aquarium at the Harbin international ice and snow festival Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA

Vojkovici, Bosnia and Herzegovina: a Bosnian Serb boy roasts lamb and pork in front of his home for a traditional Orthodox Christmas meal Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Aleppo, Syria: men leave the old city in the back of a truck Photograph: Andoni Lubaki/AP

Minsk, Belarus: an Orthodox priest blesses servicemen from the Belarussian interior ministry's special unit during a service at a military base Photograph: Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters

Paramaribo, Suriname: Surinamese Maroons, descendants of runaway slaves who formed independent settlements, perform a fire dance during the annual celebration of Black People's Day Photograph: Ranu Abhelakh/Reuters

Silio, northern Spain: 'Zamarracos' participate in the Vijanera festival, the first carnival of the year in Europe symbolising the triumph of good over evil. It features crowds of locals wearing different masks, animal skins and brightly coloured clothing Photograph: Daniel Ochoa De Olza/AP

Gaza City, Gaza Strip: a Palestinian boy uses a cardboard box to protect himself from rain and strong gusts of wind Photograph: Adel Hana/AP

St Moritz, Switzerland: curlers compete in the Murezzan cup, a regional contest, on a natural ice rink Photograph: Arno Balzarini/EPA

Sokuluk, Kyrgyzstan: sisters light candles during an Orthodox Christmas service in a church Photograph: Vyacheslav Oseledko/AFP/Getty Images