24 hours in pictures

Washington DC, US: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi swears in members of the 111th Congress in the House Chambers Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

El Ayoun, Morocco: A rainbow appears as the sun casts shadows on a dune during the 7th stage of the inaugural Africa Race which ends in Senegal Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Belgrade, Serbia: People watch a ceremonial burning of dried oak branches, the Yule log symbol for Orthodox Christmas Eve Photograph: Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty Images

Sofia, Bulgaria: A man chops firewood for sale during the current gas crisis in eastern Europe Photograph: Boryana Katsarova/AFP/Getty Images

Leidschendam, Netherlands: People enjoy outdoor skating Photograph: Lex van Lieshout/EPA

Bali, Indonesia: Tourists enjoy a slingshot ride on Kuta island Photograph: Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP/Getty Images

Singapore: African Superb Starlings at the new African Waterfall Aviary exhibit in Jurong Birdpark Photograph: How Hwee Young/EPA

Los Angeles, US: A protester falls to the floor amid scuffles during a demonstration outside the Israeli consulate Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Kabul, Afghanistan: Shia Muslim men beat themselves with chains and blades during a ritual part of Ashura celebrations Photograph: Shah Marai/AFP/Getty Images

Beijing, China: A resident exercises under red lantern decorations for the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Ditan park Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters

Sydney, Australia: A performer from the troupe La Clique rehearses her hoop act Photograph: Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images

Pietrosani, Romania: An Orthodox priest blesses horses before their annual Epiphany day race Photograph: Mihai Barbu/Reuters

San Cristobal Verapaz, Guatemala: Cemetery workers prepare graves for the unidentified victims of a landslide Photograph: Rodrigo Abd/AP

Khorramabad, Iran: Men caked in mud observe the Ashura religious festival Photograph: Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters