24 hours in pictures

Ras Lanuf, Libya: Rebels fire Katyusha rockets at government troops on the frontline Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images

Tultepec, Mexico: People evade fireworks exploding around them during the San Juan de Dios festival Photograph: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

Managua, Nicaragua: Catholics queue to receive ashes on their foreheads during an Ash Wednesday service at the Metropolitan Cathedral Photograph: Esteban Felix/AP

Athens, Greece: Immigrants smile after the end of their six-week hunger strike, which was held in an attempt to gain residence permits Photograph: Petros Giannakouris/AP

Qom, Iran: Clerics are attend the International Conference of Religious Doctrines and the Mind-Body Problem Photograph: Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters

Cairo, Egypt: Men chant slogans against the continued presence of protesters in Tahrir Square Photograph: Maya Alleruzzo/AP

Beijing, China: Stewards pose for photos as they wait for delegates attending a session of the National People's Congress outside the Great Hall of the People Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP

Sofia, Bulgaria: Train passengers speak to each other during a one-hour strike by rail workers Photograph: Vassil Donev/EPA

Kabul, Afghanistan: A labourer takes a rest while waiting to be hired Photograph: Ahmad Nazar/AP

Lisbon, Portugal: Re-elected President Cavaco Silva arrives at the presidential residence in Belém Palace after his parliamentary swearing-in ceremony Photograph: Joao Relvas/EPA

Ramstein, Germany: US soldiers attend a memorial service for two comrades killed in a shooting at Frankfurt airport Photograph: Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images

Ras Ajdir, Tunisia: Foreign workers fleeing unrest are seen through the window of a tent as they queue for food in a refugee camp on the Tunisia-Libyan border Photograph: Emilio Morenatti/AP