The day in pictures - 20 February, 2013

Vietnamese man from the Pa Then minority group jumps into a fire Credit: Reuters

Beijing, China

Decorations were installed in celebration of the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival in China.

Southern Ocean, Antarctica

Anti-whaling activists have called for Australia to send a naval vessel to the Southern Ocean after a confrontation in which they said a Japanese whaling ship, the Nisshin Maru, collided with two of their protest vessels, damaging their flagship. Australia said it was confirming the report of the incident. Neither the Japanese government nor its whaling authority immediately responded to the Sea Shepherd's account of the clash.

The Sea Shepherd vessel, Bob Barker (L), comes to collision distance from Japanese fuel tanker Sun Laurel in the Antarctica Credit: REUTERS/The Institute of Cetacean Research/Handout

Edinburgh, Scotland

Excitement began to build as the UK's only male giant panda has started to show signs that he is ready to mate sparking hopes that Edinburgh Zoo could see some panda cubs in the future.

Male panda Yang Guang looks into the enclosure of female panda Tian Tian Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Amritsar, India

David Cameron has become the first serving Prime Minister to pay his respects to thousands of innocent Indians who were massacred in Amritsar in 1919 by British troops.

He laid a wreath and signed a book of condolence on the final day of his three day visit to the country.

David Cameron is shown around the Golden Temple Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Hanoi, Vietnam

A tribe with a population of 5,000, which resides in mountainous areas of Vietnam bordering China, organises an annual fire-jumping ritual for adult men at the end of the harvest season.

The Pa Then believe that jumping into a fire without any protection will help them gain more special energy from God to challenge life's difficulties and fight evils.

Vietnamese man from the Pa Then minority group jumps into a fire Credit: Reuters

Athens, Greece

Violence flared following an anti-austerity march during a 24-hour strike in Athens.

Riot police run by closed shops after protesters threw a petrol bomb Credit: Reuters

Pretoria, South Africa

A witness has told Oscar Pistorius' bail hearing that he heard "non-stop shouting" from his home before his girlfriend was shot dead. But his account has been challenged by Pistorius' lawyers. The athlete denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp.

Photographers take pictures of Oscar Pistorius during a break in court proceedings Credit: Reuters

Milan, Italy

Milan Fashion Week has opened with Gucci showcasing one of the first shows of 2013.

Models present creations from Gucci Autumn/Winter 2013 collection at Milan Fashion Week Credit: Reuters