The week that was, in pictures

 | Updated: Jan 13, 2019, 05:51 PM IST

Here are some of the highlights of events that happened around the world this week. 

Kumbh

India is preparing for the upcoming Kumbh Mela festival in Allahabad which starts from January 15.

A new city is being set up for the Mela, which has 250 kilometre long roads and 22 pontoon bridges which will make it the largest temporary city in the world.

(Photograph:AFP)

Yellow vest

France's 'yellow vest' protesters were back on the streets again on January 5 as a government spokesman denounced those still protesting as hard-liners who wanted only to bring down the government.

More than 84,000 people have turned out for the ninth round of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron since November.

(Photograph:AFP)

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro started a second term on January 10. Supporters, many of whom were public servants, rallied in the centre of Caracas to celebrate the new term.

However, the United States refused to recognize or accept the Maduro 'dictatorship's illegitimate inauguration'.

(Photograph:AFP)

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun

Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun,18, caused a sensation by defying her family and seeking asylum abroad.

She was welcomed by Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland as she arrived at Pearson International airport in Toronto, Ontario, on January 12, 2019. 

(Photograph:AFP)
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US Shutdown

The US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, becoming the longest in history as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds.

(Photograph:AFP)

DR Congo

Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was declared a winner of DR Congo's presidential election, but his victory was dismissed by the runner-up and questioned by the Catholic church clouding the vote's legitimacy and hopes of peace.

(Photograph:AFP)

Snow

A winter storm marched east toward Washington on Saturday, dumping heavy snow on the US Midwest, which caused at least five roadway deaths, stranding some motorists in Missouri and canceling dozens of flights.

(Photograph:Reuters)