Buddhist temple left empty after every monk fails drugs tests

In Myanmar, a Buddhist monk has become a symbol of hope for thousands, who believe him to be an antidote to their “three catastrophes”: the military's ousting of the government, the Covid-19 pandemic and an economy ruined by nearly nine months of unrest.

Around 30 countries, cities and car manufacturers are planning a total shift to emission-free vehicles by 2040. But a number of major automaking countries — including China, the US and Germany — are not on board.

The US is facing criticism over a decision not to target Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman with sanctions, despite the release of an intelligence report showing he approved an operation to murder and dismember the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Yakuza have long been one of the biggest criminal organisations in the world. At the height of their power in the 1960s, the Japanese Yakuza had more than 180,000 members. This Japanese mafia was rich, much feared, and virtually untouchable. But now their numbers, money and power have dwindled. There are only 23,000 Yakuzas left today, and they are older and poorer.

On Tuesday, 18th of January 2022, the Lagos state government announced the introduction of a Consolidated Informal Transport Sector Levy of N800 daily to be paid by each bus driver, saying the initiative, which is to take effect from 1st of February, was to harmonise the taxes paid by transporters to the state government. GuardianTV spoke with the affected drivers and conductors on their thoughts about the levy.

The opposition leader has been behind bars since January 2021 on charges of fraud. The US has described the legal process as a "sham" while human rights groups have decried his treatment in prison.

An orca stranded in the Seine will be euthanized, French officials said, noting that it appeared to be "in critical state of health." Scientists previously tried to lure the animal back into the sea using orca calls.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with counterparts from 10 Pacific nations to discuss a deal that would expand China's influence in the region.

Thirteen Taliban leaders were permitted to travel despite sanctions so that they could meet foreign officials abroad. Russia and China had argued this should be allowed to continue, but other countries disagreed.

At least eight monks including their chief abbots were found positive for methamphetamine during unannounced testing in Phetchabun province on November 28.

Not since 1859, in the build-up to the Civil War, has the House demonstrated such disunity of the Speaker role. Republican Kevin McCarthy is facing increasing pressure to gather the necessary votes or step aside.

The Church will offer blessings to same-sex marriages, but still will not officiate them. The decision was agreed on by elected bishops, clergy and lay people in London.