Today's best photos: from the Dakar rally to protests in Brazil

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

Audi's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz and Spanish co-driver Lucas Cruz compete during Stage 8 of the Dakar 2023 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 8, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Lightning strikes over Rutenberg power station in Ashkelon, Israel. Reuters

Women wear kimonos to a gathering for 20 year olds in Yokohama, Japan. Getty Images

People get ready to eat at a floating cafe in Nakhon Pathom, west of the Thai capital Bangkok. AFP

Catholic devotees pray as they take part in the Feast of the Black Nazarene at Quirino Grandstand, Manila. Getty Images

A Ukrainian helicopter fires at Russian positions in Kherson. AP

Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (25) prays for Damar Hamlin before an NFL game against New England Patriots at Orchard Park, New York. Hamlin is in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest in the Bills' previous match. AP

A fallen tree after a winter storm in Sacramento, California. Reuters

An activist demonstrates at Luetzerath, a village about to be demolished to allow for the expansion of the Garzweiler open-cast lignite mine in north-western Germany. Reuters

People attend a vigil in Toronto, marking the third anniversary of the doomed flight PS752, which was shot down by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shortly after take-off, killing all 176 people on board. AP

A flock grazing near solar panel rows at a farm near Moshav Haspin in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, near the border with Syria. AFP

People cross railway tracks in heavy fog in a wintry New Delhi. Reuters

Tourists in Basra take photos with Sinbad the Sailor, chosen as this year's Gulf Cup mascot. Reuters

Supporters of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro demonstrate outside Congress in Brasilia. Reuters

More from The National:

Sunday's best photos: from a pilgrimage in South Africa to China's travel rush

Saturday's best photos, from skiing in Austria to surfers at Golden Gate Bridge - in pictures

Friday's best photos: from balancing firefighters to cricket in the rain

Thursday's best photos: from bluefin tuna to a ride on the Elvis Express train

Wednesday's best photos: from a viewing deck in Dubai to beams of light in Russia

Tuesday's best photos: from snow-free meadows in Austria to sunset at Al Hudayriat Island