this is bbc news, the headlines. high stakes in the us — as the supreme court hears an unprecedented case — whether to kick donald trump off the 2024 presidential ballot. polls close in pakistan, after millions vote in general and provincial elections. a new study suggests erectile dysfunction drugs could also reduce the risk of alzheimer's disease. the biggest mass migration in the world is under way in china as millions of people head home

for new year with their families. sport and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre. first to the news that uefa president alexander ceferin has made the surprise decision to step down in three years�* time. at the annual congress on thursday, a motion was passed that allowed him to stand for a fourth term — the english fa voted against that, by the way, but he says he made the decision six months ago. i have decided, let's say around six months ago, that i am not planning to run in 2027 any more. the reason is that after some time, every organisation needs fresh, but mainly because i was away from my family for seven years now and i will be away from them

for three more until 27. i actually didn't want to disclose my thoughts before. first, i wanted to see the real face of some people and i saw it. i saw good and bad parts. and of course, i didn't want to influence the congress. the ukrainian olympic committee has written to the international olympic committee asking them to pay special attention to russian athletes who they claim support what they call "russian aggression". the uoc has provided what it believes is evidence of athletes taking part in rallies and expressing support for the conflict on social media. russian olympians must compete as neutrals in paris and meet certain criteria, which includes not showing support for the war in ukraine. and the sportpeople who are in paris will be competing for these. the medals have been revealed today — each contains polished iron from the eiffel tower. more than 5,000 will be made for the olympics and paralympics games.

to fi next and silverstone has extended its deal to stage the british grand prix until 203a. its previous deal expired this year but the 10—year extension puts it on par with circuits in austria, canada and australia in commiting long term to formula one well into the next decade. for the first time in more than four years, england have named an unchanged side for their six nations clash with wales this weekend. joe marler will win his 90th cap. the only change to the squad sees prop ellis genge return from a foot injury to replace beno obana on the bench. scotland have made three changes for the visit of france to murrayfield. all in the forwards. co—captain rory darge has recovered from a knee injury to start in the back row. jamie richie drops out of the squad entirely. injuries also see grant gilchirst and jack dempsey recalled. hundreds of thousands of fans are descending on las vegas this weekend for american football's showpiece event between san francisco 49ers and kansas city chiefs. want to know more about the super bowl? here's nesta mcgregor.

the super bowl is here again and for the first time ever, it is in las vegas. what can we expect? heroes super bowl lviii and 58 seconds. as for the san francisco 49ers, they are being led by quarterback nick named mr irrelevant. he was picked last in the 2022 nfl draft. the chances he would even make the team was slim and now he is on the brink of super bowl immortality. it is all happening at the second most expensive stadium in the world, the allegiant stadium. obviously, tickets aren't cheap and most are selling for around £5,000. these aren't bad seats, check out the view lexmark this year, the half time

show will be performed by usher, with expected global audience of over 50 million people watching. so thatisit over 50 million people watching. so that is it in under a minute. i wonder what else there is to do in vegas? i am sure he has got a few options. that is all your sports and now. let's return to our main story, an unprecedented session of the us supreme court, which is hearing arguments as to why donald trump should be allowed to run for president. jonathan mitchell is the lawyer representing mr trump. he has begun putting forward his position on why the former president cannot be disqualified. he argued that the president is not "an officer of the united states" and therefore section three of the 14th amendment cannot apply to him.

section three amendment of the 14th amendment says that any member of congress or officer of the united states who takes an oath to protect the constitution cannot hold office, so that is a section that this lawyer is referring to. mr mitchell argued that only congress can for section three. and only by removing a candidate after they had been elected and not by removing them from the ballot before an election. take a listen... the intention would be that you have the exact same actor, but you are saying that only that actor can put the disqualification into effect in the disqualification into effect in the first place.— the first place. that is some of their live proceedings. - the first place. that is some of their live proceedings. let's i the first place. that is some of l their live proceedings. let's hear that opening defence from donald trump's lawyer. the that opening defence from donald trump's lawyer-— trump's lawyer. the decision is wronu trump's lawyer. the decision is wrong and _

trump's lawyer. the decision is wrong and should _ trump's lawyer. the decision is wrong and should be _ trump's lawyer. the decision is wrong and should be reversed. trump's lawyer. the decision is l wrong and should be reversed for numerous independent raisins. the first reason is that president tran was not covered by section three because the president is not an officer of the united states as that term is used throughout the constitution. officer of the united states refers only to appointed officials and it does not encompass elected individuals such as the president or members of congress. this is clearfrom president or members of congress. this is clear from the commissions clause, the impeachment clause and the appointments clause. each of which uses officer at the united states to refer only to appointed are not elected officials. the second reason is that section three cannot be used to exclude a presidential candidate from the ballot, even if that candidate is this qualify from service as president under section three. it has congress can lift that disability after the candidate is elected but before he takes office. that was the opening of the defence.

let me just take you through what some of the response has been in the last little while to that opening. history proves a lot to me and my colleagues and there are lot of examples relying on section three to disqualify the state offices. just the initial response we got to that opening of the defence. as you can see, that audio is still coming in so we will continue to listen and continue to bring you the significant moments. let's get more from pakistan. the polls have just closed after an election campaign marred by violence. authorities cut mobile services citing deteriorating security. the election comes almost two years since the previous prime minister, former cricketer imran khan, was ousted in a no—confidence vote.

joining me now live from islamabad is maleeha lodi — former permanent representative of pakistan to the united nations. thank you so much forjoining us here on the programme. just give me your assessment of how important this set of elections is the pakistan?— this set of elections is the pakistan? , , .,~ , ., �*, this set of elections is the pakistan? , , .,~ , ., pakistan? this is pakistan's 12th general pakistan? this is pakistan's12th general election _ pakistan? this is pakistan's12th general election and _ pakistan? this is pakistan's12th general election and it - pakistan? this is pakistan's12th general election and it comes i pakistan? this is pakistan's12thj general election and it comes at pakistan? this is pakistan's12th l general election and it comes at a time when pakistan is faced with what we call a poly crisis, which means several multiple challenges, especially the economic challenge. pakistan is faced with the worst economic crisis in its history so i think there is a very heavy and imposing a gender waiting for the new government, once the election results coming and the government is formed. i think because pakistan has also faced a great deal of political instability in recent years, people here obviously would like this election to deliver a government

that can establish economic stability because on that would depend its ability to resolve or address is economic crisis. people here are suffering from a cost of living crisis, a lot different from elsewhere in the world, but still, the economic plight of people means that the new government would need to start off by really tackling what matters most to voters which is the economy. 50 matters most to voters which is the econom . ., , ., , economy. so that is internally in pakistan. how _ economy. so that is internally in pakistan. how do _ economy. so that is internally in pakistan. how do you _ economy. so that is internally in pakistan. how do you think - economy. so that is internally in | pakistan. how do you think these elections are being viewed internationally and regionally? i think pakistan's friends, as well as the rest of the international community, would like to see pakistan re—establish stability, domestic stability, so that it is able to then continue to focus on important foreign policy issues because clearly, domestic preoccupations have been more pressing for the country, which doesn't mean that it hasn't engaged

in relations, especially in the neighbourhood but it does mean that political stability remains the most important foundation for the country's ability to have stable relations with its friends and its allies. , , . , . relations with its friends and its allies. , ., ., allies. just as the final thought, the influence _ allies. just as the final thought, the influence of _ allies. just as the final thought, the influence of the _ allies. just as the final thought, the influence of the army - allies. just as the final thought, l the influence of the army remains allies. just as the final thought, - the influence of the army remains as strong as it has for decades for generations. is that the real centre of power in pakistan and why our politics in pakistan so unstable over the years? i politics in pakistan so unstable over the years?— politics in pakistan so unstable over the years? politics in pakistan so unstable overthe ears? ~ . ., ., over the years? i think much of that has to do with _ over the years? i think much of that has to do with the _ over the years? i think much of that has to do with the fact _ over the years? i think much of that has to do with the fact that - has to do with the fact that political leaders themselves have really shown no tolerance for each other and therefore the sense of confrontation and polarisation in the country has just open more space for the military to exercise influence. the military has a ways

been an influential actor in pakistan but i think we also have to see that people generally would like democracy to work in pakistan. pakistan is after all the world's fifth largest democracy and so people do want an effective democracy because they also think that with good governments, the role of the military will be circumscribed.- of the military will be circumscribed. ., ~ , ., ., of the military will be circumscribed. ., ., circumscribed. thank you for your time. circumscribed. thank you for your time- let's _ circumscribed. thank you for your time. let's cross _ circumscribed. thank you for your time. let's cross to _ circumscribed. thank you for your time. let's cross to the _ circumscribed. thank you for your time. let's cross to the latest - circumscribed. thank you for your | time. let's cross to the latest from the middle east in gaza. as the fighting in gaza continues — and a new round of negotiations due to start later in cairo, sponsored by egypt and qatar — the us secretary of state has said hamas's proposals leave a window open for a truce. antony blinken has been touring the region, where he met the palestinian leader mahmoud abbas. as well as israeli leaders yesterday. live now to our middle east correspondent, barbara plett usher injerusalem.

antony blinken says there are still against the windows open. benjamin netanyahu against the windows open. benjamin neta nyahu yesterday against the windows open. benjamin netanyahu yesterday said how the crazy hamas demands, he used that word twice. so where are we in this latest efforts to get another ceasefire deal, hostage deal? you are riuht. ceasefire deal, hostage deal? i'm, are right. benjamin netanyahu was very defined and he sounded very categorical or un—categorical as he dismissed the hamas suggestions, the amendments or terms that hamas had made to an existing ceasefire proposal. he called them crazy or delusional and i think he was by and large referring to hamas's demands master any ceasefire would amount to eventually the israelis pulling out of gaza and freeing a lot of palestinian prisoners and mr netanyahu's was very clear that they were not accept any deal that would leave hamas in control of gaza. there are other israeli officials

who have been a little more but more temperament in their response and waiting to see whether this is hamas's opening gambit and whether further negotiation can bring the two sides to a point where they can at least agree on a first phase of the hostage deal, deal which will allow the release of remaining hostages, some palestinian prisoners and a huge upsurge in aid into gaza. egypt and qatar are hosting hamas, because that is involved also in continuing the discussion is about these proposals and they will indirectly then also be conveyed this to the israelis to see if there is some space to work for an agreement and as you mention, mr blinken did say that he felt that some of hamas's proposals were nonstarters, in his words, and that they would pursue a deal. the need

is great because of the desperate humanitarian situation in gaza at the moment. in humanitarian situation in gaza at the moment-— humanitarian situation in gaza at the moment. , ., ., the moment. in terms of that point on the ground _ the moment. in terms of that point on the ground because _ the moment. in terms of that point on the ground because the - the moment. in terms of that point on the ground because the israeli l on the ground because the israeli prime minister signalling yesterday that he had given the order at some stage to go ahead to launch the assaults and the military operation around rafah. it is a real prospect, isn't it? ., ., around rafah. it is a real prospect, isn't it? . ., , around rafah. it is a real prospect, isn't it? . . , ., ., isn't it? the alarm is real from the un and humanitarian _ isn't it? the alarm is real from the un and humanitarian workers - isn't it? the alarm is real from the un and humanitarian workers and| isn't it? the alarm is real from the - un and humanitarian workers and from gazans who are in rafah which is the southernmost town in gaza. there have been many orders third palestinians evacuate cities as israeli combat operation moves south into the cities and they are fighting hamas fighters. about two thirds of gaza has received evacuation orders and a lot of those people have ended up in rafah. a million people have descended on

rafah census was started so the prospect of that combat advancing into rafah has people worried about what will happen to all these refugees, where will they go? will they go back to areas where the army has been a smack there are a lot of unanswered questions there. benjamin netanyahu said they would follow international law, they will give civilians a chance to get out of harm's way. it is not entirely clear how that would happen and the americans have also said that when they talk israelis about these combat operations, they always say they must be space for civilian evacuation, there must be time and something reasonable for them to follow. but this is coming at a time when there is a massive humanitarian crisis anyway, which is concentrated along the border as i said, but otherwise, issues of getting humanitarian aid through rafah, from

egypt, there are a lot of conversations about that phase. they are saying they are battling hamas in khan younis, that has been very much a base for the militants and they are continuing to kill them there and they are going out of the leadership but ultimately, they say they will have to go into rafah to continue to pursue hamas. thanks a lot for that- — continue to pursue hamas. thanks a lot for that. here _ continue to pursue hamas. thanks a lot for that. here in _ continue to pursue hamas. thanks a lot for that. here in the _ continue to pursue hamas. thanks a lot for that. here in the programme | lot for that. here in the programme in around 20 minutes' time, we will be speaking to the russian anti—war campaigner, the opposition politician he says he he has been banned from running in next month's election against president putin. he was suspicious a few weeks ago that they would stop him. today, they have stopped him so we will talk live to him on the programme in about 15 or 20 minutes' time. around the world and across the uk, you are watching bbc news.

african white backed vultures have declined by 90% in number in parts of africa. jake has been part of an asset to move them. and so has his dad graham, who has been running this park for nearly 30 years. the? this park for nearly 30 years. they have 'ust this park for nearly 30 years. they have just got _ this park for nearly 30 years. iie: have just got something about this park for nearly 30 years. "ii21 have just got something about them. they are unusual but so many things that are unusual are beautiful. the? that are unusual are beautiful. they have both been _ that are unusual are beautiful. they have both been part _ that are unusual are beautiful. they have both been part of— that are unusual are beautiful. they have both been part of an effort to move 163 vultures, including white backs, from one part of south africa to another. we backs, from one part of south africa to another-— to another. we thought it was our du to to another. we thought it was our duty to do — to another. we thought it was our duty to do it _ to another. we thought it was our duty to do it because _ to another. we thought it was our duty to do it because we - to another. we thought it was our duty to do it because we love - to another. we thought it was our duty to do it because we love the | duty to do it because we love the birds _ duty to do it because we love the birds so — duty to do it because we love the birds so much and we don't want anything. — birds so much and we don't want anything, anything we can get involved — anything, anything we can get involved with, there is no hesitation.— involved with, there is no hesitation. , , ., ., hesitation. these birds are a vital art of hesitation. these birds are a vital part of the _ hesitation. these birds are a vital part of the ecosystem _ hesitation. these birds are a vital part of the ecosystem in - hesitation. these birds are a vital part of the ecosystem in africa. l

you're live with bbc news. men who take drugs for erectile dysfunction, such as viagra, may reduce their risk of alzheimer's disease, a study suggests. research found that those taking the drugs were 18% less likely to develop the dementia—causing condition. but more research is needed to prove that the drugs are causing the effect. the lead author behind the study, dr ruth brauer — lecturer at university college london's school of pharmacy — explained how this research came about. the background to this study is that we were aware of animal studies showing a potential protective effect of pde5 inhibitors on the risk of alzheimer's disease. we were aware of us colleagues doing studies on this topic, but they were not able to follow people for a long period of time. so we decided to use uk healthcare

data, historic uk health care data to follow a group of men with erectile dysfunction diagnosed by their gp and to see if the man who received viagra and other pde5 inhibitors had a different chance of developing alzheimer's disease. we found that over five years, there were on average more men in the group that used viagra and other drugs, viagra and other drugs, had smaller chance, an 18% smaller chance of alzheimer's disease. it is a preventative effect. we can't really say there was a causal effect. and we are recommending that clinical trial units across the world maybe look into pde5 inhibitors as a repurposing drug so it could potentially be repurposed for alzheimer's disease. in order to do this, we need randomised controlled trials. so these are clinical studies in which have the group received a placebo and the other half receives drugs such as pde5 inhibitors.

really important would be to extend the use in groups. so as i mentioned, the group of people we did the study on were men with erectile dysfunction. what we would like to see, does this effect also occur in women and in men without erectile dysfunction? the biggest mass migration in the world is under way in china, with millions of people heading to their home towns to celebrate lunar new year with their families. this is the year of the dragon, which is said to be a symbol of power, and this year is forecast to be one of economic challenges in china. the economy is still struggling to rebound after strict covid lockdowns. some new year wishes need spiritual intervention. many young people in beijing come to the lama temple to pray for a job. a slowing economy means millions of graduates are out of work. this dragon year they are clinging to the hope that will change, as well as dressing up

for the occasion. translation: the economy has been sluggish. _ you need to have good ideas and back yourself. but praying to the buddha and the burning incense, that will also help. all: happy new year. even the very young have theirfuture in mind. "i want to get top marks in my exams every time," says this ten—year—old. at beijing train station families are bundled up and loaded up for the long journey back to their home towns it and with good reason. the sun may be shining in the capital but heavy snow and ice brought some highways in the south of china to a standstill. thousands were stranded in their cars, dozens of trains were delayed or suspended, and passengers were stuck at wuhan station for hours.

these ladies have a long journey north to see their 90—year—old mum and they are doing all they can to ensure this year is lucky. translation: l was born - in the dragon year so this year i have bought red clothes and red pants for a prosperous and thriving new year. i hope everyone has a safe new year and you all get money in your pockets. those left in beijing settle in to their celebrations. traditional costumes have become popular with young people, along with this one new year wish. "money, big money," she says. whatever their dreams for the future, this week is for food and for family and for many this will be their first new year together since the start of the pandemic and they are determined to savour it. laura bicker, bbc news, beijing.

we are back in a moment or two in washington at the supreme court because arguments currently being heard, it is an unprecedented case there, supreme courtjudges are looking at a case that potentially could bart donald trump from being able to stand in the 2024 election. that is what it is all about. we have had about 60 minutes of the argument so far. another 20 expected. we are expected to hear from donald trump in the next hour. we are also going to be talking to the anti—war campaigner boris nadezhdin. he was hoping to stand against vladimir putin but today he has been blocked and he will speak to us live in a few minutes' time. stay with us. hello, thanks forjoining me. the weather's been so unpleasant for many of us today.

heavy rain, a really dismal picture out there and, of course, we've had the snow across the hills of northern ireland. it's been snowing across northern parts of wales, northern england, too, and into southern scotland. this is the radarfrom earlier on, but it is mostly hill snow, at least where it's falling heaviest, but not exclusively. we've had a wet covering of snow on lower ground as well. but let's focus on the amber warnings from the met office valid for this afternoon across northern parts of wales and into this evening across the pennines. so some of the higher routes could get as much as 25 centimetres of snow. the transpennine routes could be very tricky, so take it steady during the rush hour. on top of that, we've got some quite strong winds blowing out of the east and this is the picture around 4:00 in the afternoon. temperatures just a couple of degrees above freezing here. but to the south, much milder, 12 in london, similar values there. but it's the rain in the south that's causing the problems. it could bring around 45 millimetres as this next weather front moves

into parts of england and wales. now, the night is going to be quite a messy picture, particularly in the north, a mixture of rain, sleet and some snow temperatures in bigger towns and cities around two or three degrees, further south a lot milder. and then i think as we head through friday, what's left of that wintry weather really does transfer further north. but there could be some significant snowfalls across the scottish hills, particularly central and eastern parts of scotland, rain in the north—east of england and then to the south we're talking about extensive cloud, showers, some of them heavy. but mild, 12 in plymouth, 13 in london, around 11 in hull. and then it's much colder as you get into the north of scotland. so this is where the colder air is sitting. you can see hints of wintry weather there to the south of that. it's much milder into friday night and into saturday. and the low pressure is still with us for the weekend. but i think the areas of cloud a little more broken, so perhaps some sunshine coming through, but at times heavy showers are expected as well. and the outlook, is

it going to be mild? is it going to be cold? well, it does look as though it's going to stay on the mild side. the weather could be settling down as we head into tuesday. bye— bye.

live from london, this is bbc news.

high stakes in the us as the supreme court hears a case of whether or not to keep donald trump off the 2024 presidential ballot. the anti—war candidate planning to challenge vladimir putin is blocked from standing in russia's presidential election. boris nadezhdinjoins us live on today's programme. vote counting begins in the pakistan election after a campaign marred by violence. in the uk, the labour opposition ditches its multi—billion pound green policy on the day the eu releases another worrying climate report. and it's at it again — volcano in iceland erupts for the third time since december. welcome to the show.