live from london. this is bbc news. in its final days in office, the biden administration announces almost 300 million dollars of military aid for ukraine. in a world first, australia introduces legislation to ban those under 16 from accessing social media with a hefty fine for companies that fail to police it. we take a look at the documentary emerging as a favourite for the oscars on the life of christopher reeve. and this banana, duct—taped to a wall fetches six million dollars at a new york auction.

hello, i'm sally bundock. the biden administration has announced almost 300 million dollars of new military assistance for ukraine as it bolsters support in its last few weeks in office. the package includes ammunition, missiles, drones and anti—personnel landmines. the latest package from the us comes after confirmation that ukraine has now fired long—range missiles provided by the uk at targets inside russia. earlier this week, ukraine also used us provided long range missiles on targets in russia. here's our security correspondent, gordon corera. the sound, it's thought, of the sound, it's thought, of a british storm shadow missile. a british storm shadow missile. fired by ukraine, fired by ukraine, striking inside russia. there is no official striking inside russia. there is no official confirmation, but the evidence confirmation, but the evidence

points in that direction. points in that direction. so, what do we know? the signs are that it hit in the kursk region here, close to the border. that is within the range of the storm shadow missile. the bbc has also verified videos showing damage from the same area, where there was the sound of the explosions and debris is also said to have been recovered from the area. if you look closely, you can actually see the words storm shadow. but despite all of this, the british government has been tight—lipped. ukraine's action on the battlefield speaks for itself. we, as a nation and a government, are doubling down on our support for ukraine, and determined to do more.

the problem has been that it requires american assistance for targeting, and up until now, that was not forthcoming. but in the last week, the us lifted restrictions on its own missile system, the atacms being used within russia. ukraine immediately began to deploy them. now, storm shadow looks to have been next. all of this is because ukraine has been on the back foot militarily, trying to defend territory it's taken in kursk, and facing a steady russian advance on other fronts. there is a limit to what can be achieved militarily with these. under the big picture is that ukraine still needs to think about its mobilisation, recruitment and training, because the current struggle is actually as much, if not more so come on the eastern front, and the russian forces are certainly grinding their way forwards. another sign that president biden is making a last—minute push to help ukraine has also emerged with confirmation

the us is supplying landmines. these are supposed to help slow down advancing russian soldiers. but even though they can be designed to become nonoperational after a set amount of time, critics worry that they remain a risk to civilians. ukraine already has a huge antipersonnel landmine problem, some 2 million landmines are estimated to be in the country after 1001 days of war. the operations it'll take to clear the mines will take decades. storm shadow deployment looks storm shadow deployment looks to be the latest sign of the uk to be the latest sign of the uk and us are seeking to support and us are seeking to support ukraine at a difficult time. ukraine at a difficult time. but a new incoming us but a new incoming us administration may administration may have different ideas. berkeley, steve fish. have different ideas. and russia is likely and russia is likely to respond. to respond. gordon corera, bbc news. let's speak to professor let's speak to professor of political science, university of california of political science, university of california

berkeley, steve fish. good berkeley, steve fish. to see steve. another $300 million good to see steve. another $300 million worth of military assistance from the us. it is just a day after day that we seem to get more going on as we edge towards a trump presidency?— edge towards a trump residen ? , . , presidency? yes and president biden would _ presidency? yes and president biden would take _ presidency? yes and president biden would take advantage i presidency? yes and president biden would take advantage ofj biden would take advantage of what time he has got left in our office. we have already seen that he lifted the effective ban on using american—made metals in russia itself. he is going to do everything he can but of course rightly, all eyes are on what is going to happen after trump comes to office. trump is known to be an ally of putin. he has always had it with beta—mac. from 2016, when he was running for office, until now, peter —— was the only guy in the world where trump never fails to lavish praise —— —— peter —— was the only guy in the world.

he says not to provoke the war on the part of russia. he is very much b's i lie. what is going to do is to determine how much aid ukraine is going to get from its largest source of support and then we have to look to how the europeans will react? 0r look to how the europeans will react? or the major european powers, especially britain, germany and france? rice the occasion and help replace whatever the united states does not provide that it is now providing. not provide that it is now providing-— not provide that it is now ”rovidin. _ ., providing. some might say that if the war has _ providing. some might say that if the war has ended, _ providing. some might say that if the war has ended, but - providing. some might say that if the war has ended, but to - providing. some might say that if the war has ended, but to an | if the war has ended, but to an abrupt end which is what donald trump is promising, the aid will be more about rebuilding the ukraine. what ukraine might be opposed to any

the ukraine. what ukraine might be oppos ai to any the ukraine. what ukraine might be oppos a ceasefire. there's and then a ceasefire. there's very little chance of that happening. bwill be emboldened by gains if in fact, ukrainians are full to the table with him and forcing make territorial concessions. bhas never been 0k concessions. bhas never been ok with anything resembling —— putin has never been 0k with anything resembling —— putin has never been ok with anything resembling a free unified ukraine. we can be sure that if in fact even though there is a ceasefire, putin will immediately begin rebuilding his army and planning for his third invasion of ukraine or what is left of ukraine. 50 of ukraine or what is left of ukraine-— ukraine. so let's be clear. what you _ ukraine. so let's be clear. what you are _ ukraine. so let's be clear. what you are saying - ukraine. so let's be clear. what you are saying is - ukraine. so let's be clear. | what you are saying is that actually, this war will not be brought to an end quickly despite donald trump's promises because it bwill not agree to some sort of territorial deal —— michael putin will not agree to some sort of territorial deal? i5

to some sort of territorial deal? , ~ , ., deal? is likely. he will want to make _ deal? is likely. he will want to make a _ deal? is likely. he will want to make a trump _ deal? is likely. he will want to make a trump racket - deal? is likely. he will want l to make a trump racket looks good because trump is guy in this the united states. he may act like he is satisfied with the game that he has made so far. in the longer run, and i mean even in the next five years, i see very little chance that putin will honour an agreement that will be about not applying pressure on ukraine. it always be about ukraine. it always be about ukraine membership in nato and bhas made it clear that he will not accept that under president trump has made it clear that he does not like the eddie eva —— my —— will not accept that. thank you so much. hospital officials in northern gaza say many people have been killed in the latest israeli air strikes. at least five buildings in beit lahiya and gaza city were hit early on thursday morning. the israeli military made no immediate comment. it's intensified its offensive in northern gaza in recent

weeks, it says to prevent hamas from regrouping. it comes as the us blocked a un security council resolution on wednesday that demanded an �*unconditional and immediate' ceasefire in gaza. the us says it cannot agree to an unconditional ceasefire that is not linked to the immediate release of hostages. 0ur north america correspondent nada tawfik sent this update. this is the fourth time that the united states has blocked a gaza resolution during this conflict, using its veto power to shield its ally, israel. now, un officials have been sounding the alarm about the catastrophe in gaza for more than a year, but have stepped up the warnings that the conditions are not fit for survival in gaza right now, and that the world was witnessing the gravest of international crimes. the elected ten members of the council put forward this resolution, saying that in light of the rapidly increasing death toll, the widespread injury, destruction and forced displacement in gaza, that they felt the bare minimum that was needed was for the council to call for that unconditional, immediate and permanent ceasefire. now, council members had tough words for the united states exercising its veto.

algeria said it sent a clear message to israel that it could continue its genocide and ethnic cleansing with impunity, and that it sent a message to palestinians that while the majority of the world stands in solidarity with them, that there are others that are indifferent to their suffering. china said that it's hard to imagine that today's vote will escape the harsh judgment of history, and france and the uk said they voted in favour of the resolution to be clear on their position to end the conflict, to end the suffering in gaza and to have all the hostages released. let's head to australia now. australia has introduced legislation to ban those under sixteen years of age from accessing social media. the communications minister told parliament it was

a world—first bill that would protect young people at a critical stage in their development. apps like instagram and tiktok will be made to ensure compliance and will be fined if they fail. here's australia's communications minister. there is a wide acknowledgement that something must be done in the immediate turn to help prevent young teens and children to being exposed to streams of content unfiltered and infinite. it is the right thing to do, for the right reason, at the right time. let's speak to our sydney correspondent katy watson. katie, this is a world first, conjuration and i would imagine many are watching this and how this plays out?— this plays out? absolutely. talkin: this plays out? absolutely. talking to _ this plays out? absolutely. talking to the _ this plays out? absolutely. talking to the average - this plays out? absolutely. i talking to the average parent in australia, they obviously see this as a great thing because it means that they can blame the government when the children want to get online. speaking to experts, there are a lot of questions over how is

likely this will work and an accusation from one young influenza is that this is old people wanted to make rules for young people who know nothing about what is the reality is —— an accusation from one young influence. they do not understand it as opposed to banning it. that has been the biggest criticism of the 30 from this legislation that is going to be debated in parliament next week. the real issue with _ parliament next week. the real issue with this, _ parliament next week. the real issue with this, with _ parliament next week. the real issue with this, with any - parliament next week. the real issue with this, with any of - issue with this, with any of these technologies is how you do you police it? how will it work in australia are in terms of making sure that the big tech companies adhere to this law? ,, ., , tech companies adhere to this law? , ., ., , law? so, it is going to be... the debate _ law? so, it is going to be... the debate is _ law? so, it is going to be... the debate is next - law? so, it is going to be... the debate is next week - law? so, it is going to be... | the debate is next week and when it becomes law, there will be at least 12 hours in which internet regulators will welcome companies to come up with a way to make sure that younger people do not get

access to these apps and that could be a revocation and there's lots of discussion about that and research on into how whites the best options are into how age verification works. that is what a lot of people are asking, how exactly is going to work? everyone is going to upload documents to prove how odd they are? is it facial recognition? at the moment, it is a framework, the legislation it is not written down or concrete. even once these 12 months are up, if they 12 are up, if they need more time, they might be these 12 months are up, if they need more time, they might be able to get it and it will be able to get it and it will be review of this legislation. it review of this legislation. it is a very fluid piece of is a very fluid piece of legislation, no doubt a comment legislation, no doubt a comment just to try and understand how just to try and understand how best to make sure that the best to make sure that the under 16 is yet to get access under 16 is yet to get access to these apps. it is to these apps. it is interesting because in many interesting because in many countries around the world, countries around the world, they are looking at what they they are looking at what they

can do when it comes to social can do when it comes to social media and teenagers and young people. in media and teenagers and young --eole. , people. in the uk, these conversations _ people. in the uk, these conversations among - people. in the uk, these i conversations among many people. in the uk, these - conversations among many people who are seen within education talking about a complete banner for teenagers. talking about a complete banner for teenagers— for teenagers. one of the big issues and — for teenagers. one of the big issues and discussions - for teenagers. one of the big issues and discussions is - for teenagers. one of the bigj issues and discussions is that it 16 at the right age? it is totally in the legislation, there was be 18 or younger. i think at any age, putting on this ban, it is going to be controversial. the fact that the opposition said that they support this ban. 0verall,

the chair of the us house of representatives ethics committee says there's been no agreement over the release of its report into allegations of sexual misconduct by matt gaetz who is donald trump's controversial nominee for attorney general. matt gaetz must be approved by the senate to take up the role leading the us department ofjustice. he's denied all wrongdoing. meanwhile, many have been talking about the latest nominees selected by mr trump tojoin him in the white house when he takes office. two uncoventional ones are the billionaire professional wrestling mogul, linda mcmahon, as his education secretary and a renowned heart surgeon with a long tv career but no government experience called mehmet oz for a key role in health.

both are loyal trump supporters. 0ur north america correspondent, john sudworth, reports from washington. linda mcmahon. meet america's new education secretary. at least she will be if congress approves. linda mcmahon was once a media mogul in the multi—billion dollar and often make—believe world of wrestling. no more holiday weight gain for anyone. oh, what a great gift. then there's mehmet oz, once a celebrity tv doctor and donald trump's choice for an important healthcare post. something of a theme is emerging in mr trump's picks loyal supporters with little government experience in their assigned briefs, but with big media profiles like elon musk, but with big media profiles like elon musk, his new efficiency tsar. in congress, republicans are gearing up for a fight. we've got a process, as you know, and we're going to follow it, and we're going to have a full hearing in front of god and country, and we're going to vet

all the nominees, notjust congressman gaetz, and we're going to give them a chance to lay out their plans for the american people and for president trump. matt gaetz, mr trump's choice for attorney general, has been the subject of a congressional ethics inquiry over claims he had sex with an underage girl. donald trump is preparing to govern in the same way that he campaigns controversial, norm norm—breaking, unorthodox. this is a transition taking place amid intense press scrutiny and political intrigue, which, for a master of media manipulation, is, of course, part of the point. jd vance, the vice president—elect, has been on capitol hill helping to persuade

republicans to back mr. gaetz. democrats hope some might yet refuse. do you get a sense that some of them may take a stand over mr. gaetz? i hope they will. mr trump promised a different kind of government. are you reconsidering the nomination of matt gaetz? no. his appointments so far suggest he intends to deliver. a highly critical report by the charity commission has said the family of captain sir tom moore received almost £1.5 million from a book deal, but repeatedly refused to give any of it to the foundation set up in his name. the war veteran raised money for the nhs during lockdown by walking laps of his garden. here's our investigations correspondentjoe pike. he was an international he was an international fundraising sensation who provided hope at fundraising sensation who provided hope at the height of the pandemic. the height of the pandemic. happy birthday, happy birthday, captain tom, daddy, grandpa. captain tom, daddy, grandpa. it and also because of and by his side throughout, and by his side throughout, the daughter we now the daughter we now know financially benefited know financially benefited from the captain tom foundation, including from the captain tom foundation, including with a publishing with a publishing dealfor three books. dealfor three books. there was a £1.11 million there was a £1.11 million

book deal where, book deal where, because of the marketing around because of the marketing around it and also because of captain sir tom's own words in the foreword, the public would have expected some of that money to go to charity, and it didn't. it went directly to the ingram moores. what is your message to the ingram moores? follow through on the commitment that was made, and donate a substantial amount to the charity. i'm delighted to be here at ashton vale club for young people to give them the third virgin media 02 captain tom foundation connector award. the regulator also criticised hannah ingram—moore for earning

of the charity, was, the regulator said, misconduct or mismanagement or both. this report is damning. the figures involved are eye watering and we understand he captain, tom charity, is now considering taking legal action against the family to try and recover some of that money. the ingram moores have said the charity commission has treated them unfairly. the process was unjust and excessive and the regulator had a predetermined agenda. the astonishing £39 million captain sir tom moore raised all went to charity, but the actions of his family seem to have tarnished that legacy. joe pike, bbc news. a documentary from a largely british a documentary from a largely british filmmaking team on the life filmmaking team on the life of christopher reeve, of christopher reeve, the actor who portrayed the actor who portrayed superman, is emerging superman, is emerging as a favourite in the as a favourite in the looming 0scars race. reeve was one of hollywood s looming 0scars race. reeve was one of hollywood s biggest stars four decades ago biggest stars four decades ago but in 1995, he was paralyzed but in 1995, he was paralyzed from the neck down after from the neck down after a horse riding accident. a horse riding accident.

from new york, tom brook reports. the documentary shows how christopher reeve rose to global fame, starting with the first of four superman films in 1978. it goes behind the scenes, it shows his screen test for the role, and we hearfrom the men who made the decision to cast him. the idea came...

they don't dare to go they're depressed. they feel very negative. the film's british co—director, peter ettedgui, has been in the us this week screening his documentary for awards groups. he hopes it shows how effective reeve was as an advocate for people with spinal cord injuries. when he realised he could harness his reputation as superman, which was still loomed in the public imagination all over the world. he could harness that, um, to make real progress for people with disabilities, and particularly people suffering from spinal cord injuries such as his own. christopher reeve died in 200a. tragically, his wife dana died

from cancer 17 months later. the documentary is an attempt to clarify reeve's legacy as a man who could hardly have responded better to adversity in the wake of his horse riding accident. the important part of his legacy is about how you incorporate adversity in your in your everyday life. you know, and i think what happened with christopher is that as he said, you know, um, in he became a better father and i think a better human— being in many ways, to his wife, to his children and, you know, that's a rather extraordinary sort of like part of his personal legacy, i think. the film has already tied in first place at the critics choice documentary awards, but it faces stiff competition in the oscars race because several strong documentaries are vying for an academy award nomination. but whatever happens, this documentary serves as a thoughtful and affectionate portrait of a man who had a big impact on his fans, family,

show business colleagues and people with disabilities. tom brook, bbc news, new york. now you might remember the piece of artwork which was a banana duct—taped to wall which caused a buzz in the art world. it's now been sold at auction in new york for more than 6 million dollars. let's have a listen to the auction as it goes to the record breaking price. at $5 million. don't miss this opportunity. it's going to go and it's going to go fast. at $5 million. here it is. are you bidding, madam? at $5 million for the banana. here it is. only at sotheby�*s. these are words i never thought i'd say. $5 million for a banana. it's your expensive banana, and the hammer is coming up. this is it. final time. carly. don't let it slip away.

would you believe it? it's bananas! i will be back with the bases news next. hello. 0ur cold weather is going to hang around for another few days yet, and that means the prospects for some of you of seeing some more snowfall. not that you need any more of that here in aberdeenshire. the snow already lying thick on the ground with low pressure though moving into scotland. that snow is going to get heavier over the next few hours. this area of low pressure diving into france, well, that's going to have some snow on its northern edge as well. as we look at the details into thursday, 5 to 10cm of snow then possible into parts of northern and western scotland, 20 over the hills here, little line of snow showers coming in off the irish sea, working across parts of cheshire. greater manchester, very localised, but you could see a centimetre or two there. otherwise a widespread frost and icy conditions to start the day on thursday. now it looks like we'll have 2 to 5cm of snow building in over the high ground of south west england, potentially causing

a few issues on the roads. there is a chance that some of that snowfall could reach into the south downs of south east england, so you might even see an odd centimetre or two here to start the day on thursday. away from that, this zone of persistent snow showers will work southwards across scotland. showers increasing in northern ireland, the northwest of both england and wales later in the day. probably coming through as a bit of a mix. yes, there will be some sleet and snow equally around coastal areas. you might find a bit of rain mixed in at times. it will be another cold day friday. another cold one, frosty and icy to start off with. fewer showers this time across northern scotland as pressure begins to rise. we'll continue to feed in those showers down the irish sea, and they will work into the northwest of both england and wales again, coming through as a bit of a mixture, really. a bit of rain, a bit of sleet and maybe a few flurries of snow. temperatures still well below average. but then into the weekend we get this powerful area of low pressure moving in off the atlantic, bringing some problems to the uk. 0k, there's going to be some strong winds working through the irish sea. gusts 60 to 70 odd miles an hour. heavy rain that could cause some localised flooding. and then there's the risk of

this hill snow across northern england and scotland. highest hills 20 to 40cm. but the snow coming down so heavily, it might not be possible to keep some of those higher level routes open. and because the snow is going to be coming down in big, wet, sticky flakes, better chance of it sticking to power cables, and they could be brought down under the weight of snow. so there may well be some power cuts around this weekend as well.

adani charged forfraud — the indian billionaire is indicted in the us over an alleged multi—million—dollar bribery scheme. the ai boom continues — nvidia's profits almost double, as demand for chips keeps growing. crackdown on remote working and mass firings — elon musk and vivek ramaswamy reveal their vision for donald trump's department of government efficiency. also on the programme — crisis talks at vw. the german auto giant will meet with unions, in a bid to avoid closing three factories. and... the economics of beauty — can being physically attractive earn you more money? we discuss the controversial study of pulchronomics.