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The British Solving Championship: An Opportunity for Chess Enthusiasts This week’s puzzle is a chance to enter an annual national competition in which Guardian readers ­traditionally perform well and in ­considerable numbers. White in the diagram, ­playing as usual up the board, is to play and checkmate in two moves, against any black defence. The Event Details The puzzle is the first stage of the annual Winton British Solving Championship, organised by the British Chess Problem Society and sponsored by the investment ­managers ­Winton. This competition is only open to ­British ­residents and entry is free. To take part, simply send White’s first move by post to Nigel Dennis, Boundary House, 230 Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1QY, or by email to [email protected]. Entry Requirements and Deadline All entries must be postmarked or emailed no later than 31 July 2026. Entrants must provide their name and home address. Juniors under 18 on 31 August 2025 must also give their date of birth. The Competition Structure The best 15-20 players from the postal round, plus the best juniors, will be invited to the final at Harrow school on Saturday 13 February 2027, where the prize money is expected to be at least £1,600. The winner of the final will have the right to represent Great Britain at the 2027 world ­solving championships, an event where GB are often medal contenders. A Note on Chess and Professionals Back in the 1950s most top English players were amateurs, often civil servants or teachers, who competed in tournaments during their vacations. After the 1970s Fischer boom and English successes brought an influx of sponsors, chess professionals could earn a decent living, but the tide turned again during the 1990s. The breakup of the Soviet Union brought harder international competition, while Nigel Short’s world title defeat and the move to screen rather than print marketing drove sponsors away. A New Grandmaster: Harry Grieve Harry Grieve became England’s latest grandmaster on Tuesday when the 25-year-old, who was British champion in 2022 and helped CSC/Kingston finish second in this season’s UK 4NCL League, won first prize in Budapest with a 7/9 total.

The Unconventional Auction Artists Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn are auctioning off their work from the past decade and a half to help fund a community-led renewable power station in Nigel Farage's Clacton constituency. The big-ticket item going under the hammer will be the remnants of a gold Ford Transit van containing £1.2m in fake banknotes that the pair blew up in London's Docklands in 2019. The Blown-Up Van The van wreckage and charred banknotes were gathered up and reconstituted as an Alexander Calder-like mobile that, for a while, hung in Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum. Now, for perhaps £100,000, this sculpture could be the centrepiece of your living room. Powell hopes that the exploded van will be bought by a public institution. The Fundraising Goal The pair hope to raise at least £250,000 for the project. Alongside the in-person auction, they are hosting an online iteration that will run until 31 May. They currently have £750 and need about 250 times that to fund the project. The Purpose Behind the Project The pair call what they do Method Art. They aim to build a community-owned renewable power station in Reform's first seat as a response to the party's donations from oil and gas interests, highly polluting industries, and climate science deniers. The Future of Community-Owned Renewable Energy The proceeds from the auction will bankroll the work the pair are doing to set up in Clacton and to make a film about the project. If they sell the blown-up van, the proceeds will be core funding for their not-for-profit production company. The funding for the power station will come from issuing shares and other fund-raising to create a community benefit society.

The Return of a Shakespearean Legend Kenneth Branagh is said to have played 35 Shakespearean parts, and his return to the Royal Shakespeare Company after more than 30 years is an event in itself. In this production of The Tempest, Branagh takes on the role of Prospero, Shakespeare's magician, deposed duke, and tyrant occupier. A Stormy Beginning Branagh's Prospero initially follows in the vein of his fast and feverish King Lear, performed in the West End in 2023. He seems to be speeding through the part rather than inhabiting it, too puckish, almost larky, rather underwhelming. However, the show itself casts its spell through its enchanting sights, sounds, and ensemble accomplishments. A Visual and Musical Feast Richard Eyre, directing his first Shakespeare play at Stratford, does a stupendous job of bringing an overt sense of performance to the production. The set design by Bob Crowley is enthralling, almost Disney-like with its sparkly, floaty elements, casting spells over the audience with its visual thrills and beautifully choreographed movement. A Strong Ensemble Cast The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Amara Okereke as Ariel being a delight, with her beautiful movement and song. The scenes featuring Caliban (Ashley Zhangazha), Stephano (Guy Henry), and Trinculo (Keir Charles) as they plot rebellion, wink toward a music hall comedy sketch. A Deeper Exploration As Branagh slows down, the production takes on deeper, more plaintive shades, and the audience feels the emotional hit when Prospero declares that the rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance. Caliban is wordlessly habilitated back into his rightful role as ruler of the island in this ending, giving power to Prospero's transformation. A Must-See Production The production runs at the Royal Shakespeare theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until 20 June. It is a must-see for fans of Shakespeare, theatre, and Kenneth Branagh, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Filmmaker's Perspective on Indigenous Issues Lucrecia Martel, known for her fiction films like 'Zama' (2017) and 'The Headless Woman' (2008), has spent about 15 years working on 'Landmarks', her first documentary. The film addresses the broader and historical problem of Indigenous rights in Argentina through the case of Javier Chocobar, an Indigenous leader killed in 2009. The Event Details: The Killing of Javier Chocobar The documentary centers on the killing of Javier Chocobar, an activist and leader of the Diaguita people from the Chuschagasta community in the province of Tucumán. He was shot dead inside his territory on October 12, 2009, by Darío Luis Amín, a mining businessman, and two former police officers. Martel was present at the trial, which she described as an 'extraordinary spectacle' that highlighted racism against Indigenous peoples. The Data Analysis: A Historical Pattern of Neglect Martel believes that Argentine racism against Indigenous peoples, who make up about 3% of the population, is tied to how the country sees and projects itself: a 'white' nation shaped by European immigration. She argues that Argentina needs to end its 'fantasy of being a European country' and acknowledge its Indigenous heritage. The Impact Analysis: The Ongoing Struggle for Recognition The Chuschagasta community is still fighting for official state recognition of its land. Martel's film aims to contribute to the history of Argentina and the health of Argentine society by shedding light on the usurpation of Indigenous lands. The documentary shows moments where the centuries-long presence of the Chuschagasta community was questioned, and even the very existence of Indigenous Argentinians was denied. The Prediction: A Call for Change Martel hopes that her film will help bring about change and recognition of Indigenous rights in Argentina. She plans to hand over the rights to the Chuschagasta community, who were the first to see the completed documentary. The film's promotional cycle is coming to an end, and Martel looks forward to its continued impact on raising awareness about Indigenous issues in Argentina.

The Lead Meena Kandasamy's novel "Fieldwork As a Sex Object" tackles the terrifying reality of deepfake technology and its use in online harassment, particularly targeting women in India's complex digital landscape. Through protagonist Amy Chaturvedi, the novel explores how fabricated content can destroy lives and how internet trolls exploit such content for misogynistic and political purposes. The Digital Hell of Indian Internet Culture The novel portrays India's internet as a particularly toxic environment, far exceeding the toxicity of Western platforms like X and Facebook. Kandasamy captures a world where caste, religion, and political extremism intersect with misogyny to create a dangerous space for women. The author describes how algorithms, far-right government influence, and societal tensions combine to create a digital hellscape where women are systematically targeted and harassed. The Deepfake Crisis and Its Victims The central plot revolves around Amy Chaturvedi, a privileged student activist living in London, who becomes the victim of a deepfake sex tape. Despite her sexual liberation and experimentation, Amy must confront a world that immediately judges and shames her based on the fabricated content. The novel explores how such digital violations can be used as weapons, not just for humiliation but also for political and social control. The Anatomy of Online Trolls Kandasamy provides a sharp, humorous, yet critical examination of the Indian internet troll, exposing their motivations, insecurities, and political alliances. The author portrays trolls as a "disparate bunch of Nazi-loving, Islamophobic vegetarian dicks" who use anonymity to spread hate, promote extremist ideologies, and attack those who challenge their worldview. The novel reveals how these trolls operate in coordinated campaigns to silence dissenting voices, particularly women and minorities. Literary Merits and Political Commentary As one of India's most outspoken writers, Kandasamy blends personal narrative with political commentary, creating a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While the reviewer notes some stylistic choices that could be refined—particularly the Marxist theoretical framework and excessive internet jargon—the novel's power lies in its unflinching portrayal of online misogyny and its intersection with political extremism. The author's willingness to "not pull any punches" makes her a vital voice in contemporary Indian literature. The Future of Digital Rights and Literature "Fieldwork As a Sex Object" arrives at a critical moment when deepfake technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible. The novel serves as both a warning and a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for better legal protections and digital literacy. As internet culture continues to evolve, works like Kandasamy's will play an essential role in shaping public discourse about technology, power, and gender in the digital age.

The AI-Driven Economic Surge Taiwan's economy is booming, with a growth rate that would be the envy of any country. The AI boom sweeping Taiwan has made it an exciting time to work in tech, particularly in the semiconductor industry, which produces about 90 percent of the most advanced chips used to power leading AI models. The Semiconductor Industry's Dominance Taiwan is a semiconductor powerhouse, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) accounting for more than 40 percent of the value of the island's stock market. Semiconductors alone account for more than 20 percent of Taiwan's GDP. The Uneven Distribution of Benefits Despite the impressive economic growth, concerns are rising about the uneven distribution of benefits. Many industries unrelated to tech do not seem to be feeling the benefits, with some individuals experiencing stagnant pay and rising living costs. The semiconductor industry employs only about 300,000 people in a workforce of 11 million. The Risk of a 'Dual Society' Economists warn that Taiwan's economic model has left it at risk of becoming a 'dual society' where tech sweeps up talent, funding, and resources at the expense of other industries. The wealth divide has grown over the decades, with Taiwan's Gini coefficient increasing from 0.308 in 1980 to 0.341 in 2024. The Future Outlook As Taiwan's economy continues to grow, the government faces challenges in addressing the uneven distribution of benefits and ensuring that the growth is inclusive and sustainable. The country's reliance on a single industry for growth marks a shift from the Asian Tiger era, when Taiwan's economy was driven by hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Shift in Arsenal's Dynamics Arsenal's journey to the Champions League final has taken a significant turn following their Premier League title win. The team's manager, Mikel Arteta, has seen a considerable boost in his professional status, making him a sought-after candidate for top clubs and potentially the England national team. Arteta's Elevated Status Arteta's relationship with the club has transformed, and his ability to lead Arsenal to a Champions League final has solidified his position as an elite coach. This newfound status could make it challenging for Arsenal to retain him, as he may attract interest from other top clubs, including PSG and Spain's big two. The Impact of the Premier League Title The Premier League title has brought a sense of liberation to Arsenal, allowing them to approach the Champions League final without the weight of anxiety that previously defined their performances. This shift in dynamics could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the final against PSG. The Challenges Ahead PSG, with their strong attacking personnel, including Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, will be favored to win the final. However, Arsenal's newfound confidence and Arteta's elevated status could make the match more competitive than expected. The Future Outlook A win in the Champions League final would be a historic moment for Arsenal, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. It would also cement Arteta's position as a top-tier manager, potentially paving the way for future successes and opportunities, including the possibility of managing the England national team.

Federal prosecutors in Brazil hailed a court ruling on Friday that obliges multiple government bodies to protect the abandoned 1928 Fordlandia site in the Amazon, calling it a “landmark” for cultural preservation.Landmark Court Decision Mandates Fordlandia PreservationJudicial order requires the federal government, the state of Pará, the municipality of Aveiro, and the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) to collaborate on site protection.The ruling follows decades of advocacy by historians, activists and local residents.Historical Context and Financial Footprint of FordlandiaFordlandia was founded in 1928 when Henry Ford invested nearly $20 million to build a self‑contained rubber town in the Amazon. The venture failed due to disease‑riddled plantations, strict worker regimes and competition in the automotive market. By 1945 the complex was sold to the Brazilian government for a modest $244,200. Today, the infrastructure is in advanced decay, with the hospital having burned down in 2012.Socio‑Economic and Environmental ImplicationsPoverty in Pará remains high – 39.3 % in 2023.Residents report unreliable water and loss of basic services.Preservation could anchor a sustainable tourism industry, offering economic alternatives to local communities.Protecting the site also contributes to broader Amazon conservation goals by preventing further illegal looting and degradation.What Lies Ahead for the Amazon Heritage SiteProsecutors argue the decision gives locals a legal right to demand restoration. Expected next steps include:Joint planning by federal, state and municipal authorities with IPHAN to assess structural stability.Funding proposals for tourism‑focused redevelopment.Monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with preservation standards.If implemented, Fordlandia could become a living museum of early 20th‑century industrial ambition and a catalyst for regional economic revitalization.

The Lead: Arsenal's Quest for European GloryMikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions the pressure is off Arsenal in Saturday's Champions League final after their first Premier League title for 22 years and insists he and his players are hungry for more trophies. The manager has declared that their ambition is bigger as they seek to add European success to their domestic triumph.The Event Details: Arsenal vs PSG in the Final ShowdownParis Saint-Germain, who defeated Arsenal in the semi-finals last year before being crowned European champions for the first time, saw off Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages and are strongly fancied to retain their crown. Jurriën Timber looks likely to start after Arteta confirmed the Netherlands defender had recovered from a groin injury, although he has not featured since the win over Everton on 14 March.The Data Analysis: A Season of Record MatchesSaturday's game will be Arsenal's 63rd of the season, more than any other team from the top five European leagues. It will be PSG's 56th but Saka insisted fatigue would not play a part. "We've had a week to recover and we're ready to go again and a game like this is not going to be decided on minutes," he said. "It will be decided on moments and which team can produce a bit of quality and be well organised."The Impact Analysis: Writing a New Chapter in Arsenal HistoryArsenal have yet to win the Champions League and reached the final on one previous occasion, in 2006, when they were defeated by Barcelona. Arteta is determined Arsenal seize their opportunity on the biggest stage in club football after finally ending their long wait for the league title. "We have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of this football club," the manager said. "And in order to do that, we have to play with such clarity, a lot of courage, and a relentless desire to win."The Prediction: A Team Driven by DesireArteta, asked whether he had noticed something different when he looks in the eyes of his players, said: "That they want more. Going through those moments brings you a different kind of desire. Because you lift it, you know exactly how it feels. You want to reproduce that feeling as many times as possible." Bukayo Saka, who scored Arsenal's goal in last season's 3-1 aggregate defeat by PSG, revealed that Thierry Henry – part of the team that lost to Barcelona 20 years ago – had been in touch this week to offer encouragement. "It feels like this last week it's all become a reality and tomorrow is another exciting opportunity to create more history and win another for the club that I love," Saka said.