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Raoul Peck's documentary about George Orwell and his enduring relevance takes as its keynote the heretical masterpiece Nineteen Eighty-Four and its famous scene about the state compelling people to believe whatever it says is the truth: that two and two make five. This Orwellian anti-arithmetic of tyranny has become a political meme often repeated in social media debates.The simple experience of hearing Orwell's prose, both from his published work and letters and diaries, read aloud by Damian Lewis, is invigorating and refreshing. There's an interesting emphasis on Orwell's physical frailty, with him effectively composing his masterwork in the shadow of death. Peck amusingly juxtaposes Orwell's sickness with Winston Smith being made to do exercises and the infatuation of tyrannical regimes with public displays of physical fitness.Peck cites various movie and TV adaptations of Nineteen Eighty-Four and includes footage of Jura, where Orwell went to live, and archive photo records of Orwell's childhood and early working life as a policeman in Burma. The film also shows how Orwell predicted the rise of AI in propaganda and in soulless bread-and-circuses for the masses.The film falls down in not focusing on actual theocracies of the present day and the Orwellian qualities of Isis and Hamas. The question of how far Orwell renounced his own earlier antisemitic tendencies is not entirely addressed in this film.Orwell was disliked by some on the left for daring to write Nineteen Eighty-Four and disliked still more with the revelation 30 years ago that in 1949 he had handed over to British authorities the names of 38 public figures he considered 'crypto-communists' – a fact from which this film averts its eyes. But Orwell's complications don't compromise his genius for truth-telling.

Egil Johansen, the landlord of the Kenton pub in Hackney, east London, describes recent incidents involving children as "like the wild west." He has now banned children entirely after a three-year-old fell down a cellar hatch while parents sat elsewhere, a five-year-old crashed into staff carrying drinks, and six parents brought 10 hyperactive children after a birthday party while ignoring their behavior."In every case, the parents blame us when something goes wrong or get really angry when we ask them to control their children," says Johansen, who has run the pub for 17 years. "I'm legally obliged to keep children safe on my premises and if the parents let their children run riot, the only answer is to not allow them in at all."Johansen initially tried banning children only after 5pm, but this interim measure failed to address the underlying issues. Despite online criticism framing him as the "baddie," he expresses sadness about the situation: "I'm a publican; I'm a people-person. It gives me no joy to ban anyone, but it's just not safe: parents don't control their children and our other customers were beginning to go elsewhere. I had no choice."The Kenton's decision reflects a growing trend among UK pubs seeking to differentiate themselves from establishments that "resemble soft play centres without the ball pit." While some welcome this shift, others view it as unwelcoming to families, creating a culture war in the pub industry.Lee Jones, landlord of the Brewers Arms in West Malvern, Worcestershire, reversed a previous child ban: "We're dog-friendly, child-friendly, adult-friendly. We're just friendly – we don't distinguish. Pubs are for the community and I don't see bans in the spirit of what we're here for." Jones reports that when children become rowdy, staff can address the issue with parents, though this is rarely needed.Stephen Boyd, who runs the Alma in south London, took a different approach after attempting to attract young families. He found families with children consumed disproportionate time and resources with special requests for diluted drinks, heated beverages, and customized meals, while adult customers waited longer for their orders."You just need a couple screaming, banging on a table or running up and down, and it dictates the whole atmosphere of the pub," Boyd says. "Parents would take massive umbrage if staff asked them to stop their children doing something." After implementing a child ban, he describes the change as "a fucking revelation" with staff retention improving and takings doubling.Despite the positive results, Boyd faced significant backlash: "I got a lot of online hate. Mainly from people who had never been to the pub but felt I was doing something morally hateful."Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, acknowledges the debate is "very live" but emphasizes: "But you do have to look at the responsibility of the parents in these situations, not just at the pubs. They're the ones responsible for making sure that their children behave."Financial considerations also drive some decisions. Mandy Keefe, landlady of the Wheel Inn in Ashford, banned children partly for behavioral reasons but also financial ones: "If a third of my Sunday customers were children eating from a reduced-rate child's menu and not drinking any alcohol, that wouldn't be financially viable."Across the UK, pubs are making individual decisions based on their specific circumstances, but as Johansen's experience demonstrates, it only takes one serious incident to settle the question for good.

The Gran Chaco forest in Argentina, spanning across parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, is facing a critical threat from deforestation. Small farmers, enticed by the promise of quick money from selling timber, often contribute to this environmental degradation. However, a collaborative effort between conservationists, NGOs, and international organizations is underway to support small-scale landowners and Indigenous communities in establishing alternative income sources. This initiative aims to enable them to resist the pressures of agribusiness and the timber market. Jorge Luna, a 55-year-old farmer, has taken a significant step towards preserving his 40-hectare land in Chaco province. He rejected an offer to cut down the trees and instead embarked on a second career as a forest tourist guide with Fundación Rewilding Argentina, a non-profit organization working to restore parts of the Gran Chaco forest. Luna now rents out a small campsite to visitors and takes tourists on kayak tours along the Bermejito River. "At first, you didn’t give the plants value. It was a lack of knowledge of what they meant. Now, every leaf that sprouts has an added value," he says. Created in 2010 by Tompkins Conservation, Rewilding aims to protect vast tracts of territory and create economic opportunities for local communities while preserving the biosphere. The organization worked with 15 other organizations to convince the government of Chaco province to turn 128,000 hectares into the El Impenetrable national park, officially designated in 2014. Since then, Rewilding has established a network to support a budding tourism industry. It offers riverside glamping stays while promoting local and ancestral knowledge as possible sources of income. Women have returned to weaving and artisanal production, as well as providing home-cooked meals for visitors. According to Greenpeace, Argentina lost nearly 7 million hectares of native forest between 1998 and 2024, with most of it in the Gran Chaco. An estimated almost 120,000 hectares of forest were lost in northern Argentina in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. The primary causes of forest loss are the expansion of agriculture, mainly for intensive cattle ranching and genetically modified soya, and forest fires. The Gran Chaco forest also feeds the timber industry, particularly with the quebracho tree, which produces a tannin used in leather products, and carob trees. Environmental lawyers warn that the Gran Chaco could disappear within two decades if deforestation continues at its current pace. "The Chaco does not receive the same attention as the Amazon – few people even know it exists," says Enrique Viale, an Argentine environmental lawyer and activist. For conservation efforts to succeed, projects must be co-designed with the community, ensuring their long-term objectives are considered. Community empowerment, equal distribution of benefits, and capacity building are crucial factors. Mabel Figueroa, a local weaver, has resumed her craft since the national park opened, selling scarves, blankets, and ponchos to tourists. She raises sheep and dyes their wool with tree bark and forest plants, reviving an ancestral tradition.

Ukraine's national football team is on the brink of a significant achievement as they prepare to face Sweden in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier playoff. The match, set to take place in Valencia, Spain, represents a vital opportunity for Ukraine to end their 20-year absence from the World Cup. Serhiy Rebrov, Ukraine's manager, is determined to lead his team to victory, emphasizing the importance of representing their country amidst ongoing challenges.The Ukrainian team has faced considerable adversity, including the absence of key players due to injuries and the impact of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has had to play numerous matches in various European cities, including Lodz, Prague, Leverkusen, and Warsaw, due to the conflict at home. Despite these challenges, Rebrov's squad has shown resilience, having recently qualified for Euro 2024 and narrowly missing out on a spot in the 2022 World Cup.Rebrov's determination is palpable as he highlights the significance of this match for his players and the nation. 'We have to do something for our people,' he says. 'They deserve this. I'm sure our players will fight on the pitch, show character, show everything just to be there.' The team's motivation is further amplified by the support of their fans, with approximately 20,000 expected to attend the match at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.On the other side, Sweden, under the management of Graham Potter, is also eager to secure a spot in the World Cup. Despite their own challenges, including injuries to key players like Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski, Potter remains optimistic about his team's chances. The match promises to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams aware of the significance of a victory.Beyond the sporting aspect, the match also holds emotional value, as both countries have agreed to a long-term cooperation agreement, including the donation of football equipment to Ukrainian schools. This gesture underscores the power of sports to foster unity and support in times of adversity.

Martin Dohrn, a veteran wildlife photographer, has created a joyous film that explores the fascinating world of bees in his urban Bristol garden. The documentary, 'My Garden of a Thousand Bees', features over 60 species of bees and showcases their unique characteristics and behaviors.Dohrn's enthusiasm for bees is palpable as he shares his experiences with the audience. He notes that bees live in a 'completely different dimension' and that his approach to filmmaking is 'time-stretching', resulting in breathtaking detail and a soundtrack that immerses the viewer in the world of bees.The film features a range of bee species, including the wool carder bee, the ashy mining bee, and the red-tailed mason bee. Each species is showcased in its natural habitat, highlighting their unique characteristics and behaviors. Dohrn's interactions with the bees are both fascinating and heartwarming, particularly his bond with a leafcutter bee named Nicky.The film's themes of companionship and appreciation for nature are woven throughout the narrative, making it a delightful and educational watch. Dohrn's passion for bees is infectious, and the film encourages viewers to appreciate the importance of these vital pollinators.The documentary also touches on the decline of bee populations worldwide, with Dohrn noting that 'all over the world, bees are declining'. However, the film's focus is on the beauty and wonder of bees, rather than the doom and gloom of their decline.The film's message is clear: let's appreciate and protect these incredible creatures. As Dohrn says, 'It's changed my view of bees. It's changed my view of the world.''My Garden of a Thousand Bees' is available to watch on BBC Four and iPlayer.

Photographer Peter van Agtmael captured a striking image during his first trip to Iraq 20 years ago, which has become a defining moment in his career. The photograph shows a dejected soldier sitting in a domestic living room, highlighting the incongruity of war in everyday life.Van Agtmael, who was 25 at the time, had been embedded with the US military for six weeks. He wanted to move beyond traditional war photography, which often focuses on violence and horror, and explore the human side of conflict. This image, he says, crystallized his understanding of the US military's role in the Middle East and the absurdity of war.The photograph shows a soldier in a mundane setting, which could be anywhere in the world. Van Agtmael notes that this juxtaposition of war and domesticity reveals the complexity of human nature and the proximity of war to everyday life. He believes that war is part of the human soul and that it's essential to acknowledge this reality.Van Agtmael's experience in Iraq was formative, and he reflects on the failures of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. He questions the effectiveness of externally created regime change and the long-term impact of military interventions.As a war photographer, van Agtmael has grappled with the moral complexities of his work. He believes that thoughtful documentation of human violence can have a moral impact, but also acknowledges the challenges of being a witness to extreme violence.Now a father, van Agtmael has shifted his focus away from war photography. He reflects on the changing nature of his work and the importance of finding new purpose in life.

The international football break has arrived, and with it, a chance for national teams to play friendly matches against a variety of opponents. The FIFA Series 2026 is a new initiative that brings together teams from different continents in a series of four-team tournaments.Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has stated that the series is 'about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football's universality and diversity through meaningful matches'. The series features a range of matches, including Puerto Rico hosting the curtain-raiser against the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa.The tournaments will be held in various locations around the world, including Rwanda, China, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan. Some of the participating teams include England, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, who will be playing against a range of opponents from different continents.The FIFA Series 2026 aims to strengthen the game at every level and bring local communities to the global stage. As Infantino says, 'By connecting nations through competition, the Fifa Series aims to strengthen the game at every level – bringing local communities to the global stage.'

The documentary 'Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story' tells the uplifting story of Clyde Best, a trailblazing black footballer who played for West Ham in the early 1970s. Best's journey from Bermuda to London at 17, and his experiences with racism in the sport, are highlighted in the film.The documentary features a stellar lineup of talking heads, including Geoff Hurst, Harry Redknapp, Viv Anderson, John Barnes, Les Ferdinand, Shaka Hislop, and Garth Crooks, who discuss Best's significance and impact on the game. The film also explores Best's pioneering role as one of English elite football's first black players and his influence on succeeding generations of black footballers.Best's story is one of resilience in the face of racism, including virulent abuse from fans and players. However, he also experienced acceptance and support from teammates, such as at West Ham, where he played alongside Clive Charles and Ade Coker. The film notes that in 1972, West Ham became the first top-flight team to field three black players in the same match.After leaving West Ham in 1976, Best played for Tampa in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he encountered a different cultural environment, free from the racism he faced in England. The documentary also touches on the NASL's attempt to establish itself as a mainstream sport in the US, although it ultimately failed.The film concludes with Best emerging with considerable dignity, reflecting on his legacy and the importance of blazing a trail for future generations. As Best himself says, 'My father taught me: 'Clyde, when you go out there and play, you're not playing for yourself, you're playing for the people coming after you.''

US President Donald Trump has requested a delay in his highly anticipated trip to China, initially scheduled for March 31-April 2, by about a month. The decision comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, which has resulted in significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East. “We've requested that we delay it a month or so,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. “There's no tricks to it either. It's very simple. We've got a war going on. I think it's important that I be here.” The delay underscores how the Iran war has upended Trump's foreign policy agenda and risks magnifying tensions between Washington and Beijing. The war has joined trade and Taiwan as among the spectrum of issues separating the world's two biggest economies. Trump's request has been largely rebuffed so far, with China not directly responding to his request to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says is closed to US and Israeli-linked vessels. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which one-fifth of the world's oil usually transits. US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said earlier on Monday that Trump may need to delay the trip due to coordinating the war effort, not because of China's unresponsiveness to Trump's request or because of any trade disagreements. “The president wants to remain in DC to coordinate the war effort. Traveling abroad at a time like this may not be optimal,” Bessent said. In related trade negotiations, the Chinese showed openness to potential additional purchases of US agricultural goods, including poultry, beef, and non-soya bean row crops, during talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris.