As January comes to an end, why not test your knowledge of a new important event with a quiz?
The FT has launched a News Puzzle, the first in a series of monthly cryptic crosswords that take the past month’s topical events as their theme.
A group of cross-compilers will take it in turns to fill in boxes with people, places and events that FT readers have read about in recent news coverage.
First up is Julius, moniker Rob Jacques, a regular FT setter living in Freiburg in Germany’s Black Forest.
“I generally like to set a theme puzzle, especially when I feel under some pressure,” he said. “I didn’t find a hard box to fill in if there was news of a certain world leader resigning and I decided to use that person’s name.”
Interactive crosswords in the FT app
Customers can now solve the Daily Cryptic, Polymath and FT Weekend FT crosswords on the iOS and Android apps.
“I want to avoid the worst British political conundrums, but with the Sunak seat belt SNAFU and the Zahawi tax story it’s very tempting.”
Cryptic crosswords are a legitimate vehicle for lampoons, Jacques adds, so that some of the clues relate to individuals who “seem to be fair game”, even if they don’t make them “waspish” either.
There are references to royal intrigue, sports heroes, digs at the police and a certain global gathering of movers and shakers. Some hints and solutions are also seasonal, related to the traditions of the month.
“I would have liked to have included Vivienne Westwood, but could not find the room,” Jacques said.
The News Puzzle will appear in the FT crossword app on the last Sunday of each month.