Let \( X \) and \( Y \) be closed manifolds, and suppose \( X \) is a finite-sheeted cover of \( Y \).  Prove or disprove that if \( Y \) has a nontrivial first Betti number, then \( X \) also has a nontrivial first Betti number.

The best solution was submitted by Anar Rzayev (수리과학과 19학번, +4). Congratulations!

Here is the best solution of problem 2025-02.

Other solutions were submitted by 김동훈 (수리과학과 22학번, +3), 신민규 (수리과학과 24학번, +3), 성석희 (수리과학과 19학번, +3).