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The Czech Republic launched its largest satellite yet, SATurnin-1, into space on Tuesday. It is to be used for defense and security. Unlike previous satellites, it is not dependent on foreign technology. Its mission will be to take detailed pictures of the planet. The satellite was presented to journalists on Friday by representatives of the Research Test and Aerospace Institute, which created it. It was commissioned by the Ministry of Defense. The satellite was carried into orbit by a Space X Falcon-9 rocket from the United States.
The Chamber of Deputies on Friday approved a controversial amendment to the law that will increase the salaries of top politicians and judges by 6.9 percent this year. In the future, they are to increase by no more than 5 percent year-on-year. The draft bill will now go to the Senate for approval.
The hike was vehemently opposed by ANO and the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party who had proposed a five-year freeze on politicians’ salaries in view of implemented austerity measures, tax hikes and growing public discontent. The bill will determine the salaries of some 5,000 officials.
A proposal by the Czech Agriculture Ministry to ban the use of labels such as “soy sausage”, “veggie burger” or “mushroom steak” because they mislead consumers has sparked controversy. While meat producers argue that the names of traditional meat products should not be used for vegetarian versions of their goods, plant-based manufactures claim the proposal is just another bureaucratic hurdle that damages their competitiveness. Public opinion polls suggest that the vast majority of Czechs think that the ministry’s proposal is nonsensical.
Czechia will appeal to the United States not to introduce broad restrictions on the export of AI chips, according to Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. The issue, which has raised concern around Europe and beyond, will be the subject of political negotiations between senior Czech officials and their counterparts in Washington in the coming weeks, the minister said.
The Biden administration is proposing a new framework for the exporting of the advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence, an attempt to balance national security concerns about the technology with the economic interests of producers and other countries. The export restrictions that would affect 120 countries.
The Czech Republic and Tanzania share democratic values and an interest in international stability, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said after Friday’s meeting with his Tanzanian counterpart Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Prague. The two countries cooperate in the aviation and railway industries and Tanzania and Zanzibar are popular destinations for Czech tourists. The Tanzanian minister called for Czech businessmen and investors to boost their presence in his country.
The Fiala government has been working to strengthen relations with African countries and the prime minister has repeatedly stressed that Europe's failure to develop close relations with the continent, has been exploited by Russia and China.
Leading Czech psychologists say they do not recommend following Australia’s example in banning social networks for minors under 16. Psychologist Adéla Švestková of the SYRI National Institute, whose task is to monitor social issues, point out problems and propose solutions, argues that bans on digital technologies are not very effective and may even harm teenagers, by reducing their online skills. She argues that leaving young people unprepared for the risks that are present in digital technologies would make them even more vulnerable later in life. It is better to talk about the risks, than to ban digital technologies outright, she said.
The opposition ANO party maintains a strong lead over political rivals ahead of this year’s parliamentary elections. According to the results of a December poll by the Median agency, ANO would win 33.5 % of the vote in general elections. The Mayors and Independents would place second with 13 % support outpacing the Civic Democrats of the ruling coalition who would receive 11.5 % of the vote. Altogether, six parties and movements would make it into the lower house, with the Motorists, Pirates and the Communist Party also crossing the 5 percent threshold needed to win seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
Ski resorts across the country are experiencing excellent conditions ahead of the upcoming weekend. Natural snow has fallen, and where possible, operators are continuing to make artificial snow. More slopes and lifts are gradually being opened, and resorts at lower altitudes are also welcoming guests.
Dozens of kilometers of cross-country ski trails are available for cross-country skiers. The ski resorts expect a high influx of visitors this weekend, particularly because the forecast promises sunny weather in the mountains.
Saturday should be partly cloudy with morning fog in places and day temperatures between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius.
Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský hosted Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo at the Czernin Palace. They discussed bilateral relations, cooperation, and security issues in both Europe and Africa.
Archaeologists in Prague have uncovered one of Europe's largest mass burial sites from the Seven Years' War. The discovery, made in the courtyard of the historic Břevnov Monastery, reveals the skeletal remains of over 1,000 soldiers, offering a rare glimpse into the harsh realities of 18th-century warfare.
Disinformation platforms are gearing up to target the Czech Republic's parliamentary elections this autumn. This stark warning came from Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech Security Information Service (BIS). During a parliamentary seminar on the risks of foreign interference in the electoral process he mentioned Russian interference as a very real threat.
The National Gallery Prague is Czechia's foremost and largest art institution. Its goal is to preserve the nation's artistic heritage and promote it to both its domestic population and an international audience. With that goal in mind, what does it really mean to be a “national” gallery? In today’s politicized climate, some would use the term to exclude and demote minorities. So, how does this celebrated art institution create a balance between celebrating Czech artists and recognizing the diverse nature of the country’s artistic heritage? I went to the Kinský Palace – one of the Gallery’s many exhibition spaces – in Prague's Old Town to meet with its director, Alicja Knast, to find out how she addresses this challenge.
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