News: Monday, January 13th, 2025

Czech inflation rises to 3.0% in December

According to the Czech Statistical Office, consumer prices increased by 3.0% year-on-year in December, up from 2.8% in November. This acceleration was mainly due to higher prices in food and non-alcoholic beverages, and transportation. Notably, egg prices rose by more than 36%, oils and fats by nearly 17%, and non-alcoholic beverages by almost 6%. In transportation, the decline in fuel prices slowed to 2.6% from 7.6% in November. Housing costs also contributed, with rent increasing by 6.2% and electricity by 8.0%, while natural gas prices fell by 5.5%.

Czechia records highest-ever number of cyber incidents in 2024

The National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB) reported 268 cyber incidents last year, six more than in 2023, continuing an upward trend. The most common attacks targeted system availability, primarily through DDoS attacks. "Russian-speaking hacktivist groups are behind most of these attacks, a significant trend since Russia's invasion of Ukraine," said the Agency's director Lukáš Kintr. DDoS attacks involve overwhelming servers with a flood of requests, rendering them inoperable. This tactic is a key element of cyber warfare accompanying the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since February 2022.

Identity of Most fire victims still unknown, three critically injured

Police have not yet identified the victims of a weekend tragic fire in Most. Seven people remain hospitalized, three in critical condition. The fire, which broke out late Saturday night in a local restaurant, is under investigation as a potential case of negligence. Police have ruled out forced entry or terrorism. The regional council in Ústí nad Labem will discuss inspecting similar outdoor spaces. The fire started at a restaurant's garden area, now demolished. Witnesses have come forward, and investigators are using DNA samples for victim identification. Memorial candles are placed at the scene.

President Pavel hosts PM Fiala for New Year’s lunch

President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) meet for a traditional New Year’s lunch today at Lány Chateau. They are joined by their spouses, Eva Pavel and Jana Fialová. The tradition, started by Václav Klaus, often includes discussions on political topics. Last year, the lunch was held at Prague Castle. Their last formal meeting took place on December 20, where they discussed government priorities, the European summit, and the Dukovany nuclear project.

Up to 70% of Czech winemakers saw income drop in 2024 despite high-quality harvest

More than two thirds of winemakers in Czechia experienced lower incomes last year, partly due to the removal of tax-deductible status for still wine as corporate gifts, effective since January 2024. The harvest was smaller but praised for its quality, according to a survey by the Winegrowers' Association. Challenges include changing consumer behavior and higher taxes. "The tax change has severely impacted winemakers without significant benefits for the state," said association president Martin Chlad. Nearly a third of winemakers plan to focus on organic and low-alcohol wines, responding to evolving consumer preferences.

Mádl's Waves leads Czech Lion nominations with 14 nods, Amerikánka follows with 13

The period drama (Waves) Vlny by Jiří Mádl has received 14 Czech Lion nominations, including Best Feature Film, for its portrayal of events in 1968 during the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. Viktor Tauš’s Amerikánka earned 13 nominations, inspired by the true story of a girl in institutional care during normalization. Actor Vojtěch Vodochodský, nominated for Best Actor, accepted the Audience Award for Vlny at the press conference. "Audience recognition is the greatest honor," he said. The 32nd Czech Lion Awards will take place on March 8 at Prague's Rudolfinum.

Czech scientists develop antidotes for nerve agent and pesticide poisoning

Researchers at Mendel University’s Faculty of Agronomy in Brno are collaborating with the University of Hradec Králové and the University of Defence to create effective treatments for nerve agent and pesticide poisoning. Their goal is to develop a "transport system" to deliver antidotes directly to the brain, according to Mendel University spokesperson Tereza Pospíchalová. Organophosphates, found in pesticides and nerve agents like sarin, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to nerve paralysis. Current antidotes, such as atropine and oximes, have limitations, including toxicity and poor penetration into the central nervous system. Scientists are exploring lipid nanoparticles to improve drug delivery.

Weather

Mostly clear to partly cloudy, with isolated freezing fog in the morning. During the afternoon and evening, increasing cloudiness from the north, bringing snow, sleet, or freezing precipitation, especially in the northern half of the country. High temperatures will range from -3 to +1°C.