• 08/16/2024

    The Dukovany nuclear power plant in South Moravia has begun a planned outage of its first generating unit for regular maintenance, equipment inspections, and partial fuel replacement, which will last until October. The reactor's output started to decrease at noon, and it will stop supplying electricity to the grid in the evening. Over 18,000 tasks will be performed during the outage, including key checks on main circulation pumps, steam generators, and emergency systems. This is the third planned outage at Dukovany this year. CEZ, the plant's operator, is also preparing for the construction of two new units at Dukovany, expected to start by 2036.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/16/2024

    Thunderstorms are expected across most of Czechia on Saturday, with isolated strong storms possible. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has warned of heavy rain, hail, and wind gusts reaching around 70 km/h. Temperatures from 18 to 26 degrees Centigrade.

  • 08/16/2024

    The majority of Czech ministries support a proposal to increase salaries for certain public sector workers. I should grow 10% starting in September. However, concerns remain over the availability of necessary funds, as the Ministry of Finance warns of limited budget capacity. Czech Television reports that the plan, put forth by Labor Minister Marian Jurečka (Christian Democrats), faces opposition from the Finance Ministry, which has not endorsed either the 10% or a proposed 7% increase. The final decision is still under discussion, with opposition parties pushing for even higher raises.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/16/2024

    In July, prices of industrial goods in Czechia saw a 1.7% year-on-year increase, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth. Meanwhile, agricultural prices continued their 15-month decline, though the drop slowed to 3.7%. Prices for market services for businesses rose by 3.5%, while construction work prices increased by an estimated 1.8%. The Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) reported that these producer prices indicate future consumer price trends. Industrial price growth was driven by increases in sectors like coke production and refined petroleum, while agricultural price declines were most notable in crops like potatoes and grains.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/16/2024

    Approximately 800 Czech companies have registered in a new emissions registry for goods imported from non-EU countries. These include products like cement, aluminum, and steel. Companies have until the end of October to register. According to the Ministry of the Environment, the data collected will be used to calculate a special ecological tax on imported products, aimed at leveling the playing field for EU manufacturers who must purchase emission permits.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/16/2024

    The number of locations with swimming bans has increased in Czechia. At least ten popular sites across the country are now affected, including the Orlík Reservoir at Podolsko in South Bohemia. The bans, imposed by health authorities, are primarily due to the proliferation of cyanobacteria in the hot weather, which can cause allergic reactions and other health issues. While some locations have seen improvements in water quality, experts advise caution wherever and whenever people seek relief from the heat in natural water bodies.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/16/2024

    Visual artist Stan Solo will spend four hours creating a piece from his "The No Face" series in Prague's Na Příkopě street on Friday. His performance is a part of Akce Cihla event which  supports projects for people with mental disabilities. Proceeds from the event will fund protected housing, workshops, and training facilities.  4o

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/15/2024

    Several hospitals in Prague have reported a slight increase in the number of patients due to the recent hot weather. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and asthma have been exacerbated, particularly among the elderly and pregnant women. Most cases involve dehydration, respiratory issues, and heat-related illnesses, though many individuals manage symptoms like nausea and headaches on their own. Hospitals emphasize the importance of hydration, proper clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours as preventive measures.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/15/2024

    In Czechia, 20% of pensions are still delivered by post, but this number is steadily declining. Last year, the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) delivered 600,000 out of 2.83 million pensions via post, with a fee of 35 CZK per delivery. The majority of pensioners now receive their payments directly into bank accounts. The number of pensions delivered by post has been decreasing annually, with a significant drop from over 1.8 million in 2004 to less than 600,000 in 2022.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/15/2024

    Weather: Friday should be clear to partly cloudy, with occasional morning fog. Becoming partly cloudy to cloudy during the day with isolated showers or thunderstorms. High temperatures will range from 29 to 33°C.

    Author: Vít Pohanka

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