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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.

Eighty-eight percent of Czechs now view pubs as vital social hubs, an increase from 74% before the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey by the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences reveals that the pandemic has shifted perceptions. More people now see pubs as places to relax, socialize, and form connections. The study highlights a growing appreciation for pubs as essential venues for community engagement, with fewer negative associations like smoking or alcohol abuse. The survey also shows that pub visits have increased, particularly among men, who frequent them more than women.

China is increasingly benefiting from research collaborations with European countries, particularly Czechia. Despite warnings from security agencies about espionage risks, some Czech scientists remain unconcerned about the collaboration, writes website Novinky.cz. The rise in China-funded research in Czechia, including projects in advanced technologies like quantum physics and AI, has sparked concern about the potential misuse of scientific findings for military purposes. Experts emphasize the need for stronger security measures and institutional resilience to mitigate these risks while maintaining diplomatic ties.

Wednesday, August 14, was the hottest day of this year in Czechia, the Czech Hydro-meteorological Institute said on its website. The highest temperature, 37.1 degrees Celsius, was recorded in Strážnice in southern Moravia. However, only a few stations report new temperature records, as many stations around the country have record temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius set in 2015.

Due to the hot and dry weather there is a fire warning in place around the country.