Culture UNICEF marks World Water Day in Prague
Czech UNICEF volunteers painted a large blue water drop on Wenceslas Square in Prague on Thursday to mark World Water Day. The event highlights water’s vital role and this year focuses on glacier protection and the global water cycle. A volunteer stand offers information about water scarcity, while schools joined remotely with themed activities. World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22.
SPORTS Czechia faces Faroe Islands in WC qualifier
The Czech national football team kicks off its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday night against the Faroe Islands in Hradec Králové. Coach Ivan Hašek’s squad aims for a strong start in Group L, where they also face Montenegro and the loser of Croatia vs. France. Captain Tomáš Souček stressed the team’s motivation to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2006.
Health Czech energy drink ban may be expanded
The Czech Chamber of Deputies may expand a proposed ban on selling energy drinks to children under 15 to include all energy products, such as candies, gum, and bars containing stimulants. The amendment will be debated in the bill’s second reading. The proposal cites hidden caffeine content in some products, posing risks similar to energy drinks. Further changes could raise the age limit to 16.
HISTORY Czech court clears nine priests arrested in 1949
The Pilsen Regional Court on Thursday rehabilitated nine Roman Catholic priests arrested by the communist regime in 1949 for possessing anti-state documents. None lived to see their names cleared. Lawyer Lubomír Müller said the court found the state had no right to interfere in church matters or punish clergy for rejecting salaries. The case highlights ongoing redress for communist-era injustices.
Weather Czech meteorologists issued record 369 warnings
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued a record 369 weather warnings last year, officials said. The total includes 192 forecasts and 177 urgent alerts, mainly due to September’s severe floods and frequent winter flooding. The institute reported an 88.5 percent accuracy in its warnings, with temperature and frost alerts scoring best. Missed phenomena outnumbered false alarms in less accurate cases.
POLITICS Former MEP Zahradil quits ODS after 34 years
Former MEP Jan Zahradil is leaving the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) after nearly 34 years, citing growing differences with party leadership. In a letter to PM and ODS head Petr Fiala, Zahradil said he won’t back the Together coalition in upcoming elections. Zahradil, a longtime ODS official and European lawmaker, will formally exit by month’s end after not paying membership fees.