News: Saturday, April 27th, 2024

Cerberus growing cyber security threat in Czechia

Cyber security experts warn that the Cerberus malware, which attacks Android smartphones and tablets, has seen a dramatic rise in recent weeks. It has risen from virtually zero to the third most widespread threat in Czechia in just two months. The Cerberus virus, which is available on the black market, is most commonly spread through fake applications. In recent weeks, it has most often spread as pirated copies of MX Player and Ultimate USB.

Cistercian landscapes connecting Europe awarded European Heritage Label

An area of Cistercian landscapes connecting Europe (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia) has been awarded the prestigious European Heritage Label for playing a significant role in Europe's history, culture, and the development of the Union. The European Commission, which awards the status, considers applications every two years. In Czechia this pertains to the northern Plzen region around the Plasy Monastery. According to the local authorities the title will help Plasy gain prestige and increase its chances of acquiring EU subsidies and grants for special projects.

Perpetrator of tragic shooting at Prague’s Faculty of Arts was not mentally deranged

The perpetrator of last year's tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University was not mentally deranged, according to state attorney Jana Murínová, who is supervising the investigation of the case. Responding to questions from the security committee of the Chamber of Deputies, Murínová said this had been confirmed by an expert in psychiatry who examined the shooter’s health record. Seeking out the help of a psychiatrist does not automatically mean that a person suffers from a mental disorder, the state attorney said. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. The police have six months in which to present a full report on the case. The shooter, who was a student of the faculty went on a rampage in December of last year, shooting 14 people and injuring 25.

Government to debate proposed pension reform next week

The government is set to discuss proposed changes to the pension system on Tuesday. The proposal envisages a gradual increase in the retirement age linked to a higher life expectancy, a different basis for calculating old-age pensions, a lower indexation of pensions and a minimum pension amounting to 20 percent of the average wage. Most of the changes would affect people born after 1966. The present retirement age is 65 for both men and women.

According to Labour Minister Marian Jurečka the reform is necessary for the sustainability of the pension system. However the opposition ANO party is critical of the planned changes and has said that if it wins the 2025 general elections and gets to form a government it will abolish them. Trade unions and associations of disabled and senior citizens are also opposed to the reform.

Historic tram café removed from Wenceslas Square

The popular Tram Café operating in a historic tram placed on Wenceslas Square has been removed.  According to Giancarlo Lamberti, who heads the Finances Committee of Prague 1, the operator's lease contract was terminated last year, after an inspection revealed that the owner lacked all the required permits. The café would have had to be removed soon anyway, since preparations are underway for the reconstruction of Wenceslas Square. Work is due to start at the end of June. The veteran tram is to be auctioned off.

Renata Zachová becomes first female European judo champion from Czechia

Czech judoka Renata Zachová has made history by winning gold in the European Judo Championship in the under-63kg category. Despite being ranked just 22nd in the world, Zachová emerged victorious, defeating Joanne Van Lieshout of the Netherlands in the final. Zachová's journey to the final included victories over Alessia Corrao, Magdalena Krssakova, Savita Russo, and defending champion Andreja Leski. Zachová is the first female European champion from Czechia.

Weather forecast

Sunday should be clear to partly cloudy with day temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius.