Czech news in brief for November 2: Saturday's top headlines

The Czech Armed Forces, led by Chief of General Staff Karel Rehka, met with the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as announced on social media today. The meeting, details of which were not specified, included discussions between Rehka and Ukrainian Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding the ongoing security situation and future cooperation. The Czech Army highlighted the Czech Republic’s commitment as a loyal ally.

A 17-year-old Czech boy has died in a Vienna hospital after sustaining severe injuries while riding on the roof of a subway train on Vienna's U4 line. He and three others, including two Austrian teens, collided with an overpass near Schönbrunn station. Another 18-year-old Czech remains in critical condition. Subway operator Wiener Linien expressed condolences and urged the public to avoid life-threatening stunts on trains, emphasizing safety over social media thrills.

The Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs plans to introduce a proposal for a "shared bonus" for parental leave, ensuring adequate support for families. This measure is part of an updated gender equality strategy, aligning with EU directives. The initiative aims to increase father involvement in childcare, with a focus on balancing work and family life. The proposal is due by the end of the year.

Brno's Exhibition Centre is alive with capes, lightsabers, and elf ears as the third edition of Comic-Con Junior kicks off. This two-day event, which began on Saturday, has attracted fans of sci-fi, fantasy, games, and comics, with long queues forming outside Pavilion E. Organizers have promised more guests and a wider program than in previous years. The festival runs until Sunday and includes a new sister event, Kniha Brno, with a shared entry ticket.

Czechs honor their deceased relatives on All Souls' Day, Nov. 2, filling cemeteries with candles, wreaths, and flowers. This year, the price of cemetery candles has risen by up to 10 percent, while flower prices have slightly decreased. Cemeteries have extended hours, with increased police presence to prevent theft and manage traffic. Some cities, like Zlín and Otrokovice, have boosted public transport to nearby cemeteries. This tradition, rooted in Celtic and Slavic customs, reflects autumn’s transition to winter.

A 43-year-old Czech woman died in a paragliding accident in Himachal Pradesh, India, on Wednesday, local media report. The woman reportedly lost control of her paraglider amid strong winds and crashed into a mountainside. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Manali. The fatal incident comes just days before the paragliding world cup begins in the area, where a Belgian athlete recently died, and a Polish competitor was injured.

Nearly two-thirds of Czechs recognize the growing need for additional healthcare charges, according to a new Ipsos survey. As the healthcare system struggles financially, three-quarters of those surveyed report experiencing long waits, half face doctor shortages, and a quarter cite care limitations. While 69 percent of people support some form of healthcare reform, less than 20 percent favor returning to mandatory patient fees. Meanwhile, over 40 percent would voluntarily pay for enhanced services, such as better hospital accommodations and higher quality treatments.

Czech tennis player Marie Bouzková advanced to her third WTA semifinal of the season, defeating Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-2 at the Jiangxi Open in China. Top-seeded Bouzková will next face Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic, who beat Arantxa Rus in a close match. Bouzková, 26, leads 2-1 in their head-to-head record. She has reached two finals this year but is still seeking her first title, after runner-up finishes in Bogotá and Washington.

The Modrý domeček café and bakery in Řevnice, near Prague, received the Social Business of the Year award at the Czech Social Business Awards 2024. The award highlights efforts in employing people with disabilities. Winners were honored with cash prizes and a gold-plated statue by sculptor Vilém Frič. Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová, recognized as Personality of the Year, praised the role of social businesses in driving positive change.

Two horses from Kladruby nad Labem will join the Danish Royal Court, officials from the stud farm announced. Royal representatives selected two geldings with ideal appearance, temperament, and character, marking the latest addition to Denmark’s royal stables. This collaboration has provided 34 Kladruby horses for Denmark over the past 30 years. Bred for ceremonial use, these distinctive Baroque horses are trained in traditional carriage and riding techniques before serving at the royal court.

Czech Ambassador Ivan Jančárek praised Czech-South Korean relations and economic cooperation at a Seoul reception on Oct. 28, celebrating Czech National Day. Joined by South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Jančárek highlighted South Korean firm KHNP’s role in Czechia’s energy security through new reactors at Dukovany. The ambassador also condemned Russian-North Korean military cooperation, thanked South Korea for supporting Ukraine, and identified direct flights from Prague to Seoul as a key tourism goal.