Czech news in brief for November 20: Wednesday's top headlines

Dozens gathered in Jihlava on Sunday evening for a 1,000-meter silent march, “Light Triumphs Over Darkness,” to mark 1,000 days of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Organized by the Czech-Ukrainian group Voice of Ukraine, the event featured Ukrainian flags, speeches, and a candlelit procession to honor war victims. Similar marches are planned nationwide this week, organizers announced.

A Czech amendment aimed at expediting divorce and child custody arrangements is nearing final approval in the Chamber of Deputies. Proposed changes include allowing simplified, notarial divorces for childless couples, merging divorce and guardianship proceedings, and strengthening the unacceptability of corporal punishment for children. The bill would also streamline alimony and custody processes. Deputies may vote on the measure in two weeks, with possible implementation in January 2026.

The Locika Centre launched a campaign on social media highlighting the harms of physical punishment for children, which can lead to aggression, risky behavior, and long-term psychological issues. Using the cooking spoon as a symbol, the campaign urges politicians to address corporal punishment in upcoming Civil Code amendments. Czechia remains among the few EU countries without laws protecting children from physical and psychological harm in upbringing.

Czech scientists from Charles University, along with international collaborators, have traced 70 percent of meteorites impacting Earth to three asteroid families: Massalia, Koronis, and Karin. Using computer models, they found these meteoroids originate from ancient asteroid collisions. The findings, recently published in Nature, provide the most complete model yet of asteroid dynamics and meteorite origins, advancing understanding of meteorites’ journey to Earth.

A record 256 photographers entered the 30th Czech Press Photo competition, with over 4,500 images submitted. Nominations, released today, highlight major events like Prague's floods, the Charles University shooting, and sports from the Paris Olympics. Winners will be awarded on Jan. 7, 2025, at the National Museum, with an exhibition opening the following day. Freelance and young photographers also showcased entries, with ČTK photographer Roman Vondrouš winning the main prize.