The Daily Dozen: 12 things to know about Czechia today

Ukraine | Prague representatives approved yesterday a gift to the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Mykolaiv, which are experiencing energy and fuel shortages due to Russian missile strikes. These include heaters and power plants, as well as medical aid (especially personal protective equipment and complementary material), for the Public Health Center at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

Skyrocketing success |Thanks to growth of 25,255 percent in the past four years, Czech fintech startup FTMO ranked as the fastest growing company in the "Central and Eastern Europe Deloitte Technology Fast 50 CE" ranking, Seznam Zprávy reports. The company's profit last year stood at CZK 2 billion last year, with sales of CZK 3 billion. Another 12 Czech companies also made it in the top 50.

Best banks in Czechia |Komerční banka (KB) was announced yesterday as the winner of the 2022 “Mastercard Bank of the Year” award in the Czech Republic. Moneta Money Bank and Česká spořitelna occupied second and third place respectively in the overall awards for best bank. 

Going postal | The Czech Post Office (Česká pošta) is increasing again its fees as of Feb. 1, 2023. Among other changes, sending a standard letter weighing up to 50 grams will go up to CZK 23 from the current CZK 21. The increase follows on a similar hike that took effect at the start of this November.

Support dignified aging | This holiday season, you can support senior citizens faced with challenging life events by joining the Sue Ryder non-profit organization's donation drive. Almost 10,600 people ask for help every year after by illness, injury, loss of self-sufficiency or the death of a partner. Your donation helps them and their carers continue Sue Ryder's mission of giving them dignity when faced with such adversity.

Digital addiction | Drug use among teenagers has seen a significant decrease in the last four years, Novinky.cz reports, citing national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco has declined too, with social media addiction replacing substance use.

Slow to change | Despite the prevalence of discrimination of harassment in higher education, Czech universities are slow to tackle such issues, Seznam Zprávy reports. According to the European UniSAFE project, which mapped sexual harassment, coercion and discrimination on campuses in 15 European countries, including the Czech Republic, two out of three students and staff experience sexual violence or harassment on campus.

Landmark renovations | The Charles Bridge toward on the side of Old Town Square will get a new look after renovations. The initial phase of the repairs, which already started this autumn, will take place over the next four years. The planned works represent the most extensive renovation since its original construction in the 14th century.

'Tis the season | The holiday season starts this weekend, when cities and towns across the Czech Republic light up their festive installations, Deník.cz reports. Advent, which marks the start of preparations for Christmas, is on Nov. 27. In addition to traditional tree lighting ceremonies, Prague also offers two large Krampus shows on Nov. 26, which will feature dozens of the fabled horned monsters.