The Daily Dozen: 12 things to know about Czechia today

Babiš verdict|Former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his ex-aide Jana Nagyová have this morning been acquitted over EU subsidy-fraud charges relating to the drawn-out Čapí hnízdo legal case. The ruling may play a significant role in the upcoming presidential election, which is taking place this week. Read more in our story.

Protests|Hundreds of people gathered in the second courtyard of Prague Castle, which is the seat of the Czech president, Sunday afternoon for a symbolically farewell to President Miloš Zeman. The protesters described the era when Zeman was in office as one of arrogance and contempt for people. Read more in our story.

Sports activities|Last year's price increases for clubs and sports activities will continue this year, iDnes reports. A survey of the Czech Sports Union among clubs showed that the average increase in contributions should be 32.5 percent. Most of the clubs, or around 73 percent of them to be precise, plan to increase membership fees.

Car making|The Hyundai automotive plant in the Czech Republic had a successful year in 2022 when it increased its output despite supply chain issues and other obstacles. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech is the South Korean carmaker’s only factory in the EU, though there is a research and development plant in Germany. Read more in our story.

Open days|Prospective students and their families can take part in open days (Den otevřených dveří) taking place at private and state schools as well as universities and higher education institutions throughout January and February. These events are an ideal way to understand the options that learning institutions in Prague and the Czech Republic have to offer. Read more in our story.

Cancer treatment|A new prostate cancer drug called Pluvicto, which was co-developed by Czech researcher Martina Benešová, received the seal of approval from the European Commission, according to Czech Radio. The treatment, which is being administered as part of an ongoing clinical trial at the Olomouc University Hospital, delivers radiation to specifically targeted cancer cells.

New voice for trams|Starting today, Prague's trams have a new voice announcing the stops throughout the city. Recordings from actor and voiceover artist Jan Vondráček have replaced Dagmar Hazdrová, who has been the voice of Prague's trams for the past quarter century and will celebrate her 90th birthday later this year. Read more in our story.

Silly walks|The annual silly walk in Brno, which took place on Jan.7, the International Day of Silly Walks, boasted a record participation of 260 pedestrians. The first edition of the parade happened a decade ago; the 2020 and 2021 editions were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event is inspired by the British comedy group Monty Python, which created a “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch.

Snow returns|This week will bring rain for most of the territory of the Czech Republic, which in some places will turn to snow, according to iDnes, citing the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. The snow will initially starting falling at altitudes of more than 1,000 meters, then move into the lower highlands. Daily highs will range from 2 to 7 degrees Celsius, while the lows will drop to minus 1 degree Celsius.