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Summary for: Czech news in brief for April 17: Friday's top afternoon headlines
Czech Army to acquire 3,000 drones by 2028
Czech Army to acquire 3,000 drones by 2028
The Czech Army is planning to buy 3,000 drones within the next two years, Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna told reporters today during a visit in the Tábor region. According to the minister, the latest NATO report shows that the Czech Republic has one of the highest rates of military modernization among allies, and in the long-term aims to "replace the soldier on the battlefield with technology."
Czechia and Chile to cooperate in space tech
The Czech Republic and Chile have signed memoranda of understanding to boost cooperation in space technologies and Antarctic research following talks between President Petr Pavel, currently on an official tour of South America, and his Chilean counterpart José Antonio Kast. And 15 years after predecessor Václav Klaus' notorious theft, Pavel discreetly left his own pen behind after the signing ceremony.
Expert warns of flight cancellations across Europe
After the International Energy Agency warned that Europe had only six weeks left before it runs out of jet fuel, Czech aviation expert Petr Kováč told iRozhlas.cz that "airlines are already evaluating which routes they will cancel first." He nevertheless said that "the Czech Republic is relatively safe in this regard", and that more at-risk countries include the U.K., Germany or Italy due to their dependence on imports.
Minister: Czech TV should not broadcast StarDance
Czech Television (ČT) should not broadcast the world-famous international dance competition StarDance, Culture Minister Oto Klempíř (Motorists) claimed. Aired on ČT for the past 20 years, the BBC production StarDance is one of the most popular programs in the country, watched by nearly 1.9 million viewers in its last installment. Klempíř insisted that Czech Television should prioritize news coverage and "educational functions" over entertainment programs.
Czechs detained in Brazil for smuggling cacti
Four Czechs have been detained for two months in Brazil and are now facing legal proceedings for smuggling protected plants, specifically cacti, a Czech Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed today. The Society of Czech and Slovak Cactus Growers have expressed concerns about the fate of the Czech citizens, who it said "are people who have been dedicated to research and plant protection."
POLL RESULTS: We asked readers what they thought about a new study describing Czechs as introverted, practical, family-oriented and skeptical of authority, but also humorous and loyal. About half of you, 46 percent, said the assessment was spot on, and 39 percent think it's somewhat accurate but not entirely. Another 15 percent completely disagree with this description.
