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The coronavirus crisis has brought the enormous potential of nanotechnology to the fore with nano sanitizers, nano sprays and nano-facemasks selling like never before. However some parents are  now pointing out the possible long-term side effects, cutting across the general enthusiasm for all things “nano”.

Josef Průša, founder of a start-up company that has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of 3D printers and cartridges in the world, has been named Czech ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by the global consultancy EY. Now 31, he is the youngest Czech in the 35-year history of the program ever chosen to represent the country at the global finals, which will take place in Monte Carlo.

After a nearly year-long renovation, the monumental golden wings, gracing the Art Nouveau building of Prague’s main train station, are back in their place. The restoration of the sculpture, gilded with 24-karat gold plates, is part of a major facelift of the historical Fanta building.

The 1990s were a turning point in the history of Czech animation. The decade marked the beginning of computer animation, which gave filmmakers opportunities that changed the way animated films were made forever.

Social isolation and loneliness – these are some of the most serious factors that can lead to depression and anxiety. According to one of the largest mental health NGOs in the Czech Republic, these issues will remain in the population months after the coronavirus epidemic subsides. However, there is also hope that the shared experienced could help remove the stigma of mental illness.

With the intensity of the coronavirus epidemic slowing down in the Czech Republic, the government has approved easing some of the restrictions, starting next Monday. These include the return of lower grades and kindergarten children to schools, as well as the reopening of selected shops and services, zoos and farmers’ markets.

Health Minister Jan Blatný was dismissed from his post on Wednesday, in what is the third change-of-guard in the post since the start of the pandemic a year ago. In recent weeks the health minister had come under fire from the prime minister and president for refusing to allow the use of the unregistered Sputnik vaccine and imposing strict conditions for the use of experimental drugs to treat COVID-19 patients.

Tuesday marks 100 years since the birth of sculptor František Bělský who is known for creating the busts of Queen Elizabeth II and several other members of the British royal family. Before becoming a famous sculptor, Bělský served as a soldier in World War II and escaped both Communist and Nazi occupation.

Czechs abroad calling for the introduction of postal voting in their native country have launched a novel campaign. It involves tracking kilometres they have run or walked – and highlights the fact that for many visiting polling stations at diplomatic missions is highly impractical.

Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic combine both Christian traditions and ancient pagan customs, many of which are connected with the cycle of nature and the arrival of spring. Many of the fascinating rituals linked to this time of year are captured in a book called Svátosti or Sacraments released by the Prague based Wo-Men publishing house in a Czech-English edition.