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The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Equality report which reflects the changing patterns of gender equality around the world has seen the Czech Republic slip to 96th place on a ladder of 142 countries. Its present ranking, below countries such as Russia and Uganda, has raised concern and highlighted the fact that progress on gender equality issues has be slow and inadequate. I asked Nina Bosničová of Gender Studies to outline the major problems.

Czech President Miloš Zeman bestowed state decorations on more than 30 personalities on Tuesday, on the occasion of Czechoslovakia Independence Day. Among the recipients of the awards were Sir Nicholas Winton, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and former Austrian chancellor Franz Vranitzky as well as five Czech soldiers killed in Afghanistan. But the president has come under criticism over some names on his list.

Almost a fortnight after a devastating explosion at a munitions depot in Vrbětice, south Moravia, pyrotechnics teams are still struggling to bring the situation under control. Live munitions scattered about the site have been triggering further explosions day and night, and people living in the close vicinity of the accident are calling for the army to get involved.

President Miloš Zeman on Monday concludes his official visit to China. During his four-day trip, the Czech president assured his hosts his country respected China’s integrity, and did not recognize Tibet’s government in exile. The visit comes as part of Czech efforts to boost relations and trade ties with China – but leading Czech sinologist Olga Lomová is sceptical about the potential economic benefits of Mr Zeman’s visit.

Several hundred flight attendants at the Czech national carrier, Czech Airlines, were expected to strike next Thursday in protest over extensive layoffs and wage cuts. That was averted when on Friday afternoon the company announced it and had reached a deal with trade unions, saying fewer employees would be let go.

The new European Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker received a relatively strong endorsement from MEPs on Wednesday, less than ten days before it assumes office on November 1. The new commission includes the Czech Republic’s Věra Jourová - the commissioner for justice, consumer rights and gender equality – who, along with other members, will face tough tasks ahead.

The world-renowned Chinese writer Yan Lianke arrived in Prague this week to collect the annual Franz Kafka prize. The 55-year old writer has become the fourteenth recipient of the international literary award, which is given to authors whose work appeals to readers across different cultures. Among the previous winners were Austria’s Elfriede Jelinek and British playwright Harold Pinter, both of whom went on to win the Nobel Prize in literature the same year.

Members of a police pyrotechnical team this week reached the epicentre of a blast which destroyed a munitions depot in Vrbětice, near Zlín, last Thursday. Two people remain missing but it will be some time before a proper search can be conducted in the devastated area.

Czech Defence Minister Martin Stropnický has come under fire over his role as a detective in a popular TV crime show. An actor by profession, Mr Stropnický has remained on the cast of the series even after he was appointed minister. But his character’s investigation of drug smuggling by Czech troops from Afghanistan in the show’s latest episode has sparked a lively debate in the lower house on whether this is an appropriate part to play for the defence minister.

Screening was introduced at the Czech Republic’s five international airports on Tuesday morning to counter the growing threat from Ebola. The checks, ordered by the country’s chief hygiene officer, range from filling in a form to undergoing a medical check-up at the airport.