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Fifty years ago on January 5, 1968, the news came out of the ongoing central committee party meeting of the Czechoslovak communist party that Slovak, Alexander Dubček, had been chosen as the new party boss. Dubček was little known in Czech circles but his name would soon be known around the country and the world.

A biggest group ever of Czech scientists, including nine women, are heading for their annual expedition to the Czech base on James Ross Island in the Antarctic. Apart from a long-term research of climate change, Czech scientists will also be testing various commercial products in local extreme weather conditions.

Great Britain’s ambassador to Prague Jan Thompson steps down on Friday after four and a half years in the post. Ambassador Thompson has cut a distinctive figure in the city, winning over many people with her informal approach, classic Škoda car and, most recently, a hit video.

The governor of the Czech National Bank has received one of the most prestigious awards in the sector – the title of European bank governor of the year from The Banker magazine. Jiří Rusnok was given the award for dropping the low crown regime and trying to put a lid on a domestic real estate bubble.

Passengers on Prague’s public transport system may find these days that they are waiting longer than usual for trams, buses and underground trains. Operators say they have been forced to launch a short-term reduced service as – with worker shortages hitting many sectors – they simply cannot find sufficient drivers.

Five years ago to the day, a wide-ranging amnesty declared by then president Václav Klaus came into effect, freeing more than 6,000 of the Czech Republic’s prisoners from jail. The move helped to ease the overcrowding in Czech prisons, but only temporarily. Today, prison capacity is filled up 106 percent.

The arrival of the new year following the end of celebrations is a period of hope but also apprehension over possible worsening conditions and the unexpected. A poll commissioned by Czech Radio conducted by the Median Agency suggests that while a minority of Czechs are cautiously optimistic, many worry about having enough money, about migration and about the possibility of a terrorist attack.

A Prague court has halted a case centred on Communist persecution of kulaks following the death of a man believed to have been the country’s oldest defendant. His alleged crimes took place in the early 1950s when Czechoslovak agriculture was being collectivised, often using extremely harsh measures.

Pressure is building up for a European Commission fraud report about Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš’ business dealings to be made public. The report into the so-called Stork’s Nest affair has been completed and sent to Prague but officials and lawyers are still analysing whether and when it might be released.

One of the most notable legal changes in the Czech Republic this year has been a ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants that entered force before the summer. However a new opinion poll suggests that almost three-fifths of Czechs believe the prohibition is too strict.