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A huge exhibition of work by the world-renowned Czech photographer Josef Koudelka has just opened in Prague. Entitled Returning, it features hundreds of photos from throughout the 80-year-old’s career, including famous cycles such as Gypsies and the stunning images of the 1968 invasion that first brought him international acclaim. I discussed the show with Helena Koenigsmarková, director of exhibition venue the Museum of Decorative Arts.

The legendary Czech cartoon character, Krteček, or Little Mole, is heading into space once again. US astronaut Andrew Feustel, who brought Little Mole into space on board the Endeavour spaceship in 2011, is taking him along on the Soyuz MS spacecraft, scheduled for launch on Wednesday.

WWII veteran Zbyšek Nečas, who flew with the No. 68 Night Fighter Squadron in the RAF, has died at the age of 97. The airman, who served as a radar operator on Bristol Beaufighters and Mosquitos, passed away at his home last week, his family revealed Wednesday.

Prague ham, a traditional Czech delicacy, has recently been added to the EU list of ‘traditional specialities guaranteed.’ The boneless pork ham, which is mildly smoked after being stewed, has been produced in the Czech lands since 1860s.

The last surviving male Northern White Rhino died in the Ol Pejeta Conservatory in Kenya on Monday. He and two other females who represent the last of their breed belong to Dvůr Kralové Zoo which is spearheading international efforts to save the breed from extinction. I spoke over the phone to the zoo’s special projects coordinator Jan Stejskal who flew to Kenya when Sudan’s condition deteriorated and asked him what happened.

President Putin’s re-election for a fourth term in office has evoked mixed reactions in the Czech Republic, reflecting the different perceptions of Russia today. President Zeman, who is seen as a strong supporter of President Putin, presents Russia as a promising business partner, but many politicians and ordinary people in this country still see Russia as a threat. So is Russia under Putin a partner or a threat – that’s a question I put to Petr Kratochvíl, head of the Prague-based Institute of International Relations.

Representatives of the Czech Bishop’s conference and the Czech Republic’s Tourism Forum have signed a memorandum setting the framework for their future cooperation. The two sides hope that more Czech and foreign visitors can take advantage of the country’s rich religious heritage.

High and middle school students from through the Czech Republic have taken part in meetings to call for law makers and institutions to respect the constitutional and democratic values. Organisers say that recent developments have caused them to fear for the future of democracy in the country.

British Brexit Minister David Davis held talks with top officials in Prague on Monday to discuss the future of Czech-British relations post-Brexit. The meetings, which took place ahead of an EU summit in Brussels next week, were inevitably overshadowed by the diplomatic row between London and Moscow on the use of what is believed to be a Russian-made deadly nerve gas in Britain.

Prague’s biggest film event, Febiofest, gets underway on Thursday evening. The festival will deliver more than 160 movies in 15 categories, including New Europe, a competition section showcasing debuts. Viewers can also look forward to profiles of critically acclaimed directors and stars such as French singer and actor Charles Aznavour and Sherlock’s Mark Gattis.