Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
The US supreme court rules on Donald Trump’s travel ban… Justices are expected to weigh in on the US president’s attempt to restore his travel ban on visitors from six Muslim-majority countries. Several lower courts rejected the measure, citing Trump’s own tweets as evidence that it is biased against Muslims.
…And Trump meets Narendra Modi. The Indian prime minister will begin a two-day US trip that includes a dinner at the White House, where diplomatic expectations are low. Despite a recent Trump tweet calling Modi a “true friend,” one Indian paper predicted it would be more “awkward first date” than “bromance.”
Takata finally files for bankruptcy. The troubled Japanese auto-parts maker is expected to seek protection from its creditors and announce a 180 billion yen ($1.62 billion) takeover offer from Key Safety Systems. Takata is still trying to recall tens of millions of defective air-bags, used by 19 different automakers.
Over the weekend
A Pakistani oil tanker inferno killed at least 140 people. After the truck veered off the road in the eastern city of Bahawalpur, people rushed to collect leaking fuel in pots, only to perish in a massive explosion. Reports say a stray cigarette or static electricity from a mobile phone may have triggered the blast.
Italy began winding up two banks in a massive bailout. The healthiest parts of Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca will be transferred to Intesa, the country’s biggest retail bank, which is taking them on in exchange for a €5.2 billion payout. But the full price of the bailout may be up to €17 billion—three times the initial estimate.
Activist investor Dan Loeb took aim at Nestle. Loeb’s hedge fund Third Point is accumulating Nestle shares, according to Bloomberg, as it prepares to push for a restructuring of the world’s biggest food company.
Qatar rejected demands from four Arab states. A Saudi-led group that includes Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain wanted Qatar to close the Al Jazeera news channel, cut diplomatic ties with Iran, and close a Turkish military base. US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said the demands were “difficult to meet,” and that “a lowering of rhetoric would also help ease the tension.”
London apartment buildings were evacuated due to fire risks. Thousands of residents at a council estate in Camden were asked to leave in the dead of night. The towers, along with dozens of other buildings across the UK, used materials similar to those linked to the deadly Grenfell Tower fire that killed at least 79 people.
Quartz obsession interlude
Ashley Rodriguez on science showing that sex doesn’t actually sell: “New research suggests that sex makes ads more memorable, but that people who’ve seen the spots aren’t any more likely to recall the actual brands or products they advertise.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Future jobs for humans will rely on emotional labor… Robots will have trouble replacing workers who are currently underpaid and underappreciated.
…And being smart will be redefined. In the age of AI, critical and creative thinking will be more important than ever.
Modi and Trump have a chance for a win-win. Upgrading US-India relations is a safe and winning long-term bet.
Surprising discoveries
Canada is critically low on marijuana. The government thinks a supply shortfall will be the biggest hurdle for its legalization plans.
Doodling lights up the brain’s pleasure circuits. Brain scans show that creating low-stakes art may be its own reward.
Mexicans are threatening to sue Heineken for its tequila-flavored beer. “Desperados,” which has only trace amounts of the spirit, runs contrary to tequila’s upmarket aspirations.
Gmail will stop reading your emails to serve you ads. Google now gets more than enough ad targeting data from other sources.
Amazon wants to build a giant beehive for drones. It’s seeking a patent for “multi-level fulfillment centers for unmanned aerial vehicles” that could serve urban areas.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Canadian marijuana sources, and favorite doodles to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our apps for iPhone and Android.