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What to watch for today
India releases its budget. New finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lay out the priorities for Narendra Modi’s second term after his re-election as prime minister in May. Recent data show the country growing at its slowest pace in five years, making restoring confidence a key priority.
China and Bangladesh wrap up talks. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina concludes a five-day visit with a dinner hosted by Xi Jinping. The countries held bilateral talks on China’s Belt-and-Road initiative, with Bangladesh securing support for its power grid.
Trump addresses Independence Day revelers. The US president will give a speech from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC at 6.30pm US eastern time, following a military parade featuring tanks and fighter jets. The event has drawn fire for its cost and political overtones.
The US looks for signs in employment numbers. Economists are forecasting 165,000 jobs were added in June, up from a disappointing 75,000 in May. A slowing trend could signal the Federal Reserve’s openness to cutting interest rates; its unwillingness to do so yet has attracted sharp criticism from Trump.
While you were sleeping
Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker. Tehran summoned the British ambassador after the UK helped Gibraltar authorities to impound the ship off the coast of the European territory, allegedly at the request of the US. It is reported to have been carrying crude oil to Syria, in violation of EU sanctions.
US lawmakers worked on the census. Trump administration officials worked over the US holiday to pursue a legal route to adding a controversial citizenship question to the 2020 census, including a possible executive order. The Supreme Court ruled last week that the administration needed a better reason for adding the question.
Dozens were feared dead after a Libyan migrant boat capsized. Only a handful of the Europe-bound boat’s 80 passengers were rescued after it sank off the Tunisian coast, according to the International Organization for Migration. The tragedy follows the death of an estimated 53 yesterday after airstrikes on a Libyan migrant center.
Europe’s Central Bank warned of worsened slowdown. Olli Rehn, on the bank’s governing council, said members were considering policy options to limit the effects of an economic dip on EU countries that could no longer be considered temporary.
India announced a $330 billion renewables plan. The country intends to invest the money over the next decade in building up its solar and wind power capacity, but says it has no plans to abandon coal as its primary energy source.
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What does a meat market in China have to do with Brazilian soybean farms? A whole lot, it turns out. Chinese demand for meat has a gravitational pull that is drawing in the world’s soybean-growing countries. In our ongoing members-only video series on how China is reshaping our world, we examine how Chinese tastes are changing entire nations—even ones as large and diverse as Brazil.
Matters of debate
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Switzerland is the best spot for expats… It dethroned Singapore in rankings for its fast career progression, good pay, and “stunning scenery.”
…while Paris is the next-best thing for tech startups. The city is pitching itself as a stable, hip place to take risks.
Women should embrace “glass cliff” roles. ECB nominee Christine Lagarde says leading during a crisis is a chance to have a real impact.
Surprising discoveries
American children have moved to Mexico in record numbers. The economic crisis and immigration enforcement were key drivers.
Nearly half of global wages are paid to 10% of workers. Wage inequality is rising in the developed world, an International Labour Organization survey finds.
France’s “Muslim Rosa Parks” are reviving the burkini debate. Activists argue that a ban of the full-body swimsuit in pools is discriminatory.
One in three Americans think they have 5G. A survey of 2,000 smartphone owners revealed confusion over their phones’ capabilities.
Egypt objected to the auction of a 3,000-year-old bust. The sculpture of boy-king Tutankhamum fetched £4.7 million ($5.9 million) despite demands for its return.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, ancient busts, and “glass cliff” job openings to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written and edited by Natasha Frost and Jackie Bischof.