Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today and over the weekend
The Kashmir crisis heads to the UN. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency closed-door meeting on the tensions in Kashmir later today. The consultations come at the requests of the Chinese and Pakistani delegations.
New rules for protecting wildlife. The UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) kicks off its triennial meeting in Geneva tomorrow. This year’s conference agenda focuses on strengthening wildlife trade rules.
The corruption trial for Sudan’s deposed leader begins. The proceedings are scheduled to begin tomorrow, the same day that military rulers and protest leaders will sign a landmark transition accord that’s meant to pave the way for civilian rule.
Another weekend of demonstrations in Hong Kong. After a highly charged series of events this past week, protesters are looking to avoid confrontations. Tomorrow evening will see an animal rights rally against the indiscriminate use of tear gas, which has affected pets. Sunday will see a mass gathering against the government and police violence.
While you were sleeping
North Korea upped the ante again. The country fired at least two more projectiles into the sea today, its sixth such test in less than a month, according to the South Korean military. Shortly before the weapons launch, Pyongyang rejected further peace talks and called South Korean president Moon Jae-in a “trully shameless man.”
At least one person has died in Japan’s tropical storm. The storm made landfall yesterday in western Japan and has continued moving north, claiming one life and injuring 49. Some 800 flights and train services have been cancelled.
Donald Trump reportedly wants to buy Greenland. The former real-estate developer has become fascinated with the idea of purchasing the autonomous Danish territory to take advantage of both its abundant resources and geopolitical importance, according to reports.
Some Instagram users can now flag content they think are false. It added a tool that allows users in the US to report posts that they think is false, in an attempt to combat disinformation on social media.
General Electric was accused of massive fraud. The company’s shares plunged by more than 11% after Harry Markopolos, the private financial investigator who blew the whistle on Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme in 2008, claimed it was concealing $38.1 billion in potential losses. GE dismissed the accusations as “meritless.”
Quartz Membership
Universal basic income is a form of social security that has attracted a lot of interest in recent years, and pilot programs in places like Finland, Kenya, and Oakland, California. Although guaranteed incomes might make our lives more comfortable and secure, Quartz reporter Ephrat Livni asks: would it make people any happier? It’s all part of our weeklong exploration of the future of work.
Quartz Obsession
Hong Kong’s protesters are channeling Bruce Lee. They’re not necessarily imitating his fighting style, but his fluid philosophy to “be like water.” It’s a fitting tribute to a Hong Kong native (and philosophy major) who used his multicultural background to transform martial arts and the movies into what they are today. Kick back at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
Shipping containers are for shipping. They’re not cheap, they’re wildly uncomfortable, and they don’t deserve to be turned into architecture.
Tracking your family and friends’ location isn’t creepy at all. Done well, location-sharing services can ease a lot of anxiety in emergency situations.
Thursday is the best day. Without the hype of a Friday or the pressure of a weekend, the week’s unsung hero has just the right vibe.
Join the conversation with the new Quartz app!
Surprising discoveries
Ships could pass invisibly in the night. A new cloaking device simply steers waves away from a boat—with the added bonus of increased stability.
Humans sense pain with a newly discovered organ. Research into cells found to be wrapped around nerves could give insight into chronic pain.
Boston saved millions by routing school buses with an algorithm. A team of researchers wrote up code to optimize school bus routes, helping the public school system save $5 million.
Volcanoes brought us diamonds from the deep. Recent eruptions prove there’s a reservoir of ancient rock 250–400 miles (400–640 kilometers) beneath our feet.
Robo-shorts can now help you run and walk. A battery-powered exosuit developed by researchers helps reduce the energy cost of walking by 9.3% and running by 4%.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, deep diamonds, and efficient bus routes to hi@qz.com. Join the next chapter of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was written by Mary Hui and edited by Isabella Steger.