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What to watch for today and over the weekend
India expects slower economic growth in this year’s second quarter. The State Bank of India’s economics unit predicts a Q2 rate of 4.2%, way down from the same period last year, when the economy grew by 7%.
Hong Kong police plan to clear PolyU today. The police commissioner said the siege will end, and Polytechnic University, which has seen a 10-day standoff between anti-government student protesters and authorities, will be handed back to school officials after debris is cleared.
The European Commission’s new president discusses the Uyghur situation with the Chinese government. Ursula von der Leyen plans to call Beijing on Dec. 1, her first day at work, following the recent publication of the “China Cables”, leaked documents that describe “re-education camps.”
The Southeast Asian Games begin on Saturday in the Philippines. But it might be too early for organizers: the transportation problems and unfinished venues are drawing comparisons to Fyre Festival. Large numbers of visitors are complaining.
While you were sleeping
Donald Trump made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan. The US president made his first trip to the country, to visit American troops for the Thanksgiving holiday. He also announced talks with the Taliban have restarted.
Turkey accused France of helping terrorists. Foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says France’s president Emmanuel Macron is a “sponsor of terrorism”, and claims the French leader wants to rule all of Europe.
Dozens of protesters have been killed in Iraq. Reports say Iraqi security forces have killed at least 35 people, following an overnight arson attack on Iran’s consulate in Najaf. It was the most violent day so far in this wave of protests across the country.
Italian police discovered plans to build a new Nazi party. They found a stash of weapons held by extremists hoping to “create an openly pro-Nazi, xenophobic and antisemitic movement.” The police say there are links with similar gangs in the UK and Portugal.
An international art expert was charged with selling looted Cambodian antiques. For five decades, Douglas Latchford trafficked stolen art to museums, dealers, and auction houses.
A former police chief has been cleared of manslaughter over the Hillsborough disaster in the UK. David Duckenfield was in charge of South Yorkshire police when 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death at a soccer stadium in 1989.
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There are thousands of life coaches. They contribute to the transformation economy, a growing clutch of industries that includes high-end retreats, gurus, and adventure travel, where the product is a new and improved you. They’re even available on Airbnb.
Quartz Obsession
You’ve seen them in the sky: Contrails. The streaks of white cloud are visual evidence of at least one of the 14,000 planes flying at any moment. Scientists used to think they have a cooling effect, conspiracy theorists view them as “chemtrails,” and now some suspect they contribute to climate change. Before you look for a contrail, dig deep into the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of Debate
We can’t bet against climate change. The world is transforming in front of our eyes and “no amount of economic cost-benefit analysis is going to help us” plan for climate change.
These children are traveling the world. But they’re not in school.
Corporations can be tone-deaf and sexist. Deloitte seems to think there’s a comparison between data and the illegal, patriarchal South Asian practice of dowry.
Surprising discoveries
The NSA was scammed out of $100,000 by a contractor. A federal indictment alleges the US Department of Defense paid an intelligence contractor for work she never did.
A British TV station has put an ice sculpture in the prime minister’s place. Boris Johnson had refused to take part in a debate on climate change. He sent his friend and his dad instead.
Biology students are dissecting artificial frogs. They made their debut at a high school in Florida, and are made of synthetic tissue.
A robot has performed 100,000 experiments in a single year. MIT scientists built a robot to repeat an experiment, but also logically review the results, and craft a response each time.
The city of Asbestos, Canada, is changing its name. Local officials are trying to be mindful of those affected by the toxic substance.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, ice sculptures, and robot scientists to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android, and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Patrick deHahn and Hasit Shah.