Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
India’s protests swell. Groups have planned demonstrations across 20 cities, as anger mounts over a citizenship law critics say discriminates against Muslim migrants. Opponents consider the law as the first legal expression of Hindu nationalism under prime minister Narendra Modi.
Sweden raises interest rates to 0%. The Scandinavian country is expected to become (paywall) the first in the world to make its way out of the negatives once it’s dipped to that level, despite ongoing concerns about a global economic slowdown. Ultra-low borrowing has been costly to banks.
Vladimir Putin skirts tough questions. The Russian president holds his annual marathon press conference. Putin will likely be keen to avoid questions about the economy, which is on track to fall short of the 1.8% growth he predicted at last year’s tightly-scripted event.
While you were sleeping
The US House debated impeachment. As Washington braced for a vote on both impeachment articles—expected early Wednesday evening, local time—debate on the floor of the House of Representatives featured screams, religious imagery, and blame-throwing.
Tencent tried to salvage its Universal Music deal. The Chinese conglomerate is reportedly hoping Singapore’s state investor and other sovereign funds will keep the deal to purchase Vivendi’s stake in the music label alive. If it goes through, it would be one of the biggest Chinese investments in a European media company.
The UN said it reached a “decisive shift” in refugee assistance. The Global Refugee Forum in Geneva wrapped up with billions more in aid pledges, along with promises from member states to resettle more of the world’s 26 million people who have fled their countries.
Bolivia ordered the arrest of its former president. Prosecutors signed the order charging Evo Morales with sedition and terrorism. The socialist politician fled to Argentina last month, amid protests over a disputed Oct. 20 election result, with Bolivians divided over whether his removal was a coup.
Big Tech teamed up on smart device standards. The main issue is connectivity, and making sure Amazon, Apple, and Google’s voice assistants and the speakers that house them within are compatible with a full range of other devices. The companies said security will be a “fundamental design tenet.”
Quartz membership
The business world has a complicated relationship with water, but some companies are diving in. NGOs have set corporations firmly in their sights, and investors are concerned with the financial implications of operating in water-stressed regions. A number of industries rely heavily on water supply, so they’re players, too, helped by a new industry of water technology consultants. John Engen gives members the who’s who in the water game as part of this week’s field guide.
Quartz obsession
Danish butter cookies are more than just cookies. The international love for the blue-tinned dessert made of flour, sugar, and lots of butter came from competing Nordic companies, the Kjeldsens and the Danish Court-recognized Royal Dansk. The two merged into the Kelsen Group and have a foothold on butter cookies globally today—challenging competitors, and with tins resting in homes for various uses. Dig in with the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of debate
The internet is breaking us. Humanity can’t cope with constant connectivity.
Ranked lists suck the joy out of everything. Enjoyment should be intrinsic, not measured in relation to other experiences.
Streetwear is over. There are only so many hoodies, T-shirts, and sneakers people can own.
Surprising discoveries
Headphones are changing the sound of music. Artists have adapted to the listening experience by adjusting vocals and bass levels.
There’s a reason peanuts are especially deadly. The legumes contain multiple allergens and are able to speed through the digestive tract.
Giant rocks are surprisingly bouncy. Boulders going downhill in the Atacama Desert take unexpected trajectories.
Eel reproduction is a scientific mystery. Researchers have finally figured out where it happens but still have no idea how.
Chewing gum is a great way to preserve DNA for posterity. Scientists were able to map a woman’s genetic code from a 6,000-year-old sample.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, allergy-free snacks, and joyful ranked lists 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 Susan Howson, Adam Rasmi, and Liz Webber.