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What to watch for today and over the weekend
India prepares for more protests. The government has suspended the internet in parts of Uttar Pradesh, its most populous state, where at least 18 people have died since nationwide protests began. Authorities have also banned gatherings in the capital Delhi.
China tries to send its most powerful rocket into orbit—yet again. It plans to launch the Long March 5 later today, after a failure two years ago, and the disastrous launch of the Long March 4 earlier this year. It is critical to China’s ambitious space program.
Australian firefighters protect Sydney’s water supplies. Cooler weather over Christmas soothed the intense bushfires ravaging Australia for weeks. But temperatures are rising again and a dam that provides water for 80% of Sydney is under threat.
While you were sleeping
The founder of Uniqlo left the board of SoftBank. Tadashi Yanai, the richest man in Japan, was on the board for almost two decades, and was one of the few members able (and willing) to challenge the group’s controversial founder Masayoshi Son.
Turkey unveiled new details about its electric car project. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to drive a prototype at an official ceremony on Friday. Turkey plans to invest $3.7 billion over the next 13 years to produce 175,000 units of the car.
Tesla received a $1.3 billion loan in China. The automaker said it plans to use the money, provided by four Chinese banks, to fund construction of its Shanghai factory, its first car plant outside the US. Tesla wants to bypass import tariffs and increase sales in China.
Benjamin Netanyahu remained leader of Israel’s Likud party. Despite his corruption indictments, the prime minister convincingly saw off an internal challenge from former protégé Gideon Saar.
A plane carrying 100 people crashed in Kazakhstan. At least 15 people were killed, and dozens injured, after a domestic Bek Air flight collided with a two-story building near Almaty airport shortly after takeoff.
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Matters of debate
The US still doesn’t have high-speed rail, despite years of extravagant plans. Politics and money are to blame, of course.
Silicon Valley engineers are moving away from startups. They can earn far more money at the tech giants, and the wage gap is growing.
Working nights and weekends won’t help your career. Channel your ambition toward personal projects instead.
Surprising discoveries
Ireland issued a record number of passports in 2019. Brexit has led to great demand from people of Irish descent who want to stay in Europe.
Entry-level staff in Old Navy use seven apps to serve customers. Brick-and-mortar stores now have to offer instant gratification, as well as personal service.
Bruce Lee’s daughter sues a Chinese fast food company for using her father’s image. But Real Kungfu says it has used that logo for 15 years.
Asia’s eclipse watchers are more fascinating than the eclipse itself. People of all different kinds are united by funny glasses.
A pencil caused subway delays in New York. The city’s transit department said it kept doors from closing.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, errant pencils, and Irish passports 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 Luiz Romero and Hasit Shah.