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Here’s what you need to know
Donald Trump plots his return to the campaign trail. Pending another Covid-19 test today, the US president should be cleared to attend public events by tomorrow, 10 days after his diagnosis, according to White House physician Sean Conley. US public health guidance tells people who have been in contact with a known coronavirus case to self-isolate for 14 days.
China joins the WHO’s coronavirus program. The Covax initiative aims to help poor and middle-income countries gain access to a vaccine once it’s available. The US, which is withdrawing funding from the World Health Organization over its handling of the pandemic, isn’t joining the effort, which needs to draw $15 billion in financial support this year alone.
The UK announces new hospitality furlough measures. The protections are expected to be for workers at pubs and restaurants forced to close as part of a new tiered lockdown coming soon, and are separate from a broader job protection program that ends this month.
The Nobel peace prize is awarded. After last year’s honor went to Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed, oddsmakers have singled out the WHO, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, among others, as frontrunners.
More election drama in the Baltics and central Asia. Lithuania, which has played a key role in supporting the opposition in the political crisis in neighbor Belarus, holds its general elections on Sunday. In Tajikistan, with a presidential vote the same day, analysts see threats to Emomali Rahmon’s 28-year rule as more likely to come from his family than the streets. And Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary election is still unraveling.
Matters of debate
Unlike last week’s disaster of a US presidential debate, vice president Mike Pence and senator Kamala Harris did mostly civilly discuss some policy at their own debate on Wednesday.
Here are some of our most thought-provoking reads from the aftermath.
- The truth about Pence’s V-shaped economic recovery boast
- Wall Street is less and less concerned about a close election
- Why is the Biden-Harris campaign OK with fracking?
- Mortality is the third rail neither Harris nor Pence can touch
Yesterday, Trump said he wouldn’t participate in a virtual debate, and now both candidates are instead holding individual town halls. What would a virtual presidential debate look like? Unfortunately, even supposing both candidates finally agree to hold such an event, there won’t be a mute button.
Charting the world’s richest Indians
The net worth of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, increased 73% over the past year to nearly $89 billion (Rs6.52 lakh crore). The second wealthiest person on the list, Gautam Adani, isn’t anywhere close.
The collective net worth of India’s 100 richest people rose 14% this past year despite the Covid-19 pandemic and an underwhelming stock market. Niharika Sharma tracks how the Reliance Industries chief has outpaced his peers.
Turn and face the strange
In many countries across the world, Covid-19 caused a sudden decline in economic activity, followed by recoveries ranging from sluggish to rapid. As a result, staggering statistics became the norm. For instance, France’sindustrial production fell by more than 20.6% in April from the previous month, but then rose by 19.9% in May.
This yo-yo economy has made it more important than ever to understand how to calculate and interpret percent change. As part of our guide to the data deluge, we walk members through a series of basic tools to understanding data, including a comprehensive guide to understanding statistical ups and downs.
✦ Speaking of percents and changes, anyone who makes the jump to a Quartz membership will get a cool 20% off their first year.
Obsession Interlude: Because China
Foreign languages are hard. But if you’re in contention for the highest office in the US, it might be a good idea to practice pronouncing the name of the second most powerful person in the world.
In Wednesday night’s US vice presidential debate, senator Harris badly mangled the Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s name, rendering “Xi” more like “zhee.” The “x” sound in Mandarin is tough for non-native speakers, and the closest equivalent in English is “she,” but with the tongue placed low and pressed flat behind the teeth.
Still, Harris can take comfort from the fact that there’s a far more egregious mispronunciation out there. In 2014, an anchor on India’s official broadcaster was fired for referring to the visiting Chinese leader as “Eleven Jinping,” confusing “Xi” with the Roman numerals XI.
If you’re a non-Chinese speaker and you’ve just practiced saying “Xi Jinping” for the last several minutes, we salute you for your efforts. Here are some more tools to help:
- ChinesePod’s pronunciation tool includes a useful breakdown of different combinations of vowels and consonants, alongside nifty diagrams showing tongue positions for various sounds.
- The University of California San Diego’s guide to pinyin provides context on the Chinese phonetic alphabet, known as pinyin, and some sound files for reference.
Come find more linguistic insights at Quartz’s Because China obsession.
You asked how to ask
Can I still ask for a raise during a pandemic?
You haven’t asked us this outright, but as the pandemic drags on, it’s likely you’ve either already had or will have the thought. But just because we’re still in a social lull doesn’t mean your employer hasn’t had a decent month. We spoke to an expert, who said you should go ahead and make the request—but keep some guidelines in mind.
- Don’t mention the economy
- Don’t explain your personal finances
- Do highlight changes in your job duties
With the help of career adviser Karen Coffey, Sarah Todd will shepherd you through the process.
Surprising discoveries
Oh no, there goes Tokyo. The world’s first “life-size” Godzilla statue has been unleashed on the public at an island amusement park near Osaka, Japan.
Indian newspapers carried dueling ads for “China’s” national day. Just days after Beijing paid for full-page ads to promote the celebrations of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan took out ads for the “Republic of China’s” national day tomorrow.
Scientists named a nasty wasp after Covid-19. The newly discovered Stethantyx covida is a type of Darwin wasp that can plant its eggs inside living creatures.
There’s new hope for brave sea lions. A groundbreaking brain surgery could cure epilepsy in the creatures that is caused by water contamination.
Come aboard, no one’s expecting you. Singapore launched half-full cruises with no destinations, and made waves among environmental groups.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, massive Mothras, and gigantic Ghidras to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Mary Hui, Tripti Lahiri, Susan Howson, and Max Lockie.