Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Scotland looks for a way to remain in the EU. First minister Nicola Sturgeon travels to Brussels to meet with European parliamentary leaders, despite being snubbed by European Council president Donald Tusk. Scotland voted overwhelmingly against Brexit, and Sturgeon has proposed another referendum for Scotland to leave the UK as a last resort.
India tests a new missile. Weather permitting, India will fire a surface-to-air missile developed in conjunction with Israel at the Integrated Test Range, a defense base off the Odisha coast. The launch will be overseen by India’s defense ministry and Israel Aerospace Industries.
The world’s largest uncut diamond goes on sale. Sotheby’s in London will auction off a 1,109-carat diamond about the size of a tennis ball. Typically these sales are made privately to industry buyers, but the gem could fetch more money in an open auction.
While you were sleeping
Istanbul’s airport reopened following a terrorist attack. At least 36 people were killed and about 150 injured after two explosions ripped through one of the world’s busiest airports on Tuesday evening. Authorities say three men armed with Kalashnikovs detonated suicide vests when confronted by the police. Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim said the attack was carried out by ISIL, but no group has claimed responsibility yet.
The EU began summit talks without Britain for the first time. Prime minister David Cameron left Brussels after a final dinner on Tuesday night. EU leaders will discuss how to move forward as a 27-nation bloc and limit the collateral damage from the UK’s departure.
German consumer morale hit an 11-month high. Domestic demand is driving growth in Europe’s biggest economy, with consumer morale and spending power at their highest levels since August last year, bolstered by high employment, rising real wages and super-low borrowing costs. The consumer survey doesn’t include the impact of last week’s Brexit vote.
Toyota announced another massive recall. The Japanese carmaker said it needed to recall 2.87 million cars over a possible fault in emissions control units, after it announced on Tuesday that 1.43 million Prius and Lexus models had to be brought in to have their air bag inflators fixed.
The US, Japan, and South Korea conducted their first joint missile-tracking drill. The operation in the sea off Hawaii is a response to growing alarm over North Korea’s mid-range ballistic missile tests in the last few months.
Quartz obsession interlude
Solana Pyne on the misleading myths about working moms. “Mothers who work full time will never spend as much total time in the presence of their children as mothers who stay at home, though the time spent interacting with them often ends up about the same. Regardless, that’s not what’s important. Research keeps showing that parental time tallies are lousy predictors of how well children turn out.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Don’t start your start-up in Silicon Valley. Google co-founder Sergey Brin advises waiting until you’ve gained some traction before setting up in such an expensive area.
Is Lady Gaga “politically naive?” Or can China not comprehend that the singer would forego money for ideals?
Apple is driving its best customers crazy. People who want to buy a new laptop or desktop are in a bind because of sluggish product updates.
Surprising discoveries
A huge helium gas field was discovered in Tanzania. Just in time, as reserves of helium—needed for MRI scanners and science facilities—are fast running out.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is a hero in a new Marvel comic. The creator of “Civil War II: Choosing Sides #5” says it’s basically fan fiction.
A $4 Indian smartphone is ready to launch. More than 70 million people have ordered theirs, but MPs have called it a “joke” and a “scam.”
Cycling’s next doping scandal is mechanical. Thermal cameras are being used to detect hidden motors at the Tour de France.
Diet Pepsi drinkers really love aspartame. The company is restoring the artificial sweetener after a customer revolt.
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