The Economic Times

QR code invention story: QR codes originated from manufacturing needs in the early 1990s. Existing barcodes struggled to store sufficient information for evolving production. Engineers at DENSO WAVE developed a compact, two-dimensional code for faster scanning. This new code offered greater data capacity and error correction for factory environments.

The Jammu and Kashmir BJP will protest on July 20 against the current government. This protest aims to expose alleged failures in governance and electoral promises. The opposition party criticizes the administration for neglecting key issues. They state the government diverts attention from its own shortcomings. The BJP intends to voice public concerns across Kashmir.

According to Dallas Federal Reserve President Lorie Logan, the labor market is not a contributing factor to current inflation. She highlighted that some Texas businesses are unexpectedly elevating wages. While expressing worry over the risk of a wage-price spiral, Logan noted that it is still too early to ascertain whether these trends will persist, stressing the need for continued evaluation.

The Enforcement Directorate has launched extensive searches in multiple states concerning a terror-funding investigation that reportedly involves an illegal infiltration scheme involving Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals. During the raids, the agency seized digital devices and crucial documents. This money laundering probe traces back to an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh ATS, revealing a financial operation that redirected foreign contributions towards illicit actions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized border infrastructure's vital role in future warfare. Strategic projects will define India's civilization for centuries to come. He praised the Border Roads Organisation's unprecedented speed in challenging terrains. Connectivity improvements are transforming remote villages into vibrant border communities. Modern technology and human resolve are driving this significant national development.

Charles Simonyi, known for Microsoft Word and Excel, avoided property taxes by living on a superyacht. His custom-built vessel, Skat, offered waterfront views and freedom from regulations. The yacht featured a minimalist interior inspired by art galleries and advanced noise reduction engineering. Simonyi later transitioned to space tourism before upgrading to another large yacht. He sold Skat in 2021, continuing his unique lifestyle choices.

The Supreme Court declined to hear contempt petitions regarding demolitions. It observed that each case involves different factual circumstances requiring high court adjudication. The bench transferred all contempt proceedings to the respective high courts for resolution. Senior advocates argued for intervention in cases of egregious violations of court orders. The court clarified its judgment did not offer blanket protection to illegal constructions.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met filmmaker Randeep Hooda and actress Linthoingambi Laishram. Hooda congratulated the Chief Minister on his appointment amid challenging law and order. The Chief Minister expressed confidence in restoring normalcy and bridging community trust deficits. He highlighted efforts to protect lives and property during the crisis. Hooda conveyed a peace appeal urging unity and compassion for Manipur's people.

The Supreme Court has mandated that every state and Union Territory devise new policies concerning the early release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners. With a three-month deadline, these policies must include precise eligibility criteria and a straightforward process. This initiative is aimed at minimizing procedural hold-ups for those most in need of compassion and care behind bars.

Quote of the day by Michael Douglas highlights how difficult experiences can change the way people look at life. Michael Douglas shared these words after his battle with cancer. The quote explains that hardship can become a reason to grow instead of giving up. It also encourages people to value time, relationships, health and personal strength while facing challenges with determination.

Japanese Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of Good fortune comes to the laughing gate. The saying reflects how happiness, positivity, and emotional atmosphere can influence the way people experience life. It suggests that homes and environments filled with laughter, kindness, and warmth often create the conditions for stronger relationships, greater opportunities, and positive experiences. The proverb emphasizes that good fortune is not only about luck but also about the mindset and ener

Should cats really drink milk, or is it one of the biggest pet myths ever created? For decades, the image of a cat happily lapping up a bowl of milk has been treated as fact. But veterinarians say the reality is far more complicated. Here's why this long-standing belief about cats and milk deserves a closer look.

Alpine bumble-bees can fly at simulated altitudes over nine thousand meters. These insects achieve this by increasing wing motion amplitude, not frequency. This remarkable ability surpasses the height of Mount Everest, challenging previous assumptions. Such extreme flight performance suggests intermittent behavioral demands beyond routine foraging. This capacity highlights the surprising aerodynamic reserves present in these high-altitude insects.

Apple has raised AppleCare+ monthly and annual subscription fees for new Mac and iPad buyers. Existing customers will maintain their current AppleCare+ subscription rates without any changes. This price adjustment follows recent increases in Mac and iPad hardware costs. Industry reports suggest rising memory costs are impacting technology manufacturing expenses. Future iPhone models may also see increased pricing due to component costs.

The finger test offers a reliable method for determining when houseplants need watering. This technique involves inserting a finger into the soil to gauge moisture levels accurately. Overwatering, a common cause of plant death, can be avoided by bypassing unreliable watering cues. The finger test measures moisture directly in the root zone, ensuring proper hydration for diverse plant species.

The United States on Wednesday said it would impose a new 25% tariff on certain imports from Brazil, citing unfair trade practices by the world's 10th-biggest economy.

Viral cat videos history: Thomas Edison's film studio filmed cats over a century ago. His studio produced short films featuring simple spectacles for audiences. These early films were designed for quick entertainment and visual appeal. Edison's Kinetograph camera and Kinetoscope viewing device were groundbreaking inventions.

Saudi Arabia's ROSHN Group is seeking investors for its Aramco Stadium venue. JPMorgan is managing the fundraising process for this significant project. The state-backed developer aims to free up capital for economic transformation initiatives. This stadium transaction will mirror previous pipeline deals for infrastructure funding. Private investors are being approached as Saudi Arabia faces budget challenges.

Sonam Wangchuk news: Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike continues for nineteen days now. Several Bollywood actors have voiced their support for his cause. They urge the government to initiate dialogue with the activist. The protest concerns alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. Supporters are planning a march to Parliament on July 20.

Kerala Haj Minister N Samsudheen requested an extended Haj application deadline until August 15. He also urged the Union government to permit wide-body aircraft operations from Kozhikode airport. The minister sought refunds for unusable GPS-enabled smartwatches provided to pilgrims. He also called for improvements in food arrangements and changes to the medical certification process. The minister thanked authorities for introducing more technology-enabled services for the pilgrims.

Drafty windows quietly let warm air escape all winter. Even small gaps can make rooms feel colder and push heating bills higher. A roll of aluminum foil, used as a temporary reflective barrier on older windows, may help bounce heat back indoors. Combined with sealing air leaks, it offers a simple, low-cost way to improve winter comfort.

Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met his Sri Lankan counterpart Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha. They reviewed progress under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan and reaffirmed their commitment. Both sides agreed to further strengthen defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Madhya Pradesh secured investment proposals totaling Rs 1,592 crore at Bharat Tex 2026. These proposals are expected to create over 15,700 new employment opportunities across various textile sectors. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted the state's comprehensive Farm to Fashion textile value chain capabilities. He also promoted the PM MITRA Park in Dhar, attracting substantial investment and jobs.

Greenland is losing an estimated thirty million tonnes of floating ice hourly. This rapid melting, driven by climate change, accelerates glacier and ice sheet shrinkage. The island's weakening gravitational pull allows ocean water to redistribute globally. Increased freshwater discharge may alter crucial Atlantic ocean currents and weather patterns. Scientists are monitoring massive crevasses revealing the ice sheet's rapid response.

Staying up late doesn't automatically indicate laziness, poor self-control, or a particular personality type. At the same time, research consistently shows that getting enough sleep is essential for physical and mental health.

A Supreme Court ruling has led to a notable decline in Treasury revenue from import taxes in the United States. President Trump's administration is under pressure with a July 24 deadline to recover the financial shortfall. New tariffs are being rolled out in accordance with Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to confront issues like coerced labor and excessive production by international trade partners.

NASA houseplant study: NASA researched common houseplants for their air-purifying capabilities. These plants showed potential in removing specific organic chemicals from indoor air. The study found that plant roots and soil microbes played a significant role. Potting soil alone proved less effective than plants actively growing in it.

For many people, coffee represents far more than a source of caffeine. It becomes a comforting ritual, a productivity cue, a social tradition, or simply a familiar part of everyday life.

Quote of the Day by James Dean: James Deans quote, I think the prime reason for existence, for living in this world, is discovery, explores the importance of curiosity, self-discovery, and lifelong learning. The quote suggests that life becomes truly meaningful when people embrace new experiences, seek knowledge, and continuously grow through exploration. It highlights the idea that discovery is not only about the world around us but also about understanding our own purpose, potential, and place

Wrapping banana stems with plastic cling wrap significantly extends freshness. This science-backed method reduces ethylene gas emission by sixty-eight percent. The technique delays yellowing and prevents premature brown spotting for several days. Proper application involves moderate tension and specific material choices for optimal results. This approach offers economic and environmental benefits by reducing food waste.

June witnessed a significant decline in contracts for previously owned homes, which fell beyond expectations due to soaring mortgage rates and increasing house prices that sidelined many buyers. The pending home sales index showed a stark 5.4% decrease, impacting all four regions of the country. This trend reflects a sluggish housing market, creating hurdles for first-time buyers eager to enter the market.

Seventeen-year-old Riddhi Chauhan leads nearly 300 cadets in New York's NJROTC program. She earned this prestigious leadership role through four years of dedication and hard work. Riddhi oversees training exercises and supervises student leaders within the unit. She believes leadership involves setting a positive example and earning respect from others. Her accomplishment inspires young women pursuing leadership and service-oriented careers.

The Manipur Police have launched an innovative e-Office system designed to digitize their operations, marking a significant step toward a more efficient and transparent police force. The Director General of Police inaugurated a comprehensive training program for this system, which will facilitate improved administrative coordination and streamline procedures, ultimately enhancing service delivery for the public.

A recent survey shows India's positive views of America and Trump have significantly declined. Confidence in President Trump dropped thirteen points, while views of the US fell nine points. Trade friction and dismissive remarks contributed to this erosion of goodwill. China's image saw only a small improvement, failing to gain significant traction. India remains more comfortable with the US, but with less enthusiasm for its leader.

During the Puri Rath Yatra festival, an unfortunate incident resulted in the death of one devotee, while more than 100 others were rescued from a sudden crowd surge on the Grand Road. The situation escalated due to severe congestion, prompting a swift emergency response from rescuers. This incident raises important questions about crowd safety management at one of the most attended religious events in the region.

Psychology says people who like to watch a movie after a long day of work aren't always trying to escape from reality. Psychology explains that this habit can help the brain recover from mental effort, reduce stress, support emotional balance, and improve relaxation. Research also suggests that planned leisure activities, including watching movies, may help people recharge, process emotions, and prepare for another productive day.

Madhuri Jain Grover faces social media backlash for her views on wealth. She stated wealthy individuals, not the poor, run the country. This follows earlier controversy regarding her comments on childbirth. Grover clarified her remarks were misunderstood and aimed at encouraging births. Her statements have reignited debates on inequality and population growth.

Chinese Proverb of the Day: If you believe everything written in books, it would be better to have no books at all. At a time when millions of opinions compete for your attention every day, this powerful Chinese proverb offers a surprising truth: real wisdom begins when you question what you read.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement has officially come into force. Zero-duty consignments of Indian jewellery and coffee have now landed in the United Kingdom. This landmark pact is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade between the two nations. Businesses anticipate substantial growth and increased market competitiveness following the agreement. The pact aims to strengthen supply chains and support job creation across both countries.

NDA floor leaders will meet Friday before Parliament's Monsoon session begins July 20. The opposition plans to attack the government on several key issues. A joint committee report on a Constitution amendment bill is expected soon. This bill seeks to remove officials detained for 30 days on serious charges. The government may also introduce an amended women's reservation bill and a delimitation bill.

Maharashtra has notified new rules for app-based transport services, bringing aggregators under a uniform framework. These regulations mandate licensing and introduce fare controls, impacting services like Ola and Uber. Passenger safety measures and driver welfare provisions are significantly strengthened by these new rules. Vehicle eligibility criteria and mandatory safety features are also detailed within the notification. The government aims for a safer and more accountable app-based transpor