EXPLAINED: 5 | Rare Historical Photos

In 1888, William Seward Burroughs patented a calculating machine designed to help reduce bookkeeping errors; by 1926, his company had produced its millionth adding machine

In the 1880s, William Seward Burroughs created the Burroughs Adding Machine, a revolutionary calculating device tailored for bank clerks. This invention aimed to minimize mistakes and enhance efficiency in financial tasks. Over time, with numerous enhancements and patent acquisitions, the machine's demand surged across various industries. By 1926, the Burroughs…

The Economic Times · 17h ago

During World War I, zinc mining helped Rush, Arkansas, grow to 2,000 to 3,000 residents; by 1920, its population had fallen to 344, and mining ruins remain along the Buffalo River

Rush, Arkansas, experienced a boom during World War I, driven by high zinc demand which transformed it into a bustling mining hub. Essential amenities like hotels and stores emerged to support the growing population and mining activities. However, post-war economic shifts resulted in a steep decline, reducing the community to…

The Economic Times · 17h ago

In 1932, Dale Kleist tried to spray molten glass onto building blocks; the failed experiment created tiny fibres and helped make fibreglass insulation affordable

In 1932, Dale Kleist, while researching the process of sealing glass blocks, inadvertently discovered the art of producing fine glass fibers. This breakthrough was pivotal in the creation of fibreglass insulation, which revolutionized manufacturing. Teaming up with Jack Thomas and Games Slayter, they refined the glass fiber production technique, ultimately…

The Economic Times · 17h ago

In 2024, a New York dairy farmer wanted solar income without losing his fields; the 6.5-megawatt project was designed around crops and cows

A pioneering dairy farmer in northern New York is merging the realms of agriculture and solar energy by partnering with a solar developer on a transformative agrivoltaics initiative. This groundbreaking design features ample spacing between solar panels, enhancing operational efficiency for farming tools. Expected to generate consistent revenue, the project…

The Economic Times · 17h ago

‘Pandal will collapse’: Warning captured on video may have triggered Kolkata stampede that killed 19

A microphone announcement warning that the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata could collapse may have triggered panic, contributing to a stampede that killed 19 people and injured 25 on Saturday. Police are examining a video of the warning while investigating alleged crowd-management lapses, confusing announcements and the sudden…

The Economic Times · 18h ago

NYC Ferry carried 7.4 million passenger trips in FY2025, while the city subsidised each trip by an average of $8.33 across six routes serving all five boroughs

New York City's ferry service has seen significant growth, now serving around 7.4 million passengers. To keep fares affordable amidst increasing demand, public funding remains essential. Over the years, rising ridership and fare revenues have lowered the subsidy needed per trip. NYCEDC is committed to balancing operational costs with equitable…

The Economic Times · 18h ago

FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2, brace for margin pressure in H2

FMCG companies are experiencing increased margin pressure as input costs continue to rise. Rising inflation is affecting profitability, forcing firms to consider price hikes after the festive season. Companies are currently absorbing some costs to maintain consumer demand in urban and rural markets. The expectations for the second half of…

The Economic Times · 18h ago

FMCG firms grapple with input cost inflation in Q2, brace for margin pressure in H2

FMCG companies are experiencing increased margin pressure as input costs continue to rise. Rising inflation is affecting profitability, forcing firms to consider price hikes after the festive season. Companies are currently absorbing some costs to maintain consumer demand in urban and rural markets. The expectations for the second half of…

The Economic Times · 18h ago

USDA and CBP spent $861 million checking travellers and cargo for farm pests in 2011, but fees left a $325 million gap because federal law limits who pays

The United States has struggled with funding for its Agricultural Quarantine Inspection program due to fee shortfalls. In 2011, the program had an $861 million budget but collected significantly less in fees. Inspection fees were insufficient because legal restrictions limited cost recovery from various users. Reforms have been introduced to…

The Economic Times · 18h ago

In the 1890s, a new gold process helped turn Mercur, Utah, into a boomtown of over 2,500; by 1913, the mine had closed, and the original townsite was abandoned, though mining later resumed

In the late 19th century, Mercur, Utah, became an influential mining hub fueled by new gold extraction methods, notably cyanide processing which efficiently mined low-grade ore. However, by the early 1910s, falling profit margins resulted in mine closures, contributing to the town's deterioration. Revival efforts in later decades were unsuccessful,…

The Economic Times · 18h ago