Pathik Shah

A QR Code (Quick Response code) is a two dimensional bar code which allows high speed decoding and is becoming very popular for use in mobile devices. QR codes can be used to store textual information like URLs which can then be easily decoded using a QR code mobile reader.

How to Make QR Codes?

To create a QR code, just visit

Kaywa QR Code Generator/

iNigma QR Code Generator

Enter the text you want to encode and generate your own QR codes.

For example, this QR code should lead you right back to www.pathikshah.com/blog

How to Read QR Codes?

To read or decode QR codes, you need to have a QR code reader.

You can download one for your mobile phone here:

Kaywa QR Code Reader

iNigma QR Code Reader

Just install the QR coder reader application on your phone, open it and point the camera at the QR code you wish to decode. Try it out on the QR code above. It should point you back to this awesome blog.

How to get the IEC Importer Exporter Code for Paypal in India

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Update – 02/03/2010

We don’t need a IEC code for Paypal bank withdrawals. What we need is a Purpose Code. You can find more details on the Paypal Blog. Most of us should have to use the codes – P0801, P0802, P0803 or P0805, P0806.

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This guide will show you How to apply for the IEC Export Code for enabling local bank withdrawals via Paypal to India.

Local Bank withdrawals in India by Paypal should start by March 3, 2010. You will need to enter the IEC / Importer Exporter Code / Export Code when withdrawing money to your local Indian Bank account.

What is the IEC?

IEC is the Importer Exporter code which is granted by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), to any bonafide person or company for carrying out import / export. Here is a Sample IEC.

The IEC forms the primary document for recognition by Government of India as an Exporter / Importer. On the basis of IEC, companies can obtain various benefits on their exports/imports from DGFT, Customs, Export Promotion Council etc.

Why do you need the IEC?

If you are a  Paypal user and need to withdraw money from your Paypal account to your local Bank account, you will need the IEC according to a recent RBI directive.

How to apply for the IEC “Import Export Code”?

You can apply for the IEC at the Zonal Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) office.

The application form can be downloaded here – IEC Application Form

Just fill the IEC application form (Parts A,B,D in case of a new IEC) and submit it along with the application fees – Rs. 250 DD.

If you are an individual, you can apply for the IEC as a Services Provider Proprietorship Firm.

Both savings and current accounts are accepted. You do not need a current account.

Documents Needed:

1. Covering letter
The cover letter should be on the letterhead of your firm.

2. Completed Application Form
Complete sections A,B,D of the IEC form

3. Bank Certificate
The bank certificate has to be obtained from the bank which manages your savings/current account. The format of the bank certificate is in the IEC form.

4. PAN Card – 2 copies

5. 2 passport photos

6. Self Addressed Envelope

Useful Links:

DGFT Website

DGFT FAQs

Import Export Code FAQ

IEC Application Form

Update 27/02/2010:

Paypal resumes Local Bank Withdrawals to India

Paypal has been working on the issue with RBI and will resume bank withdrawals in India by March 3rd.

Details – Resuming local bank withdrawals to India

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Paypal had officially stopped personal payments to Indian accounts and cash withdrawals to Indian bank accounts 3-4 weeks back because of some issues regarding remittances to India. They are still work on the issue with the RBI regulators; but the issue is yet to be resolved.

Here are some details on the Paypal India situation –

Personal Payments and local bank transfers in India

Update on PayPal situation in India

The alternative to withdraw money from your Paypal account to your bank account in India was to use Xoom.

Starting today, even Xoom has stopped accepting Paypal as a funding source in Indian transactions.

Details on that -

Xoom – Paypal Funded Transactions to India Blocked

How to withdraw money via Paypal to your Indian Bank Account?

The only way to withdraw money from Paypal now is to request a check. The fee is $5.00 and it takes about 5-7 working days.

I have been trying to make sense of the Union Budget 2010-2011 and here are the points which I think should affect the technology sector. There hasn’t been much in this budget for us technophiles though.

Key Features of Indian Union Budget 2010 – 2011

Computers and Mobiles

The Special Additional Duty of Customs (SAD) of 4% on imported mobile handsets has been fully exempted. This should lead to a slight fall in mobile prices if the manufacturers decide to pass on the benefit to the consumers.

The budget has also proposed to remove the 24% import duty on components imported for manufacturing batteries, chargers and other mobile accessories.

On the other hand, the central excise on all non-petroleum products has been increased from 8 to 10%, which may end up eroding the tax savings on technology products due to the above mentioned points.

IT

There have been no specific announcements made which should affect the IT sector directly but the UIDAI (Unique ID Authority of India) project has been approved and Rs. 1900 crores have been allocated to it. The project will most likely be handled by Indian IT companies so this should be good.

Also, Rs. 31000 crores have been earmarked for school education reforms in 2010-2011; which will probably be a boost for the IT sector in the long term.

One of the best things about this budget seems to be that both the GST and the Direct Tax code will finally be applicable by April 2011.

I’m still browsing through the whole budget document. Will update this post if I find anything relevant.

How to Hack your Symbian Phone to Directly Install Applications

If you have a Symbian OS 9.x phone, you need to sign applications and games before installing them. If you want to bypass the signing process and directly install all unsigned applications, you can hack your Symbian device using the HelloOx patch.

After installing the HelloOx patch, you can directly install all Symbian applications without signing them.

Download HelloOx 1.03 here – Download HelloOx – Symbian

Just extract all files from the zip archive and sign the HelloOX.1.03.Unsigned.sis using this tutorial – How to Sign Symbian Applications and Games

Transfer it to your phone and install it. Your phone is now hacked.

HelloOx doesn’t work with Symbian FP2 devices and the 5800. If there is some problem installing applications after installing HelloOx on your phone, sign them using either your own certificate/key or the left_up certificate and key included in the zip file using this tutorial – How to Sign Symbian Applications and Games