Make sure to mark your calendars as August 2024 is packed with national holidays and festivals, resulting in a long weekend. However, if you have any financial work to do, you must take note of the bank holidays provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These holidays include Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, and other state-specific holidays which will affect bank operations. Stay informed and plan your finances accordingly to avoid any inconvenience during this busy month.
August 18th: A Sweet Treat for Ice Cream Lovers
In the sweltering heat of summer, there's no better way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth than with a scoop of ice cream. And on August 18th, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day, a day dedicated to the frozen dessert that brings joy to people of all ages.
Origins of National Ice Cream Day
The origins of National Ice Cream Day are somewhat hazy. Some believe it was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, while others attribute its creation to an ice cream parlor owner in Wisconsin in 1922. Regardless of its exact origins, the holiday has been officially recognized by Congress since 2021.
Celebration and Indulgence
On National Ice Cream Day, ice cream parlors across the country offer special deals, promotions, and limited-edition flavors. Many people indulge in their favorite frozen treats, from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate and fruity sorbets. Social media platforms are flooded with images of ice cream creations, and friends and family gather to share this sweet delight.
Ice Cream: A Culinary Delight with a Rich History
The history of ice cream dates back centuries. Ancient civilizations in China, Greece, and Rome enjoyed frozen desserts made with snow or ice, flavored with fruits and honey. In the 16th century, Italian chefs introduced ice cream to Europe, and it quickly became a favorite dessert among royalty and the wealthy.
Over time, ice cream production methods improved, and it became more accessible to the general public. In the 19th century, the invention of the hand-cranked freezer made ice cream a popular backyard treat. Today, ice cream is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures, and it remains a symbol of summer and celebration.
Top 5 FAQs About National Ice Cream Day
1. When is National Ice Cream Day? Answer: August 18th.
2. Who first celebrated National Ice Cream Day? Answer: The exact origins are unknown, but it may have been President Ronald Reagan in 1984 or an ice cream parlor owner in Wisconsin in 1922.
3. What are some popular ice cream flavors? Answer: Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint, and cookies and cream.
4. How much ice cream is consumed in the United States each year? Answer: Approximately 1.6 billion gallons.
5. What are some fun ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day? Answer: Visit an ice cream parlor for special deals, host an ice cream party with friends and family, or try making your own ice cream at home.
TCS, the Mumbai-based IT giant, has released its Q3 results for FY 2025, showcasing impressive numbers and highlighting the company's commitment to employee development and recruitment. With over 1,10,000 promotions and a diverse workforce of 152 nationalities, TCS continues to invest in upskilling and well-being of its employees. Despite cross-currency volatility, TCS's financial discipline and strategic investments have led to positive margins and free cash flows, ensuring long-term business growth.
Mahindra, one of the leading players in the EV market, has added another feather to its cap with the launch of the XEV 9e at an affordable price of Rs 21.9 Lakh Ex-Showroom. With a range of 542 km on a single charge and a powerful engine delivering 228 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, the XEV 9e is a well-balanced and premium offering that is sure to impress both EV enthusiasts and regular car buyers alike. To get a taste of the driving experience, check out the video below.
The electric SUV market in India is growing with the launch of new models from Tata, Mahindra, and Hyundai. This article provides a comparison of the variants and prices of the Mahindra BE6, XEV 9e, and Tata Curvv, to help customers make an informed decision in their budget. Test drives of the vehicles will be available in a staggered manner, starting with metropolitan cities and expanding to other cities in phases.
After creating a buzz on social media, Mahindra has now announced the prices for their top models BE 6 and XEV 9e. Priced at Rs 18.9 and Rs 26.9 lakh respectively, both models can be pre-booked from February 14, 2025. Interested customers can also test drive them starting from January 14 in select cities. The BE 6 offers an impressive range and fast charging capabilities, making it a promising offering from Mahindra.
The University Grants Commission is seeking suggestions and comments from stakeholders on its proposed draft regulations for the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges. The regulations aim to update and harmonize guidelines for academic positions across all higher education institutions in India, and will introduce new methodologies for recruitment and promotion processes. Stakeholders are urged to review the draft and contribute to the shaping of the future of academic staffing in the country.
The Indian Health Ministry is taking action as the number of HMPV cases rises to five, with two patients in Tamil Nadu and none so far in Maharashtra. The 2019 outbreak began with two infants in Bengaluru but only one remains hospitalized. The respiratory illness has flu-like symptoms such as common cold, sore throat, and fever and the ministry has directed state health officials to monitor any SARI or ILI cases. Haryana's health minister has issued an advisory for civil surgeons in regards to respiratory diseases including HMPV.
The stock market saw a sharp decline on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite falling 0.9% and 1.6%, respectively. This was fueled by a rise in the yield of 10-year Treasurys, indicating concerns about the future of interest rates. The release of strong economic data, including better-than-expected job openings in November, also raised questions about the Fed's decision-making on rates. The tech sector was hit hard, with AI chipmaker Nvidia's stock dropping 5% after hitting an all-time high earlier in the day.
In an interesting turn of events, users of X (formerly Twitter) discovered a "X Score" feature that was touted to provide an insight into their social credit standing on the platform. However, most users were shocked when the AI assistant gave them a paltry 38 out of 100. This led to speculations of a possible algorithm tweak by X's owner Elon Musk, but later it was revealed that this was not an official feature and no changes had been made to the algorithm. So, if you're wondering why your views are going down, Musk has a simple answer for you.
Nazibur Rahman, former principal secretary to the Prime Minister's Office and National Board of Revenue chairman, has been sent to jail after his three-day remand in connection with the 2022 killing of a BNP activist. Police have implicated Rahman in the case after arresting him in October 2025. The incident began when BNP leaders and activists gathered in the capital as part of their party program. On December 7, 2022, police and AL men entered the BNP office and opened fire, injuring the activist. A case has been filed against 256 people, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for their involvement in the incident.
In a major shift, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads will no longer use fact-checkers to moderate content, instead relying on community notes similar to X. The move is intended to promote free speech and reduce mistakes in content moderation. Additionally, the company will be moving its trust and safety teams responsible for content policies and moderation from California to Texas and scrapping restrictions on topics like immigration and gender identity. However, there is a trade-off as the company admits it will catch less bad content but also reduce the number of innocent posts and accounts that are accidentally removed.