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.
The Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar, and key executive Vneet Jaain have been charged by the US Department of Justice with securities fraud in an alleged scheme to pay USD 265 million in bribes to Indian officials. The charges do not include violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) as previously reported. Adani Green Energy Ltd, the company at the center of the allegations, has denied all charges and plans to defend itself through legal means.
After much anticipation, Honda has finally entered the Indian electric two-wheeler market with the launch of their new Activa e-scooter. Set to be priced and available for booking starting January 1st, 2025, the e-scooter boasts a range of 102km on a full charge and a top speed of 80kmph in Sport mode. It also comes equipped with advanced features such as a seven-inch TFT screen with navigation and a smartphone application. This highly-anticipated launch is expected to revolutionize the way Indians commute and pave the way for a more eco-friendly future.
Ola Electric has made a big splash in the electric vehicle market by launching a commercial e-scooter called 'Gig', priced at Rs 1.19 lakh. However, the company is facing scrutiny from India's consumer protection agency for alleged poor service and quality issues. These developments come amidst a push for more electric vehicles in the country, with a number of other EV companies also making headlines.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has officially announced its entry into the Indian electric vehicle market with the launch of two new models: the Activa E and the QC1. These new scooters cater to the needs of personal commuters and price-sensitive buyers with features such as swappable batteries and compact in-wheel motors. The company plans to start bookings for the Activa E in January and expand its presence in major metro cities with battery swapping facilities in collaboration with OMC Power Pvt Ltd.
Ola Electric's stock price saw a significant boost on Wednesday after the company revealed its plans to launch two new electric scooter ranges priced at just Rs 39,000. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal also introduced a portable home inverter, the Ola PowerPod, which doubles as a battery pack for the scooters. These affordable and accessible options are set to cater to a broad range of customers, with reservations already open. However, this move comes amidst ongoing customer complaints and a recent restructuring effort within the company. With the launch of these new models, Ola Electric aims to revolutionize EV adoption in India and pave the way for a greener future.
The Adani Group, one of India's largest conglomerates, has suffered a massive loss of $55 billion in its market capitalization since US prosecutors accused its founder and other officials of fraud. The November 20 indictment in New York alleges that billionaire Gautam Adani and his team misled international investors by offering bribes to Indian government officials. The group denies the charges but has still seen a significant drop in its market value.
Triveni Turbine Ltd, a company founded in 1995 and based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has been making waves in the electric equipment industry. With its team led by chairman Dhruv M Sawhney and company secretary Rajiv Sawhney, Triveni Turbine Ltd stands out among its competitors. Despite being a newcomer in the market, the company has already gained attention and established itself as a major player in the industry, as evidenced by its partnership with top data sources and its recognition by Living Media India Limited.
The Adani Group has been recently cleared of bribery charges by the US Department of Justice, according to a filing made by Adani Green Energy Ltd. Various media houses had reported the charges against Group Chairman Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and senior executive Vneet Jaain, but the company has denied these reports as incorrect. The statement filed by Adani Green Energy Ltd. clarified that the three individuals were not charged with any violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has granted approval for the PAN 2.0 project, a modernization effort by the Income Tax Department to simplify and improve the process of managing PAN and TAN. With a budget of Rs 1,435 crore, the project aims to consolidate multiple services, portals, and platforms into a single, user-friendly portal. This upgrade will also include a QR code and enhanced cybersecurity measures for better data protection. The goal is to make taxation processes more efficient and effective for taxpayers.
Bengaluru-based Ola Electric has expanded its portfolio with the launch of four new electric scooters, including a budget-friendly option for gig workers. With prices ranging from Rs 39,999 to Rs 64,999, the new models offer different features and ranges to cater to different needs. Ola has also introduced a portable battery inverter for home use.