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.
Branded mithai sales are expected to rise by 15-20% during this Diwali season in India, due to a surge in corporate gifting, retail demand, and product innovation. The packaged sweets market in India is projected to reach 27,600 by 2033, with a 16% annual growth rate, as per IMARC Group. With a growing taste for luxury and customization in gifting, Indian brands are expanding rapidly and introducing new products, such as millet-based and vegan options, to cater to changing consumer preferences.
Shoppers Stop, India's leading retail destination, hosted a star-studded event to launch their exclusive Diwali Collection in Pune. With famous actress Tejasswi Prakash gracing the event, the store was transformed into a festive paradise with vibrant displays and a plethora of premium brands and gifting options. Speaking about the collection, Shoppers Stop's CEO Kavindra Mishra emphasized their commitment to providing the best shopping experience for customers. Fans had the opportunity to meet Tejasswi and explore the collection, making the launch a truly memorable Diwali celebration for everyone.
Muthoot Finance, India's largest gold loan NBFC, is launching the third season of its Sunheri Soch campaign, which aims to break myths surrounding gold loans and highlight the stories of its customers' success. With Madhuri Dixit as the narrator and supported by regional voices and 64 radio stations, the campaign showcases how gold loans can be an engine of opportunity and financial independence. The Sunheri Soch movement will also have a digital platform, sunherisoch.com, where customers can engage and share their own inspiring stories.
The Indian Airport Economic Regulatory Authority has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit feedback on proposed airport performance standards until October 20. The authority aims to create a balanced mechanism that rewards airport service excellence while holding them accountable for lapses. This performance-linked framework will potentially affect tariff structures and service agreements across major airports in India, aligning with global best practices.
In this email, a reader expresses their frustration with the decline of dressing well in public settings. However, the writer also points out the undeniable advantages that come with dressing in a more formal and put-together manner, including better treatment from others and an increase in self-confidence. While many may argue that they have the right to dress as they please, societal norms and expectations still exist and can affect how one is perceived and treated. This highlights the power of appearance in various aspects of life, including business and success.
The Dhanteras festival proved to be a boon for Indian traders as consumers defied surging gold prices and spent an estimated Rs 1 lakh crore on the auspicious day. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) reported a 25% increase in gold and silver sales, making up a significant portion of the total expenditure. Despite the economic slowdown, the tradition of purchasing gold and other items symbolising prosperity on Dhanteras remains strong, highlighting the cultural significance of the festival.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE), highlighted India's remarkable progress in railway modernisation, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed the construction of 35,000 kilometres of new railway tracks and electrification of 46,000 kilometres of tracks in the past 11 years. He praised the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for organising the IREE and urged them to think bigger and envision a global-scale railway exhibition that surpasses Germany's InnoTrans, showcasing India's growing capabilities in railway infrastructure and technology.
On Friday, the IRCTC website and mobile app faced technical issues, causing an outage and inconvenience to over 5,800 users trying to book tickets. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints as the server crashed during peak booking hours, with some suggesting the need for better technology to handle festive rush. Officials have assured that efforts are being made to restore normal operations.
In a boost for the festive season, Indian Railways has launched two special Vande Bharat trains between Delhi and Patna. These trains will run till November 17 and offer a luxurious and secure travel experience for passengers during Diwali and Chhath Puja. With stops at six important stations, these trains will cover a distance of 1,000 km in under 14 hours.
As India prepares for Dhanteras 2025, gold has already become the star of the show, with prices surging more than 50% this year and showing no signs of slowing. The combination of global and domestic factors, including safe-haven demand, central bank buying, and economic uncertainty, has pushed gold to an all-time high of over Rs 1,30,000 per 10 grams. As investors flock to add the precious metal to their portfolio, experts predict a continued upward trend, driven by lower interest rates, de-dollarisation, and geopolitical tensions.