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.
Despite President Trump's dismissal of a top Federal Reserve official, investors shrugged off concerns and pushed stocks higher. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all finished the day in positive territory, with the Dow hitting a new record closing high. While the move to remove the official raises questions about the Fed's independence, investors are focused on upcoming economic indicators, including a report on inflation and highly anticipated earnings reports from tech giants like Nvidia. Meanwhile, the digital currency Bitcoin continues to struggle, dropping below $110,000 for the first time in two weeks.
In an effort to reduce reliance on China for key minerals used in advanced technologies, India is exploring partnership with a rebel group in Myanmar to secure rare earth samples. The Ministry of Mines has directed state-owned and private companies to collect samples from Kachin Independence Army-controlled mines and test them in domestic labs. This move comes in light of China's recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets, causing disruptions in global supply chains.
Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, who hails from the Bronx, has surpassed Tesla CEO Elon Musk as the richest person in the world with a net worth of $405 billion. This jump in wealth was reported by Barron's on Wednesday, putting Ellison ahead of Musk's net worth of $390 billion. This milestone marks a shift in the top spot amongst the world's wealthiest individuals.
The US Producer Price Index fell 0.1% in August, bucking expectations of a rise and indicating a potential slowdown in overall economic growth. The decline was driven by a slump in the cost of services, particularly within wholesalers and retailers. The news has led to a drop in Treasury yields and solidifies expectations of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
The Hilton Kathmandu, once a symbol of Nepal's ambition and modern design, recently fell victim to violent anti-government protests. The hotel, built by the Shanker Group with a significant investment and featuring luxurious amenities and seismic safeguards, opened in 2024 but tragically, went up in flames a year later. The Hilton was not just a hotel, but a cultural statement, embodying Nepalese heritage and offering breathtaking views of the Langtang range.
In a shocking incident, a brand-new Mahindra Thar crashed through a glass wall and landed on the road below in Delhi's Preet Vihar. The SUV had just been purchased by a couple who were inside the vehicle at the time with a showroom salesman. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the accident. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral on social media. Police are investigating the cause of the incident.
Delhi-based manufacturer Vikas Ecotech has acquired an existing Plasticizer Manufacturing Business, valued at Rs 270 million, in an all-cash deal. With this acquisition, the company aims to enhance its product offering and become debt-free by 2023-24. This move comes after the firm recently paid off Rs 101 crore of its debt to lenders.
The Indian Express has obtained information that the Registrar General of India has requested a budget of Rs 14,618.95 crore for the upcoming Census 2027. This will be the first "digital census" and will include the collection of caste data through dedicated mobile applications. The option for self-enumeration will also be provided to the public. Additionally, Indian refiners have saved approximately $12.6 billion in the past three years through their Russian oil imports, which has caused tensions with the Trump administration.
The Trump administration's latest move has caused major disruptions in the Indian export industry with the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Sectors such as apparel, textiles, gems, and jewelry will bear the brunt of the higher tariffs, putting low-skilled jobs in India at risk. India's response has been to extend tariff exemptions on cotton imports, but many are criticizing the government for not taking strong action against the US. Political figures like Saurabh Bhardwaj and Akhilesh Yadav have slammed the BJP-led government for its failed foreign and economic policies which are negatively impacting traders, manufacturers, and workers.
The highly anticipated 2025 model of the popular Suzuki Access 125 has finally been unveiled at the Auto Expo. While it comes in three variants and boasts 5 different colour options, there are complaints about the fluctuating mileage and poor design choices such as fixed mirrors. With tough competition in the two-wheeler market, Suzuki may need to offer attractive deals to customers to stay ahead.