India’s literacy rate has reached a new milestone, rising from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24, according to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The announcement was made on the occasion of International Literacy Day 2025, where he emphasized that literacy must not be viewed merely as the ability to read and write but as a foundation for empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance for every citizen.

One of Chicago’s most beloved summer traditions is back this weekend as the Taste of Chicago kicks off its 45th year. The popular food festival begins at 11 a.m. on Friday in Grant Park and runs through Sunday, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to sample a wide variety of dishes, desserts and drinks from dozens of vendors across the city. The event will be open daily until 9 p.m., giving attendees three full days to enjoy Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene and a packed lineup of

San Jose has been named the safest major city in the United States, according to a recent analysis that compared the 50 largest cities across the nation. The recognition comes from a financial technology company’s study that weighed key indicators of safety, including violent and property crime rates, traffic fatalities, drug overdose deaths and lifestyle risk factors such as excessive drinking. While the ranking places San Jose above other large metropolitan areas, city leaders and law

Lego has made a major announcement that is set to excite collectors and Star Wars fans around the world. The company revealed it will release its largest and most expensive building set ever, designed around the iconic Star Wars Death Star. This upcoming release will not only break records in terms of size and price but also offer fans one of the most detailed and immersive Lego experiences to date. The new Death Star Lego set is expected to retail for nearly $1,000, making it the m

After confirming their engagement, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly fast-tracking their wedding plans. The couple, who began dating in the summer of 2023, is preparing for a wedding in Rhode Island next summer, according to reports. Sources close to the couple have revealed that Swift is eager to settle down and start a family, which has pushed the couple to move ahead with their wedding plans sooner than expected.

Establishing consistent routines for children is one of the most effective strategies for ensuring their well-being and development. Children thrive in environments where they know what to expect. Routines provide structure, security, and stability, which are essential for emotional growth and behavior management. Consistency helps children understand boundaries and feel more secure, as they can predict what happens next in their day-to-day life. Whether it’s a morning routine, a set be

A conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, caught on a hot mic during a military parade in Beijing, has sparked global intrigue. The leaders were walking alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when the conversation, which seemed to touch on the future of biotechnology and the possibility of humans living to 150 years old, was accidentally broadcast live by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Global music sensation Jackson Wang is set to take the world by storm with his highly anticipated Magic Man 2 World Tour. The tour kicked off with a bang in Bangkok, where two consecutive nights of concerts on October 3-4, 2025, sold out within hours of ticket release. This marks the beginning of a massive tour that promises to showcase his latest album, Magic Man 2, which dropped in July 2025 and debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200—

Bigg Boss Tamil is all set to return for its ninth edition after eight successful seasons, and this time, actor Vijay Sethupathi will continue as the host. After making a remarkable debut as the host last year, Vijay has won over audiences with his unique hosting style, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the show. Ahead of the new season, the makers unveiled a fresh and vibrant neon logo for

Jon Bon Jovi has released a new music video that pays heartfelt tribute to his beloved home state of New Jersey. The Sayreville-born rock star chose Labor Day weekend to unveil his latest single, “Red, White, and Jersey,” which has already begun generating buzz among fans and locals alike. The video blends romance, nostalgia, and unmistakable New Jersey pride into a visual story that resonates with both longtime admirers of Bon Jovi and those who share a deep connection to the Gar

Labor Day 2025 is just around the corner, and while it’s a time to relax and enjoy the last days of summer, it’s also essential to plan ahead for the holiday’s impact on business hours and services. Unlike some federal holidays, Labor Day sees most stores remaining open, but with altered hours, and various services will be closed or operating on a limited schedule. Here's a comprehensive overview of what’s open and closed this year on

The final stretch of summer is here, and the Jersey Shore is preparing for what is expected to be a packed Labor Day Weekend as thousands of visitors head to the coast to enjoy one last celebration before fall arrives. Forecasts are predicting clear skies and warm temperatures, which is exactly the kind of weather that draws large crowds to the shoreline. While this is welcome news for local businesses that rely heavily on tourism revenue, there are rising conc

The National Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Labor Day with its annual free concert on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. The event takes place on Sunday evening at 8 p.m., with gates opening to the public at 3 p.m. This long-standing tradition is one of the city’s most anticipated cultural gatherings, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy world-class music in a historic outdoor setting. The concert is free of ch

Jason Alexander, best known for his iconic role as George Costanza on the hit sitcom Seinfeld, is making his return to the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. The award-winning actor, comedian, and entertainer will take the stage on Friday, September 5 at 8 p.m. for a special evening titled As Long As You’re Asking A Conversation with Jason Alexander. The event promises to be more than just a performance. Audi

Chicago is preparing for an unusual and chilly end to the summer season as the unofficial last weekend of summer arrives. While Labor Day is typically associated with warm afternoons, backyard gatherings, and the final trips to Lake Michigan before fall begins, this year’s forecast has taken on a decidedly cooler tone. Meteorologists predict that Chicago could experience its coldest August day in nearly a decade, with temperatures struggling to climb out o

Dubai princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is officially engaged to Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. The surprising announcement comes just a year after the 31-year-old royal ended her first marriage through a bold Instagram post. French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, proposed during Paris Fashion Week in June, right af

Netflix is preparing to launch its first two Netflix House attractions, with grand openings scheduled in Philadelphia and Dallas. The Philadelphia location will open on November 12, 2025, at the King of Prussia Mall, while the Dallas location is set to open on December 11, 2025, at Galleria Texas. Additionally, a third Netflix House is planned for Las Vegas, with an anticipated opening in 2027. Each Netflix House will provide unique, immersive experiences inspired by Netflix’s

Armaan Malik, a name long synonymous with Bollywood’s emotional ballads, is ready to redefine his career. The playback singer, who has captured hearts with his cinematic songs over the years, is now embracing a new identity that of a global pop artist. After 18 years of contributing to the world of Bollywood music, Malik is stepping out of his comfort zone and into the limelight with his first-ever stadium tour.

The comedy world is in shock following the untimely death of Reginald “Reggie” Carroll, a beloved stand-up comedian from Baltimore. The 52-year-old comedian, who had a long-standing career in the entertainment industry, was fatally shot in Mississippi. The incident took place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in the Burton Lane area of Southaven, Mississippi. Despite valiant efforts to save him at Memphis' Regional One Health hospital, Carroll succu

Actor Salman Khan has been the face of Bigg Boss since Season 4 in 2010, transforming the show into one of India’s most-watched reality series. While the first three seasons saw Arshad Warsi, Shilpa Shetty, and Amitabh Bachchan take charge, Salman redefined the role of a reality TV host with his unique blend of charm, authority, and relatability. Over 15 years, he has navigated through explosive controversies, unruly contestants, and dramatic house polit