This week’s edition starts with a glimpse into South Korea, where the Korean Wave is continually transforming global tourism. With K-pop and K-dramas captivating fans, many are drawn to cafés, concert venues, and filming sites that bridge fandom and real-world travel.
Next, we journey across Asia to explore vegetarian-friendly destinations. We also highlight an MP temple in Omkareshwar that’s turning devotion into a life-saving initiative by offering VIP darshan to blood donors, reinforcing local blood bank resources. Additionally, we delve into the increasing chances of El Niño’s resurgence and its potential impacts on travel plans worldwide, from India’s monsoon to African safaris and beach getaways in Southeast Asia.
Following that, we investigate seven Indian regions where food has served as medicine long before wellness became a global trend. We also examine why consuming alcohol often leads to cravings for salty, high-calorie snacks. The edition revisits one of Delhi’s most notorious crimes, the 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra case, a haunting event that remains etched in public memory and has inspired Prime Video’s Raakh.
In our “What we read this week” section, we review a thrilling locked-room mystery set aboard a luxury train in Murder on the Maharaja Express, along with Liar Liar, a sharp exploration of truth and deceit.
Let’s dive in.
From BTS to blockbuster K-dramas: How the Korean Wave is reshaping travel
South Korea is becoming an attractive destination for visitors eager to experience the realms of their favorite K-pop idols and K-drama characters. From BTS-themed tours and fan cafés in Seoul to drama shooting locations on Jeju Island, the country is transforming global fandom into a major tourism incentive, encouraging travelers to venture beyond conventional sightseeing.
7 vegetarian-friendly destinations in Asia every food-loving traveller should visit
From Rishikesh’s spiritual kitchens and Kyoto’s Buddhist cuisine to the street food scenes in Penang and Ho Chi Minh City, these locations demonstrate that remarkable travel experiences don’t have to center around meat. Here’s a look at some of Asia’s most delightful spots for vegetarian travelers and food enthusiasts alike.
Donate blood, get VIP darshan: How an MP temple is turning faith into a life-saving mission
At Madhya Pradesh’s Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, devotees who donate blood can bypass long lines for VIP darshan. This initiative has motivated thousands of pilgrims to contribute to a vital cause while assisting local blood banks in bolstering reserves of rare blood types and supporting neighboring areas.
El Niño is making a comeback: What travellers need to know
The World Meteorological Organization indicates a high probability of El Niño’s return later this year, which may trigger droughts, floods, heatwaves, and other weather irregularities globally. From African safari spots and Southeast Asian beach holidays to monsoon travel in India, this climatic phenomenon could significantly affect travel plans around the world.
Prix Versailles 2026: Four Indian landmarks among world’s most beautiful designs
India has made a notable impact in the Prix Versailles 2026 World Selection, with four entries acknowledged for outstanding architecture and design. Guwahati’s Terminal 2, Navi Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 1, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho, and Rosso in Pune Wine Country have made the list across airport, hotel, and restaurant categories for their ability to meld local identity with modern global design.
Concerns over screen addiction, harmful content, sleep disruption and online safety have been prompting governments across the globe to take tougher action on children’s digital lives
From Kerala to Sikkim: 7 Indian regions where food has always been medicine
Long before wellness became a global phenomenon, communities across India established food traditions focused on healing, nutrition, and longevity. From Kerala’s Ayurvedic kitchens and Ladakh’s sea buckthorn berries to Rajasthan’s desert superfoods and Sikkim’s organic growing techniques, these seven regions illustrate how India’s culinary legacy has long intertwined food with well-being.
Why alcohol makes you crave chips, pizza and other junk food
That compelling desire to snack on chips, nachos, or pizza while drinking could be more than just a habit. Research indicates that alcohol may activate biological hunger cues linked to protein cravings, rendering savory, calorie-dense foods particularly enticing and elevating the chances of overeating.
FSSAI warns against a common kitchen practice that could contaminate food
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed food businesses to refrain from using rusted, corroded, chipped, or damaged knives and cutting tools, cautioning that these can contaminate food and breach hygiene regulations. The regulator has urged state authorities to exercise strict oversight during inspections, noting that non-compliance may lead to actions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The crime that shocked Delhi: The real 1978 case behind Prime Video’s Raakh
Before serving as inspiration for Prime Video’s Raakh, the 1978 kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra became one of India’s most infamous criminal cases. This brutal crime, coupled with a desperate struggle for survival and the nationwide manhunt that ensued, redefined Delhi’s perception of safety and made a lasting impression on the nation’s collective memory.
What we read this week
‘Wedding on the Maharaja Express’ review: Agatha Christie-style desi whodunit that doesn’t quite stay on track
Set onboard a luxurious train filled with wedding guests, familial disputes, ex-lovers, and long-hidden secrets, Prakhar Vishwani’s debut novel reimagines the classic locked-room murder mystery within a uniquely Indian context. While the premise is engaging and the narrative flows quickly, a crowded cast and a predictable twist detract from the story’s overall delivery. Nevertheless, Wedding on the Maharaja Express remains an enjoyable quick read for fans of classic whodunits.
Liar, Liar review: Sharp, unsettling exploration of truth and deception
Rheea Mukherjee’s Liar, Liar revisits one of India’s most infamous digital scams through the perspective of someone who experienced it firsthand. More than just a true-crime narrative, the book delves into trust, manipulation, and the emotional aftermath of being duped by someone who constructed an entire persona based on lies. Thoughtful, unsettling, and deeply human, it scrutinizes why intelligent, compassionate individuals believe those they care for—and what transpires when that trust is fractured.
