Great Eastern Hotel by Ruchir Joshi review – a panoramic view of India in flux

A high-profile female BBC presenter is under scrutiny after allegedly showing a junior colleague an unsolicited explicit image of an unidentified man. According to The Sun, the presenter—one of the BBC's top earners—was instructed by management to apologize following the incident, dubbed the "dick pic" controversy.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights ongoing concerns about inappropriate behavior in professional settings, even when the roles of accuser and accused defy traditional stereotypes. It also raises questions about power dynamics and accountability at major institutions like the BBC, especially given its recent struggles with workplace culture. For readers, it’s a reminder that harassment can take many forms—and that no one is above scrutiny.

Bavaria Fiction, a German production company, has made history by becoming the first major film and TV studio to earn top-tier sustainability certifications—the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and ISO 14001—for its headquarters. This achievement highlights their commitment to environmentally friendly practices in an industry not typically known for being green.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a win for Bavaria Fiction—it’s a big deal for the entertainment industry. Film and TV production is resource-heavy, so a major player going green could push others to follow suit. It’s a sign that sustainability is becoming a priority, even in glamorous, high-energy fields like media.

Stanley Donwood, the artist behind Radiohead's iconic album artwork, reflects on his decades-long collaboration with the band in a new retrospective. Starting as a struggling artist in the 90s, Donwood connected with Radiohead (then known as On a Friday) and has since shaped their distinctive visual identity. The article explores his creative journey and the evolution of their partnership.

Editor’s Note: This story offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of rock’s most visually striking bands. For Radiohead fans and art enthusiasts alike, it’s a celebration of how music and visual art intertwine to create something unforgettable. Plus, it’s a cool reminder that even legendary collaborations can start with something as simple as spotting a gig poster.

The South Korean studio Barunson E&A, famous for producing the Oscar-winning film Parasite, has just released the first teaser for its new movie The World of Love. The film has been chosen for the prestigious Platform section at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), making it the first Korean film ever selected for this category.

Editor’s Note: This is a big deal for Korean cinema, as it highlights the growing global recognition of its filmmakers. Barunson E&A’s track record with Parasite and other acclaimed works means The World of Love could be another standout, and its TIFF Platform selection signals high expectations. For film buffs, this is an exciting peek at what might be the next big international hit.

Ruchir Joshi's Great Eastern Hotel is a sweeping, sensuous epic that follows a young communist revolutionary through India's political and emotional landscape. The book, which took 25 years to write, uses Kolkata—a city rich with history but faded from its 19th-century intellectual heyday—as a metaphor for change and decay, echoing architect Louis Kahn's idea that true understanding comes in hindsight.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a book review—it’s a reflection on how history, cities, and personal journeys intertwine. For readers interested in India’s cultural and political evolution, or anyone who loves richly layered storytelling, this novel (and its critical acclaim) is worth paying attention to. It’s also a reminder of how literature can capture the essence of a place and time in ways that feel both intimate and grand.