Back to the Future

July 2026

Like it or not, tech has seeped into every aspect of our lives and the next frontier of tech is artificial intelligence (AI). Many of us are already using AI—or being used by it. So, how much should we lean in?

ur Cover Story section dives into this. Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi talks about his ‘wired’ life; we debate if AI is influencing consumer behaviour; and we help decode modes of payment when you travel. Explorers should see our list of future-ready gear, our line-up of essential travel tools, and browse our curation of camera phones that let you capture memories to cherish long after the holiday.

While tech makes our daily life simpler and provides platforms to exchange perspectives, real life connections still have their own charm. In Bengaluru, there’s a new trend emerging of people witnessing theatrical productions not in traditional auditoria but in intimate places. In Bukhara, Uzbekistan, the old Silk Route town is still buzzing with craftspeople trading ideas, skills, and stories. In Kolkata, French artist Thomas Henriot finds inspiration in the everyday, sketching on streets; passers by stop to watch and just by being present, blend into his work, creating an unspoken tie.

In Hyderabad, legacy lives in every bite of biryani and bonds are built over food. Elsewhere, Chef Manish Mehrotra talks about how he was fascinated by the culinary greatness of Japan. Talking about a different connection, actor and rugby player Rahul Bose shares his passion for the sport.

As Air India launches its ‘Easy Connect’ flights under the Government of India’s ‘Hub-and-spoke’ framework, making travel more seamless beyond the metros, we are reminded that travel is ultimately about connection—between people, places, and cultures. Technology may make those connections easier, but it is the stories behind them that continue to inspire us.

Happy Reading!