pulse points

Barchalla, a rural constituency in Sonitpur, sees BJP's Ritu Baran Sarmah face INC's Ripun Bora in the 2026 election. The seat, historically a Congress stronghold, is now contested amidst demands for ST status and land rights for tea workers. High voter turnout reflects the electorate's political engagement.

Digital creator Jack Heaton's recent trip to India revealed a stark contrast to online portrayals. Heaton experienced unexpected kindness after a fall, with locals offering immediate help. His online sharing of these positive encounters countered negative stereotypes. Heaton found most interactions marked by curiosity and kindness, proving that real-life experiences often differ from online perceptions.

A recently unearthed letter, bearing Tatya Tope's signature, offers a glimpse into the meticulous planning preceding the 1857 uprising. Discovered in Madhya Pradesh archives, the document, dated 1857, details calls for collective deliberation among soldiers and leaders across princely states, highlighting a pre-rebellion network in motion and strategic preparation.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit poll predictions, asserting the Trinamool Congress will secure a decisive victory. While most surveys indicated a close contest with a slight edge for the BJP, one poll projected a strong win for the TMC. Both parties expressed confidence in their respective wins.

MDMK MP Vaiko expressed skepticism about the accuracy of exit polls for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, noting their conflicting predictions. He also suggested actor Vijay's TVK could emerge as a significant force, potentially surprising voters, especially among students and first-time voters. Vaiko asserted the enduring strength of the Dravidian movement, dismissing any threat from the BJP.

Exit polls suggest a mixed verdict across states as West Bengal anticipates a hung assembly, potentially ending Mamata Banerjee's tenure. Tamil Nadu might see actor Vijay's TVK emerge as a significant force, challenging the established duopoly. Assam favors a BJP hat-trick, while Kerala's Left government faces a potential defeat. Puducherry's NDA is expected to retain power.

Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly elections are poised for a significant youth impact, with over 1.22 crore voters aged 18-29 forming a crucial bloc. First-time voters cite empowerment and safety as key drivers. The emergence of actor Vijay's party, TVK, adds a new dynamic, potentially influencing results in closely contested seats and reshaping the state's political future.

The ocean, though partially explored, defies expectations with phenomena like kilometer-long 'ghost tracks' on the seabed and sound waves trapped in SOFAR channels. Methane plumes erupt like underwater explosions, while hydrothermal vents 'breathe' mineral-rich fluids. Unexplained light displays and massive submarine landslides further challenge our understanding of this vast, mysterious realm.

Jack Dorsey's simple idea in 2006 to broadcast short text messages to a group evolved into Twitter, a highly influential platform. By transforming the existing habit of texting into a public, social experience, Twitter's 140-character limit became a key feature, fostering quick, low-stakes sharing and enabling unprecedented reach for ordinary moments and breaking news.

What began in 2011 as a movement against the Left Front’s stagnation had, by 2026, come full circle. Mamata Banerjee had once represented disruption and hope. Over time, her regime became associated with a different vocabulary. Words like “cut money”, “syndicate control”, and “tolabazi” became shorthand for everyday governance failures. This was not merely opposition rhetoric, it was a lived experience. From construction projects to small household repairs, local syndicates were perceived to control economic activity.

A restless night filled with vivid dreams isn't due to dreaming more, but rather failing to forget. Neuroscience suggests waking during REM sleep, when the brain's logic centers are offline, traps dream fragments in conscious memory. This interrupted forgetting, especially in early morning REM cycles, makes nights feel lived rather than slept.

Why you never want to leave a nice hotel: Experiential marketing expert reveals how hotels use subtle design tricks to enhance guest experiences. These deliberate choices in lighting, layout, scent and sound create a relaxing atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger and spend more. The aim is to craft an immersive environment that guests find hard to leave.

Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s viral claim that carrying an onion can beat the heat has drawn medical pushback. Doctors warn such myths can mislead during heatwaves, when hydration, rest and early care — not folk remedies — determine whether heat stress turns dangerous

Exit polls sketch a split verdict across five states — BJP poised for a Bengal breakthrough and holding Assam and Puducherry, Stalin ahead in Tamil Nadu, and Congress edging Kerala — but outliers and tight margins leave room for surprises on May 4

Fragrance vanishing from skin is a common issue, but proper application can ensure longevity. Hydrating skin with unscented lotion before applying perfume is crucial, as it slows evaporation. Applying fragrance to pulse points utilizes body heat for a consistent scent release, and choosing higher oil concentrations like Eau de Parfum further enhances lasting power.

As bodies age, they become less efficient at using protein, leading to protein resistance. This, combined with age-related muscle loss called sarcopenia, increases the body's protein requirements. Experts suggest a higher protein intake to maintain strength, support recovery, and protect overall health. Simple dietary adjustments and regular physical activity can effectively manage this natural shift.

Raj Shamani's podcast featured a live Burmese python, offering a unique lesson on wildlife. Wildlife explorer Paul Rosolie demonstrated the snake's incredible biology and immense strength, highlighting its defensive nature. The segment underscored how fear often stems from misunderstanding, as the python reacted only when stressed, proving a powerful, memorable demonstration of animal behavior.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of El Nino conditions during the South West monsoon season. Economists and experts note that a weak monsoon will add to the woes caused by higher crude oil prices, and fertilizer supply disruptions.

Today's Vedic Moon sign predictions emphasize Saturn's steady influence on boundaries and finances, while the Moon in Aries ignites impulsive decisions. The day tests restraint, urging a pause before action, especially in the late afternoon. Focus on disciplined action over mood, with favorable windows for morning commitments and caution against rushing.

Beat the summer heat with easy, old-school tricks. Dampen a sheet and hang it for natural cooling. Manage your windows strategically, closing them during peak heat and opening them at night. Focus on cooling pulse points like wrists and neck. Use fans to vent hot air outside. Swap to breathable bedding for a cooler sleep.

Pioneering electronic duo Midival Punditz reflect on two decades of blending Indian classical with global electronica. They emphasize that cultural identity in music is organic, not applied, and AI is a tool, not a replacement for human intent. The Indian electronic scene is vibrant and evolving, with artists connecting with audiences beyond mere aesthetics.

Anand Mahindra highlights the growing threat of drone swarms in modern warfare, showcasing a High-Power Microwave (HPM) system capable of disabling multiple drones simultaneously. He urges India to develop indigenous AI-enabled HPM and laser capabilities, emphasizing the need for faster procurement and robust deep-tech ecosystems to counter the economic imbalance in conflicts.