We’ve all been there: staying at a relative’s house or checking into a new hotel, only to spend the night tossing and turning. Despite the plush pillows, soft lighting, and perfect room temperature, eyes remain wide open at 3 a.m. Body is tired, bed is very comfortable, yet sleep refuses to come. For decades, scientists knew that the ‘first night effect’ was real, but the reason why the brain impaired rest in new places was unclear.Scientists at Nagoya University wanted to understand why this happens. What else? they found the reason behind it first night effect. The findings of the study have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Why is sleep affected in new environments?

You may have noticed that, on the first day of checking in to a hotel, you keep tossing and turning the whole night. But, surprisingly, sleep improves the next night. What is the reason behind this? To understand this, researchers conducted experiments on rats. They identified a group of neurons that become active when an animal enters a new environment. These neurons release a molecule called neurotensin that maintains wakefulness. Its effect protects them from potential dangers in unknown environments.

Mumbai: Undeterred by the lack of formal classes, a social enterprise called Rangeet has started a 15-day summer camp for underprivileged children in Jogeshwari East.The daily one-hour long program aims to bring life skills as well as entertaining education to the doorsteps of underprivileged communities. The camp is running from April 25 to May 12 and will involve 60 youth aged six to 16.The program is run in partnership with OILF (Omniactive Improving Lives Foundation), supported by Pratham Mumbai Education Initiative and Nirlon Limited, a press release issued on Tuesday said.“This initiative is rooted in Rangit’s Social Emotional and Ecological Intelligence (SEEK) curriculum, a play-based learning framework that uses stories, games, music and art to build empathy, resilience, critical thinking and environmental awareness.”TOI had reported in November 2025 how the curriculum was being integrated into BMC schools in the city.The press note summarizes, “Designed as a one-hour daily engagement, the Jogeshwari program is built on what we call the ‘ecology umbrella.’ It uses a playful approach of stories, games, arts and crafts to nurture knowledge, voice and agency.”“At the camp, children are learning about trees, mangroves and biodiversity, increasingly important topics in a coastal city like Mumbai that is vulnerable to floods. They are discovering the living world around them, from the trees they climb to the mangroves that protect their city, while laughing, questioning and creating together.”“Summer learning should be accessible to all children. There should be spaces where every child can explore, question, and connect with the world around them,” said Simran Moolchandani, co-founder and CEO of Rangeet.Moolchandani had previously helped create a live music platform called Blue Frog to support independent artists.The summer camp will culminate in a community gathering, where children will present their learning to their parents through a performance. Rangit plans to expand this model to more communities, as it “offers an exemplary, low-cost model for inclusive education in urban India.”

A recent consumer study among young Indian singles shows that Gen Z is moving away from traditional relationship timelines, adopting a more fluid and experimental approach to dating. About 47% of respondents said that modern relationships no longer follow a fixed progression, with many preferring to explore connections at their own pace rather than following predetermined milestones. The study, conducted among over 11,000 participants aged 20 to 27 across metro and suburban areas, sheds light on how this generation is reshaping ideas of commitment. Rather than indicating confusion, this shift reflects a willingness to test different approaches, pause when needed, and redefine relationships on one’s own terms. An emerging trend is what many describe as “parallel connection mapping”. Nearly 39% of respondents from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities said they engage in multiple meaningful connections simultaneously – each serving a different purpose. Rather than focusing on a single romantic trajectory, these individuals allow bonds to develop organically, whether they remain platonic, develop into romance, or revolve around shared interests. Another major pattern is the idea of ​​”stop and start again”. For many young daters, withdrawing from a relationship doesn’t necessarily signal the end. Over 35% of respondents from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata said they had deliberately taken a break from promising connections due to time or personal challenges, only to revisit them later when circumstances seemed more favourable. As a 26-year-old man from Delhi said, focusing on mental health, career or family can strengthen relationships rather than weaken them in the long run. Despite meeting online, real-world compatibility remains central. Most respondents said they actively create “real life simulations” to test how a relationship might function offline. From coordinating daily routines like workouts to collaborating remotely on small projects, these low-pressure exercises help them assess compatibility beyond digital interactions. As one 27-year-old professional shared, even something as simple as maintaining a shared fitness routine can foster closeness despite physical distance. Together, these evolving habits point to a generation that is less concerned about the ticking clock and more focused on building connections that feel authentic, adaptable, and aligned with their individual lives.

At a time when job cuts and slowdown in hiring are being discussed almost every day, stories of rapid recovery are naturally attracting attention. Many professionals today are worried not only about losing a job, but also about how long it will take to get the next job. That’s why a recent experience is being shared widely online. It presents a simple and practical view of how one handled tough times without panicking. A 43-year-old professional who lost his job at Amazon managed to move into a new leadership role within 90 days. His method is now being talked about by many who are trying to understand what really works during the job search.

A clear plan rather than implementing haphazardly

He made a conscious change in the way he looked for jobs. Instead of applying to every opening, he focused on a structured plan.“A New Job in 90 Days. I replaced my Amazon salary and landed a new leadership role at age 43 in exactly 90 days. If you’re currently laying off, don’t panic. Stop blindly applying to LinkedIn job boards and start executing on a strategy. Here’s the exact playbook that was used to get me hired,” he shared.His approach was simple. Less random efforts, more focused action.

He also highlighted the importance of staying in touch with people and using those relationships effectively. He reached out to his contacts and valued each interaction.“I end each catch-up call with a simple question: ‘Can you forward my CV to two people in your network who should see it?'” he said.This helped them grow beyond their immediate circle without relying solely on job portals.

Working on Resume and References

Another step he focused on was improving how he presented himself. They started sharing well-structured resumes instead of generic resumes.He also prepared his references in advance and considered them an important part of the hiring process.“Don’t wait for HR to ask. I’ve created a bulletproof list of former colleagues, agency partners, and clients who can support every claim I make in the interview room. Treat your references as your closing argument.”

being open to different opportunities

He also talked about adopting a flexible approach while searching for a job. Instead of waiting for roles at larger companies, he looked at areas where hiring was happening.He said, “I didn’t sit around waiting for another FAANG company to call. I looked at where the real growth was happening and chose a startup. Flexibility is the ultimate survival skill. The market is tough, but the roles are different.”

people share their thoughts online

There have been varying reactions to his story online. Some users asked questions about his approach.“Congratulations, when you send a CV, do you send a specific job-wise CV or a generic version?” One user asked.Others appreciated his effort and shared positive messages.One person wrote, “Congratulations friend. Well done and thanks for inspiring others.”Some said the story gave them hope.“Glad to see you got it. As a 33 year old in IT, this has been one of my nerves. Seeing you deal with it with utmost grace is enough for me to make peace with it, and even I’ll be able to do it.”At the same time, some people shared that things are still difficult for them.“I’ve been laid off since December… I’ve done everything you said above but it’s still hard…” one person commented.There were also questions about salary expectations.“Congratulations, but did they match your expected salary or did you have to compromise on it…that’s the important part I want to know.”Disclaimer: The opinions, experiences and claims shared in this article are based on an individual’s personal account posted online. The Times of India does not independently verify these statements.Thumb Image: Instagram