Dry mode on an air conditioner is a setting designed primarily to reduce humidity in a room without significantly lowering the temperature. Here’s how it works and how it can help you save on electricity bills:
How Dry Mode Works:
* Focus on Dehumidification: Unlike “Cool Mode” which aims to reduce both temperature and humidity by running the compressor at a high capacity, Dry Mode focuses mainly on removing excess moisture from the air.
* Low Compressor and Fan Speed: In Dry Mode, the AC’s compressor and fan operate at a lower speed and cycle on and off more frequently. This allows the air to pass slowly over the evaporator coils.
* Moisture Condensation: As humid air passes over the cool evaporator coils, the moisture in the air condenses onto the coils. This collected water is then drained away, effectively reducing the humidity in the room.
* Minimal Temperature Drop: Because the compressor isn’t running at full capacity and constantly cooling the air, the temperature reduction in Dry Mode is much less significant compared to Cool Mode. You might feel cooler because lower humidity makes the air feel more comfortable, even at the same temperature.
How Dry Mode Can Reduce Electricity Bills:
* Lower Energy Consumption: The primary reason Dry Mode saves electricity is that it operates the compressor and fan at a lower intensity and for shorter durations than Cool Mode. The compressor, being the most energy-intensive component of an AC, uses less power when cycling on and off and running at reduced speeds.
* Humidity vs. Temperature: Our perception of comfort is greatly influenced by humidity. High humidity makes us feel hotter and stickier, even if the actual air temperature isn’t extremely high. By removing excess moisture, Dry Mode makes the room feel more comfortable without the need for extensive cooling. This means you might not need to set the thermostat as low as you would in Cool Mode, further reducing energy consumption.
* Reduced Run Time: In situations where the temperature is not excessively hot but the humidity is high (e.g., during rainy seasons or in coastal areas), Dry Mode can be used to achieve comfort. Since it’s more efficient at tackling humidity, the AC unit doesn’t have to run as long or as often to make you feel comfortable.
* Less Strain on the Unit: By not constantly running at full power, Dry Mode puts less strain on the AC unit’s components, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs in the long run.
When to Use Dry Mode:
Dry Mode is ideal for:
* Humid but not excessively hot days: When the air feels damp and sticky, but the temperature is not extremely high.
* Rainy seasons: When outdoor humidity is elevated, and you want to prevent a muggy indoor environment.
* Preventing mold and mildew: Reducing humidity helps inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
In summary, Dry Mode offers a more energy-efficient way to achieve comfort in humid conditions by focusing on moisture removal rather than aggressive cooling, ultimately leading to lower electricity bills.

The Calcutta High Court has directed cricketer Mohammed Shami to pay his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, and their daughter a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh.

Specifically, this amount is broken down as:

• Rs 1.50 lakh per month for Hasin Jahan.
• Rs 2.50 lakh per month for their daughter.

This decision revises an earlier order from a district sessions court that had mandated lower amounts. Hasin Jahan had initially sought a higher amount. Her lawyer has indicated that there is a chance the maintenance might be upgraded to Rs 6 lakh in the future, as the high court has directed the trial court to dispose of the main application within six months.

Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that typically occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. While the exact cause of nightmares isn’t fully understood, they are often linked to a combination of psychological, physiological, and lifestyle factors.
Here are some common reasons why nightmares happen:
1. Psychological Factors:
* Stress and Anxiety: This is one of the most frequent triggers. Everyday stresses from work, school, or personal life, as well as major life changes (like a move, job loss, or death of a loved one), can manifest as disturbing dreams. The brain may be trying to process unresolved worries and fears.
* Trauma: Nightmares are a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who have experienced traumatic events (accidents, abuse, natural disasters) often relive these events or experience themes related to their trauma in their dreams.
* Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are frequently associated with an increased occurrence of nightmares.
* Emotional Processing: Some theories suggest that dreaming, including nightmares, is a way for the mind to process emotions and integrate memories from waking life. Nightmares might be the brain’s attempt to confront and work through difficult or negative experiences.
* Personality Traits: People who are more sensitive to negative emotions or who score low in emotional stability may be more prone to distressing nightmares.
2. Physiological Factors:
* Sleep Deprivation/Irregular Sleep Schedule: Not getting enough sleep or having an inconsistent sleep schedule can disrupt REM sleep and lead to a “REM rebound,” where the body tries to catch up on REM sleep, potentially leading to more vivid and disturbing dreams. Insomnia is also linked to increased nightmares.
* Medications: Certain medications can trigger nightmares as a side effect. These include some antidepressants, blood pressure medications (beta-blockers), drugs for Parkinson’s disease, and even some over-the-counter drugs. Withdrawal from certain medications can also cause nightmares.
* Substance Use/Withdrawal: Alcohol and recreational drug use, as well as withdrawal from these substances, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to nightmares.
* Other Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea (where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep) and restless legs syndrome can interfere with sleep quality and contribute to nightmares.
* Fever/Illness: High fevers can often lead to more vivid and sometimes frightening “fever dreams” or nightmares.
* Eating Before Bed: Some people report that eating heavy meals or certain foods close to bedtime can increase metabolism and brain activity, potentially leading to nightmares.
3. External and Lifestyle Factors:
* Scary Media: Watching frightening movies or reading scary books, especially before bed, can influence dream content and trigger nightmares for some individuals.
* Uncomfortable Sleeping Conditions: While not as common, an uncomfortable sleeping position or environment could potentially contribute to disturbed sleep and bad dreams.
It’s important to note that occasional nightmares are a normal part of life and usually nothing to worry about. However, if nightmares are frequent, severe, or significantly disrupt sleep and daily functioning, it may indicate a condition like nightmare disorder, and seeking professional advice from a doctor or sleep specialist can be beneficial.