Like the first cry of the swallow signals spring, festive season in Bengaluru begins with the first disgruntled northie tweet from HSR layout

Cricket view: NO Mohammed Shami in Indian test squad to New Zealand?? You pick Anshul Kambhoj and Akashdeep above him?? If batters are never too old to be picked, why not a bowler who is a proven match winner, has been taking a bagful of wickets in Ranji Trophy, was part of a deadly trio with Bumrah and Siraj, a bowler made for Kiwi conditions. @BCCI , the selectors need to give us fans some answers! 🙏

I still genuinely don't remember making you all this stupid.

My dear friends, something important. I am deeply honored to share that I am one of the eight finalists globally shortlisted for the 2026 John Maddox Prize. Established in 2012 in memory of Sir John Maddox (the legendary former editor of Nature and Fellow of the Royal Society), this global prize, spearheaded by Sense about Science and supported by the Royal Society. It was previously co-awarded by Nature. And honors individuals who stand up for sound science and evidence in the public interest, advancing critical discussions despite facing hostility, powerful vested interests, and severe obstacles. For me, an India-based science communicator and clinician, this recognition carries immense weight. This is the very first time a resident from the Indian Subcontinent has been shortlisted for the Maddox Prize. Speaking truth to power against pseudoscience, predatory health misinformation, and unscientific traditional remedies in a cultural and political ecosystem that heavily endorse them, comes at a steep personal, legal, and professional cost. To stand alongside seven extraordinary global finalists—from public health researchers working under fire in Gaza, to scientists defending rigorous evidence in the UK, France, Bolivia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the US—is deeply humbling for me. I may or may not win. But with this shortlist, India’s advocacy for evidence-based medicine has a place on this global stage. Our patients, our public conversations and our struggles to defend scientific integrity matter beyond our borders. I hope this encourages more doctors and researchers across India, the wider subcontinent and West Asia to speak openly, engage the public and stand by sound evidence. Whatever the result, the work continues. Jai Hind. Please read the official announcement and details of other candidates here: senseaboutscience.org/activi…

. @mrajshekhar is an exceptional reporter, as witness the ground reporting that resulted in the book Despite The State. He was in Delhi, chronicling the protests, when the police detained him. What happens when the doors of the bus close on the detainees is the theme of this superb essay: newslaundry.com/2026/10/14/w…

How can the Election Commission of India (ECI) say that it has lost its record? Your whole purpose is to hold an election, and you need to have a document. Where is the question of you saying, ‘Yeah, we are trying to trace it’? You gave it to the elected candidate. There is no custody of records. Whatever you have, produce it on the next date. Otherwise, we will have to draw an adverse inference against you. We will not accept these kinds of lame excuses: Supreme Court to ECI after its counsel says the original video recording of recounting cannot be traced in the election dispute between Congress leader TD Rajegowda and BJP’s DN Jeevaraja.

If NDTV puts out an ad for jobs now, all these jobless wonders would apply for those jobs. Hypocrites. This is no less than verbal lynching/assault/violence.

The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy. We cannot demand that right for ourselves in Delhi and deny it to others in Bengaluru. I have taken note of yesterday’s incident involving protesters and members of the media. I have sought a full report on the circumstances that led to the police action. If there has been any unnecessary use of force or excess, accountability will follow. Let me be clear: disagreement with the Election Commission, disagreement with my government, or disagreement with me personally does not diminish anyone’s right to peacefully express it. Karnataka must hold itself to the democratic standards that we expect from the rest of the country. There will be no double standards. We cannot demand the right to protest in Delhi and deny it in Bengaluru. There will be no double standards.