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Zohran Mamdani’s elevation as the Democrats’ New York Mayoral candidate was oddly reminiscent of

Daredevil: Born Again

, the brutal Netflix show retrofitted to fit into the Kevin Feige Marvel Cinematic Universe. Most aficionados consider the original

Daredevil

series to be one of the finest comic shows of all time, with gritty realism, Catholic guilt, a banging opening theme, and a main character who, despite being blind, always manages to hook up with the best-looking member of the opposite sex — making one wonder if that is his actual superpower.It was, to quote Homelander, absolutely perfect.While Born Again fails to hit the heights of the original, it’s still better than most of the muck being passed off as content from Marvel (looking at you, Brave New World).In the show, Wilson Fisk leaves behind a life of crime to become the Mayor of New York, while Matt Murdock hangs up his cowl and life mission to beat every villain to within an inch of his life to instead become a lawyer. But if life teaches us one thing, it’s that one can never rebel against one’s basic programming — as Fisk slowly returns to his criminal ways and Murdock to his vigilante instincts.What made the parallel uncanny was that Zohran Mamdani himself looked like he’d stepped out of that world. With his straggly-yet-cultivated beard and moody intensity, he almost resembles an ethnic Matt Murdock. And like Wilson Fisk, he wants to rule the city he loves but prefers viral TikTok reels to violence.While he has just become the Democratic nominee for now, his dismantling of the working corpse known as Andrew Cuomo has been celebrated with more gusto in the neighbourhoods of SoBo and DefCol than in the boroughs of New York.One reason for the celebration is that his win — however unrelated to the upper-class anglicised elite of India — is seen as a sort of personal validation of their crypto-political stance. The ones whom stand-up comedian Varun Grover describes performing liberalism by buying a ukulele and learning how to play

Hum Dekhenge

.Mamdani’s ascent was immediately met with applause from the usual suspects, who couldn’t name their own MLA with a gun to their head but are more bothered about who turns up on their Instagram reels. Some hailed his win (of a nomination, not as mayor) as a resounding symbol of multi-faith culturalism in Trumpian America, and a lesson India needed to learn — where apparently an “inter-faith” kid could never come to power. Despite India already having presidents, PMs, and VPs from every major faith. And in contrast, Britain and America, two very old democracies, have only had one non-white premier each.Now why does this delusion exist. One hypothesis is that’s because of two things:

The Higgins-Macaulay Complex

Mamdani’s win is a testament to what one might call the Henry Higgins Delusion. While explaining to Eliza Doolittle the importance of speaking properly, Higgins claims:“I know your head aches; I know you’re tired; I know your nerves are as raw as meat in a butcher’s window. But think what you’re trying to accomplish. Think what you’re dealing with. The majesty and grandeur of the English language, it’s the greatest possession we have. The noblest thoughts that ever flowed through the hearts of men are contained in its extraordinary, imaginative, and musical mixtures of sounds. And that’s what you’ve set yourself out to conquer Eliza. And conquer it you will.”It’s the same delusion of Lord Babington Macaulay who claimed: “A single shelf of a good European library was worth the whole native literature of India and Arabia.” That’s why the proverbial progenitors of that legacy are derisively labelled Macaulayputra, a class of Indian who just look Indian but see the world through an Englishman’s eyes, who believe that spoken English, when delivered with the correct polish and cadence, is god’s gift to mankind.For a while, this Western-educated class were the ones who had access to power, leading to the delusion that fluency in English was necessary for fluency in governance. But while that currency has crashed, and knowing English is no proof of anything, other than the fact that you just know a language.Slowly, post-liberalisation, and the rise of the new temples of modern India, like the IITs and IIMs, access to English no longer remained the preserve of the elite. However, the clipped accent still hung around, as did the delusion that it’s an access to power.But the liberal class — losing ground electorally, culturally, and even algorithmically — now clings to projection. They project that somehow Shashi Tharoor would magically re-invent the INC if he headed it, though there’s no evidence to support that oft-repeated lament and is actually a reflection of the incestuous English commentariat in our country.They seek out eloquent figures in other countries and build them up as avatars of their lost relevance. Mamdani fits this fantasy perfectly. He speaks the way they wish Indian voters rewarded. But they don’t. Not anymore.

The Obama Delusion

The other reason for our liberal brethren finding meaning in election results across the world and not India is what one calls the Obama Delusion. There’s no doubt that Barack Hussein Obama — an inter-faith kid and global citizen like Zohran Mamdani — was the last great charismatic liberal leader in the post-WWII order.Of course, without Obama there would be no Trump but now with a lack of charismatic leaders who can marry the many contradictions of the liberal order, almost every politician is raised to an Obama-like profile.The prognosis follows a simple trajectory:

They have done enough of that in India, and often do that outside India. With politicians like Jacinda Ardern, Justin Trudeau, and Zohran Mamdani.Of course, there’s nothing wrong in that, and as Bertrand Russell explained in Power: A New Social Analysis, a follower follows a leader simply because they believe they imbibe the qualities of that leader. And Mamdani is the new Obama (which he is) but not in the way my desi liberal brethren think.Many Indian liberals have turned Mamdani into their favourite imported political fantasy — despite understanding neither New York nor Mamdani. Their reaction isn’t rooted in ideology or data or even solidarity. It’s based on projection. On aesthetic resonance.Mamdani speaks English the way they wish a politician in India did — fluid, international, urbane. He says “housing justice” with the confidence of someone who’s never said paani nahi aa raha. He makes snappy campaign reels. He speaks like a Substack, looks like a Sundance submission, and embodies everything Indian liberals have failed to find in a politician close home.But if you scrape past the filters, things look very different.As geneticist and blogger Razib Khan explained on X, Mamdani pulled an Obama by fusing wine-track whites immigrant Asians, much like Obama did with whites and black voters.As another user, Armand Domalewski explained: “It is funny that both Zohran’s haters and his fans are deeply committed to the idea he won on the backs of a multiracial working-class coalition when his strongest soldiers were college-educated, $100k+ income white guys.”In short, Mamdani didn’t win because he’s the face of the poor. He won because he’s the algorithmic avatar of the liberal creative class. And that’s precisely why Indian liberals love him.They too have no real mass base. They too are deeply online. And they too long for a politics that is less about persuasion and more about aesthetic affirmation. Mamdani, to them, is aspirational — not ideologically, but socio-linguistically.The irony, of course, is that Mamdani’s politics, if implemented in India, would be dismissed by the same elite as “economic illiteracy.” His ideas — rent freezes, free public buses, universal childcare, city-run grocery stores — would be mocked as communist nostalgia if proposed in Delhi.But wrapped in New York branding and TikTok transitions, it becomes romantic. Revolutionary, even.As economist and writer Noah Smith explains in a Substack post, the actual policy is economically brittle. Rent control would choke supply. City-run grocery stores are bureaucratic disasters waiting to happen.Noah Smith’s takedown of Mamdani’s policies is worth quoting here. While Mamdani talks eloquently about “outcomes,” “abundance,” and “efficiency,” the actual policy slate is economically brittle.Rent control, Smith warns, will choke supply. City-run grocery stores are a bureaucratic disaster waiting to happen. The housing construction target of 200,000 units over 10 years is slower than past decades. Free childcare is noble but ruinously expensive. Free buses are politically popular but fiscally unsustainable. The vibe is Scandinavian. The budget is not.Even his most reasonable rhetoric — about public excellence, innovation, and removing red tape — sounds eerily like classic technocrat-speak. The kind that Indian liberals usually deride when it comes from NITI Aayog. But Mamdani wraps it in DSA branding and a postcolonial surname, and suddenly it becomes cool.As for the Israel controversy — he’s not the extremist his critics claim. But he’s also not immune to strategic ambiguity.His past defences of slogans like “Globalise the Intifada” have hurt him, and his attempt to reframe the term as non-violent was — at best — intellectually dishonest. It hasn’t helped the Palestinians. It has fed into America’s Jewish anxieties. It’s a misstep, and one that could haunt his broader electability.But none of this matters to his Indian fanbase. Because their politics isn’t about consequences — it’s about catharsis.Mamdani may or may not become mayor. But in the mind of the Indian liberal elite, he already is. Not because he represents what they want for India — but because he reminds them of what India no longer wants from them. Eloquence without mass support. Style without sweat. Surnames without soil.Mamdani is what Shashi Tharoor would be if he had TikTok and a movement. And that, more than anything, is why they love him.

But here’s the rub.

Mamdani’s rise says very little about America. And even less about India.It says everything about a certain class of Indians who no longer matter — but still speak as if they do.And like Daredevil: Born Again, the series doesn’t end with a quiet retirement or a courtroom win — it ends with Murdock setting up an army. An underground network. A long war to come.Time will tell how far Zohran Mamdani goes in American politics. At this point he’s certainly more camera-friendly than Kamala Harris, whose vacillating accents and out-of-context cackle alienated both Indians and Blacks. Could he become Mayor? Probably, because New York is a uniquely left-of-centre city.Meanwhile, MAGA stalwarts are having a laugh thinking that Mamdani’s win shows the Democrats don’t know what their party is anymore.That may be true but they should remember one thing. In 2015, people used to laugh at Donald Trump as well.

Intel is shutting down its automotive chip division and laying off the majority of employees in the section, reports The Oregonian. As per the report, the company has sent an internal memo to its employees, informing them about the decision. “Intel plans to wind down the Intel architecture automotive business,” the company told employees, adding that the move is part of a larger plan to focus on its “core client and data center portfolio.” In a statement to the publication, Intel said “As we have said previously, we are refocusing on our core client and data center portfolio to strengthen our product offerings and meet the needs of our customers”.“As part of this work, we have decided to wind down the automotive business within our client computing group,” the company added. “We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers.”

Intel’s auto chip business powered over 50 million vehicles

Intel has invested heavily in automotive semiconductors over the years. Its chips have been used in infotainment systems, instrument clusters, and other vehicle functions in more than 50 million cars. In 2024, the company introduced AI-enabled chips designed to enhance in-car navigation and voice assistants. It also announced plans to bring its Arc GPU to vehicles.Despite these developments, Intel now appears to be exiting the segment. The shift comes as part of CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s broader restructuring efforts, aimed at streamlining operations and cutting costs.

Layoffs at Intel

The closure of the automotive unit follows news of broader layoffs across Intel. The company recently issued a WARN notice in California, indicating that 107 employees at its Santa Clara headquarters will lose their jobs. “As we announced earlier this year, we are taking steps to become a leaner, faster and more efficient company. Removing organizational complexity and empowering our engineers will enable us to better serve the needs of our customers and strengthen our execution,” an Intel spokesperson told CRN.Additional job cuts are expected in Intel’s foundry division as well. In April, Tan told employees that Intel would have to “reduce the size” of its workforce in the second quarter of 2025 to improve operational efficiency. The chipmaker is targeting $500 million in cost reductions this year, with more cuts planned for 2026.

NBA legend Dwyane Wade has built an impressive and luxurious car collection that reflects both his success on the court and his passion for high-end vehicles. From a $270,000 Ferrari GTC4Lusso to a customized Mercedes-Maybach S 580, Wade’s garage is a showcase of some of the most coveted cars in the world. His collection also includes sentimental gifts from his wife Gabrielle Union, such as a vintage 1974 Ford Bronco and a 1988 Mercedes-Benz SL, highlighting the personal stories behind some of his prized possessions. Wade’s journey from washing cars in high school to owning a multi-million-dollar collection is a testament to his hard work and love for luxury automobiles.

Dwyane Wade’s early beginnings and first big purchase

Wade’s love for cars started early, working as a porter at a car dealership where he washed and parked vehicles. His first big NBA paycheck went toward a customized electric blue Cadillac Escalade with 26-inch rims and spinners, marking the beginning of his lavish lifestyle fueled by his $190 million career earnings.

Porsche passion and iconic “Batman and Robin” cars

Among Wade’s most famous cars is the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which he and former teammate LeBron James dubbed their “Batman and Robin” cars. Wade’s Porsche collection also includes a Porsche 911 GT2 RS and a $198,500 Porsche 911 Turbo, showcasing his deep appreciation for the brand’s performance and style.

Luxury and customization: Mercedes-Maybach S 580

For his 40th birthday, Wade splurged on a Mercedes-Maybach S 580 customized by Omar McGee of Posh Luxury Imports. The car features a rare Sienna “basketball” interior, reflecting Wade’s personal touch and love for bespoke luxury. This vehicle retails for around $225,000 and stands as one of the crown jewels of his collection.

Sentimental gifts from wife Gabrielle Union

Wade’s wife, actress Gabrielle Union, has gifted him several memorable cars, including a 1974 Ford Bronco for Father’s Day in 2020. The Bronco, with its creamy white exterior and burnt orange interior, fulfilled a long-held wish Wade had when moving to Los Angeles. She also surprised him with a 1988 Mercedes-Benz SL for his 39th birthday, a vintage convertible that Wade treasured and enjoyed taking his daughter for a ride in.

Supercars and exotic vehicles

Wade’s collection is not limited to sentimental and luxury sedans; it also boasts a fleet of supercars including three McLarens (MP4-12C, 570S, and 720S Spider), a Lamborghini Gallardo, and a Maserati Ghibli. He also owns a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the latter of which he used to teach his son how to drive. His collection extends to powerful SUVs such as the Hummer H2 SUT and the Cadillac Escalade EXT, blending performance with utility.

Recent additions and continued passion

In 2024, Wade added a $430,000 Aston Martin Vanquish to his collection, gifted by a Florida-based dealership. This latest addition underscores his ongoing passion for luxury cars and his status as a prominent figure in the automotive world beyond basketball.

Dwyane Wade’s car collection is more than just a display of wealth—it’s a reflection of his journey, his family, and his love for automotive excellence. From sentimental classics to high-performance supercars, his garage tells a story of success, passion, and personal milestones.

The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy intensifies as Guru Randhawa’s cryptic social media posts spark speculation of subtle jabs at Diljit Dosanjh. These remarks, addressing loyalty and PR tactics, coincide with backlash over the film’s casting and overseas release. Diljit Dosanjh has clarified the filming timeline and supports the producer’s decision due to unforeseen circumstances.

The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 continues to heat up, with public attention now turning to singer Guru Randhawa’s cryptic social media posts that many believe are subtle jabs at Diljit Dosanjh. As backlash brews over the film’s casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and its overseas release strategy, Guru’s pointed remarks about loyalty, PR tactics, and national pride have only intensified speculation—adding a fresh layer of drama to an already tense situation.Amid the escalating backlash, singer Guru Randhawa posted a series of cryptic tweets on X (formerly Twitter), which many believe are subtle digs at Diljit Dosanjh. Though he didn’t name anyone directly, the timing and pointed tone of his messages have fueled speculation and stirred public curiosity.Check out the post here:On Wednesday, he wrote, “When the PR team is more talented than the talent itself, controversies become part of the daily routine. The day is near when our people will open their eyes and know the truth. LOL. 1st of every month, dropping bombs. God bless the fake PR and the artists.”In a follow-up post on Thursday, Guru tweeted in Punjabi, “Lakh pardesi hoyieee. Apna desh nhi bhandi daa. Jehre mulk da khayie, us da bura nhi mangi da,” which loosely translates to: “Even if one becomes a complete foreigner, one must never betray their own country. One should never wish ill upon the land that provides for them.”Check out the post here:He added, “Even if now your citizenship is not Indian but you were born here, please remember this. This country made great artists, and we all are proud of it. Please be proud of where you were born. Just an advice. Now don’t start controversy again and manipulate Indians LOL. PR is bigger than the artist.”While Guru’s posts remain open to interpretation, fans and netizens were quick to connect the dots—linking his cryptic remarks to the ongoing Sardaar Ji 3 controversy. The timing, coupled with the tone of his tweets, only added fuel to the speculation.Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, clarifying that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed in February, before tensions escalated. He explained that unforeseen events occurred later, leading producers to opt for an overseas release. “The producers have invested a lot of money,” he added, noting that the film was never intended for an India release under the current circumstances.Diljit clarified that the situation was normal at the time he signed the film and the team had no way of predicting the events that followed. He expressed his support for the producers’ decision to release Sardaar Ji 3 overseas, acknowledging that the current circumstances are beyond their control.Sardaar Ji 3 is now scheduled for an overseas-only release on June 27, 2025.