Whether Mishra should have published the issue with these two instances in his newspaper column is debatable but since he has raised the issue, it should be taken positively. Clearly, 'Soch' was not an academic writing and, as the writer has admitted, there might have been several other shortcomings in its presentation.  However, since the author has  now been well read and widely followed, it's necessary that he become more cautious about providing his readers with appropriate sources of information or inspiration when he publishes newer editions or books in the future.  

In Gagan's case, since it was in an interview, it'll be difficult to say whether things were intentional or spontaneous.