This Week in Explainers: The history of Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat and the controversy over its revamp

The past few days have given India a lot to cheer about. First came the Champions Trophy win against New Zealand, which cricket lovers are still lapping up. And then a long weekend courtesy of Holi.

Amid the celebrations, if you have missed out on the news, we don’t blame you. Firstpost Explainers has you covered if you are in a mood the catch up.

Let’s begin with India’s Sunday win when people took to the streets. The excitement was palpable. However, a rally took a violent turn in Mhow. In Kashmir, a fashion show in Gulmarg stirred controversy and became a subject of debate in the Assembly. We tell you why.

The row between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the three-language formula in the National Education Policy continued to escalate. Now even Kerala and West Bengal have opposed it.

In news that left Air India red-faced, a Chicago-Delhi flight was forced to turn back because most of its toilets were clogged and inoperable. Were flyers to blame?

We talk about this and more in our weekly roundup of stories about India.

1. After Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning four against New Zealand in the finals of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium, firecrackers went off in India. People poured into the streets to celebrate. However, a victory rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow turned violent. Stones were pelted and some vehicles were set on fire as two sides clashed near a mosque. What went wrong?

2. Tamil Nadu and the Centre have been at loggerheads over the National Education Policy’s three-language formula. Now the row has only escalated with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accusing the Stalin government of a ‘U-turn’ on the PM Shri scheme after non-disbursal of funds by New Delhi for another scheme. This story takes a deep dive into the controversy.

3. A fashion show held in Gulmarg found itself at the centre of a political controversy. The matter also came up for discussion in the J&K Assembly on Monday with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying the government had no role to play in the event. It was the timing of the show – during Ramzan – that caused outrage.

🔥 Gulmarg Fashion Show Sparks Controversy 🔥

Local clerics, mullas and Politicians of Kashmir, J&K object to such bold fashion show during Ramadan

CM Omar Abdullah has ordered a report. What's your view ? pic.twitter.com/Zt5U01Snvi

— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) March 10, 2025

4. It is one of Mumbai’s most famous hospitals. Bandra’s Lilavati Hospital is where top politicians and celebrities turn to for treatment. Now it finds itself grabbing headlines for all the wrong reasons. The former trustees have been accused of embezzling funds to the tune of Rs 1200 crore. There are also allegations of “black magic” against them – eight urns full of ash and human bones were reportedly found on the hospital premises. Here’s a look at the case.

5. Elon Musk’s Starlink is coming to India soon. Telecom giants Jio and Bharti Airtel are partnering with SpaceX to offer the high-speed internet service in the country. While approval from the Indian government is awaited, this will be a big game-changer for India where 40 per cent of the population lacks data connectivity. But how does the system work? We explain.

6. India’s pollution problems continue. It is not the big cities alone, but the small towns are also battling poor air. Thirteen of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in the country, according to the World Air Quality Report for 2024. While Delhi is on the list, on top of it is Byrnihat, on the border of Assam and Meghalaya. What makes this city the most polluted in the world?

7. Do Indian flyers need a lesson in washroom etiquette? The answer is a big yes. An Air India flight heading to Delhi from Chicago had to turn back after eight out of the 12 toilets were clogged. The lavatories became unserviceable because polythene bags, rags and clothes had been flushed down and stuck in the plumbing. However, this is not an isolated incident.

🔥🚨BREAKING: An Air India flight was forced to return on a 10 hour trip to Chicago Illinois because their toilets were clogged with poop leaving hundreds Indians trapped on a plane with no restroom.

Air India Flight 126 was making its way over Greenland on March 5 when 11 out… pic.twitter.com/FhPfMBYgzU

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) March 9, 2025

8. Finish schooling and study abroad. That has been a big dream of millions of Indian students. However, more and more youngsters might be abandoning it. The number of Indians going to Canada, the US and the UK to pursue higher education has seen a 27 per cent decline in a year – from 604,926 in 2023 to 440,556 in 2024. Here’s why.

9. You’d think King Khan rules Mumbai and could have this way. However, his big plans to renovate his house Mannat in the city’s plush Bandra suburb could hit a roadblock. The revamp has been under the scanner and now has caught the attention of the National Green. We bring you the full picture.

Had a fun-filled Friday? Today is a good day to sit back and read. This list should help. If you like the way we explain the news, come back here for more.

PS: And if you are nursing a hangover and wondering how bhang became part of Holi celebrations, this story is for you.