Explainers this week: Ratan Tata's life narrative and the future of the Tata empire

For India, this has been a heartbreaking week. Ratan Tata, one of the most well-liked businessmen in the nation, passed away. Everyone was affected by the loss, including those who weren't part of the elite. The narrative of the nation's development heavily relies on the tale of Ratan Tata and his family. We examine his legacy along with other things using a number of explainers.

Earlier in the week, results of two Assembly elections were announced – Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. While the BJP scored a hat-trick in the Hindi heartland state defying exit polls, the Union Territory picked the National Conference-Congress alliance.

All this and more in our weekly wrap of the big headlines from India.

1. The death of Ratan Tata has left a huge void in India. He was an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a visionary, an animal lover and a lot more. He wore many a hat with equal grace. Here is a look at his life and legacy – from his business acumen to his generosity. And tell you why he will always remain the country’s most beloved businessman.

2. Ratan Tata’s demise raised one big question. Who will succeed him? The tycoon did not marry and had no children. He is survived by his younger brother, Jimmy Tata, and his half-brother Noel Tata, who has three children – Leah, Maya and Neville. Now Tata Trusts has reportedly appointed Noel Tata as its chairman. Who is he and why is this group so significant to the business empire? 

3. Shantanu Naidu. That’s a name many googled after Ratan Tata passed away. The 30-year-old, who penned an emotional note to his “lighthouse”, was pictured as the country paid last respects to the tycoon. The youngest general manager of Tata Trusts, Naidu and Ratan Tata shared a close friendship.

Let’s talk about politics… elections to be precise. In Haryana, the BJP created history after it came to power for the third time, a first for the state. The results came as a big jolt to Congress, which was predicted to win, according to exit polls. As votes were counted, even early trends showed the party in the lead. But soon there was a turnaround. The BJP caught up and surpassed its rival to clinch the Hindi heartland state. In these stories, we analyse what didn’t work for Congress, and what this win means for the saffron party.

5. Jammu and Kashmir held its first Assembly election in 10 years and the first after the abrogation of Article 370. The National Conference-Congress alliance will be in power. Featuring prominently in the win was Omar Abdullah, set to be J&K’s next chief minister. The NC leader, who lost the Lok Sabha election, made a stunning comeback by winning the two constituencies he fought in. This story takes a look.

6. A tragedy stuck in Chennai last Sunday (6 October). Lakhs gathered for the Indian Air Force airshow in the city. However, it did not end well. Five people died and 100 were hospitalised after the gathering. Was it overcrowding or dehydration that caused the fatalities?

7. India was once part of the “Fragile Five”, emerging market countries, which were thought to be at risk because of their heavy reliance on foreign investment for their growth. But those days after long done. India’s forex reserves have hit a new all-time high of $704.885 billion for the week ending September 27, according to RBI data. So what changed?

8. It’s the festive season and with the celebrations come the feasting. But even as more and more Indians are becoming conscious about what they eat, India still carries the infamous “diabetes capital” tag. The samosas and cakes that you are gorging on are to blame. Here’s why.