3 Things India-EU FTA, teaching in Bastar, and scammers target devotees
Sep 11, 2025
Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor for The Indian Express, dives into the crucial India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, highlighting upcoming meetings and the delicate balance of domestic interests. The discussion shifts to the challenges educators face in Maoist-affected Chhattisgarh, where they're caught in a dangerous tug-of-war. Lastly, the episode exposes a troubling trend of online scams targeting devotees of the Tirumala temple, underscoring the need for vigilance against such fraudulent schemes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Geopolitics Is Speeding Trade Talks
- US tariff moves have injected urgency into India-EU FTA negotiations as both sides seek alternatives.
- The EU sees strategic value in tapping India's market at a moment of geopolitical trade disruption.
Local Teachers Hired To Reopen Schools
- Shiksha Doots are locally hired temporary teachers paid about ₹10-12k to reopen schools in Maoist areas.
- Since June 2023, several have been killed after being accused of being police informers.
Violence As A Reaction To Losing Ground
- Maoists have intensified killings of villagers, including teachers, after suffering heavy casualties in counter-operations.
- The group targets those they suspect as informers to maintain control and deter schooling.