Rise of Extremism — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Rise of Extremism.

Revival of 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local' Campaigns Mirroring Swadeshi Spirit

2025-03-10

The contemporary Indian government's emphasis on 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local' campaigns, aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing and consumption, bears a striking resemblance to the economic philosophy of the Swadeshi Movement during the Extremist phase (1905-1908). The Extremists, through the Swadeshi call, sought to boycott foreign goods and promote indigenous industries as a means of economic self-reliance and political resistance against British economic exploitation. This historical parallel offers a rich ground for UPSC analysis. Aspirants can draw connections between the historical context of colonial economic drain and the modern imperative of economic sovereignty and job creation. Understanding the successes and limitations of the original Swadeshi movement provides valuable lessons for current policy implementations, particularly concerning public participation, industrial growth, and national sentiment. This linkage is vital for Mains answers in GS-I History and GS-III Economy, demonstrating an interdisciplinary understanding.

UPSC Angle: Draws parallels between the historical Swadeshi movement and modern economic policies like 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local' (GS-I History, GS-III Economy).

Background (2024)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Debate on Sedition Law in India: Echoes of Colonial Era Repression

2024-07-15

The ongoing legal and political debates surrounding the sedition law (Section 124A of the IPC) in India, and its potential replacement with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, directly connect to the historical context of the Rise of Extremism. Bal Gangadhar Tilak's multiple sedition trials in 1897 and 1908 were pivotal moments where the colonial state used this very law to suppress dissent and nationalist voices. The Extremists' struggle for freedom of expression against such draconian laws highlights the historical tension between state power and individual liberties. From a UPSC angle, analyzing the historical application of sedition against figures like Tilak provides critical context for understanding contemporary discussions on free speech, dissent, and the state's power to curb perceived threats to national security. It underscores the enduring legacy of colonial legal frameworks and the ongoing efforts to decolonize Indian jurisprudence, making it a relevant topic for both History and Polity papers.

UPSC Angle: Connects historical legal repression (Tilak's trials) to contemporary debates on sedition law reform and freedom of speech (GS-II Polity, GS-I History).