A major controversy has erupted at Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, after a political science exam paper allegedly linked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with terror organisations. The incident has led to protests by student groups and disciplinary action against the professor responsible.

The question appeared in the second semester political science exam held on April 2, sparking backlash as it reportedly mentioned RSS alongside groups such as Naxalites, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, and Dal Khalsa, in a question about the rise of religious and caste-based politics in India.

ABVP protests on campus, professor apologises

Following the incident, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) — the student wing of RSS — held a protest on the university campus on Friday. They submitted a memorandum to the registrar, demanding action over the question they said “hurt sentiments.”

The professor in question, Seema Panwar, from the affiliated Meerut College, has been barred from all future examination and evaluation duties. University Registrar Dhirendra Kumar Verma confirmed that Panwar submitted a written apology, stating she had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments.

University initiates probe after paper surfaces online

The exam paper, including the controversial question, surfaced on social media, further fuelling the uproar. The university administration has launched an investigation, citing the seriousness of the issue and promising corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

Registrar Verma assured that “strict steps” would be taken to maintain academic integrity and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended their greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ram Navami.

In a post on X, Murmu expressed her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to everyone celebrating the sacred festival of Ram Navami. She emphasized that this festival embodies the principles of religion, justice, and duty.

She noted that Lord Shri Ram, revered as Maryada Purushottam, exemplifies the ideals of sacrifice, commitment, harmony, and courage. Murmu urged all citizens to take a pledge on this auspicious occasion to work collectively towards building a developed India.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his wishes, stating that he hopes the blessings of Lord Ram will always guide everyone in their endeavors. Later in the day, he plans to visit Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to offer prayers at the Ramanathaswamy temple.

“Ram Navami greetings to all! May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always be with us and guide us in all our endeavors,” he wrote on X, also mentioning his anticipation of his visit to Rameswaram.

Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also shared his wishes for Ram Navami, hoping that this divine festival brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone.

In Rameswaram, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, around noon. He will also flag off a train and a ship from the road bridge while observing the operation of the bridge.

Following this, at approximately 12:45 p.m., he will perform darshan and puja at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Around 1:30 p.m., Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate various rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore to the nation in Tamil Nadu, and deliver a speech to the gathered crowd on this momentous occasion.

During his official visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with members of the historic 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning Sri Lankan team, celebrating their iconic victory that inspired a generation of sports fans.

Modi, who arrived in Colombo on Friday night for high-level bilateral talks and the signing of key agreements between India and Sri Lanka, took time to reconnect with cricket history and appreciate the shared sporting legacy of the two nations.

“Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!” the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X, reflecting on the interaction.

The interaction included celebrated cricketers such as Kumara Dharmasena, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, and Marvan Atapattu, who were part of the legendary team that defeated Australia by seven wickets in the final held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 17, 1996. Aravinda de Silva’s unbeaten 107 in that match remains one of the most memorable innings in World Cup history.

The team presented PM Modi with a memento, adding a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship to the diplomatic visit. Photos from the meet-up were shared on the PM’s official handle with the caption, “In Colombo, PM @narendramodi interacted with the members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. Here are a few glimpses from their interaction.”

The meeting highlighted not just a celebration of sporting excellence but also strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka through shared cricketing heritage.