Professor barred for life after ABVP objects to questions on RSS in political science exam
Meerut: Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut has barred Seema Panwar, a professor at an affiliated college, from all examination-related work for life after the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) raised objections to two questions in a political science exam.
The controversy erupted over the MA Political Science final-year exam paper titled ‘State Politics in India’, conducted on April 2. The ABVP claimed that two questions in the paper portrayed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a negative light.
One question asked students to identify “anomic groups”—alienated from society—and included the RSS alongside organisations like Dal Khalsa, Naxalite groups, and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. Another question in a match-the-following format appeared to link RSS with the rise of religious and caste identity politics.
Calling the questions “anti-national,” the ABVP submitted a memorandum to the university, accusing the examiner of promoting an ideology that tarnishes the image of the RSS. The student group threatened mass protests if action was not taken.
Following the complaint, the university’s vice-chancellor formed a team to look into the matter. CCSU Registrar Dhirendra Kumar Verma confirmed that the questions were found “controversial” and that Panwar has been permanently debarred from setting or evaluating examination papers.
Panwar, who teaches at Meerut College, reportedly submitted a written apology. According to the registrar, she stated that her intention was not to defame any organisation and that the questions were based on existing syllabus content.
“She expressed regret and said it was not her intention. She apologised for the mistake. What else could she do?” said Verma.
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India describes attack on Fujairah 'unacceptable'
New Delhi (PTI): India on Tuesday described the wounding of three Indians in an attack on the United Arab Emirates' port city of Fujairah as "unacceptable" and pressed for an immediate cessation of hostilities targeting innocent civilians.
New Delhi's reaction came a day after the Indians were injured after a drone attack caused a fire at a major oil industry zone in Fujairah. The UAE had accused Iran of carrying out the strike.
"The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians," the spokesperson said.
Jaiswal said India continued to stand for dialogue and diplomacy to deal with the situation so that peace and stability could be restored across West Asia.
"We also call for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law. India stands ready to support all efforts for a peaceful resolution of issues," he said.
The attack on Fujairah city came as the ceasefire between the US and Iran came under strain in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas pass, remains a major sticking point in the talks. Shipping through the narrow Gulf waterway has been severely disrupted by the conflict, triggering a sharp increase in oil prices and energy shortages in several countries.
The UAE's defence ministry on Monday said its air defence systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones launched from Iran.
The ministry affirmed that it "remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country."
