CBSE class 12 maths exam paper QR code leads to song, board says paper security uncompromised
New Delhi (PTI): A QR code printed on the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 mathematics question paper led to the music video of "Never Gonna Give You Up" by British singer Rick Astley.
It became a classic internet prank known as "rickrolling" even as the board maintained that the security of the question paper remains uncompromised.
The mathematics board examination was held on March 9. Soon after the exam got over, images of the question paper began circulating on social media with students alleging that the QR code printed on it redirected them to the 1987 hit song's video on YouTube.
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QR codes are typically included on board exam papers for authentication and security verification.
"Many security features are provided on question papers. These include QR codes to verify the genuineness of the question paper in case of a suspected security breach. On March 9, an examination in Mathematics was conducted for class 12. In a few question paper sets, it appears that when one of the given QR codes is scanned, it links to a YouTube video," CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said.
"It appears that this has raised concerns about the veracity of the question papers amongst concerned students and parents. It is confirmed that question papers are genuine and the security of the question paper remains uncompromised," he added.
The board noted that while the concerns about the veracity of the question papers have been put to rest, the matter has been viewed seriously, and necessary steps are being taken by the board to ensure such issues are not repeated in future.
The issue was also raised by Congress's Kerala unit, which shared a student's video on X, sharing the story.
"The QR code on the CBSE 12th Standard Mathematics question paper to a Rickroll video on YouTube. All institutions are under the control of Modi slaves, who are not qualified to run these institutions. This is purposeful destruction of India by OG CIA agent and his gang," the post said.
Rickrolling is an internet slang term for a prank where a user clicks a link disguised as something appealing but is instead directed to the music video for Rick Astley's 1987 hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up".
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Surjewala slams Pratap Simha’s ‘vile’ remarks on CM Siddaramaiah, demands apology from BJP
Bengaluru (PTI): Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over alleged disparaging remarks made by former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during an assembly bypoll campaign in Bagalkote.
Simha made the remarks while campaigning for BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath, triggering a political row ahead of the by-elections scheduled for April 9.
Congress has fielded Umesh Meti, son of former MLA late M Y Meti, whose death necessitated the bye-election.
"Pratap Simha's vile remarks about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bagalkot have exposed the BJP's despicable politics once again," Surjewala said in a social media post.
Alleging a larger political design, he added, "It is increasingly evident that Pratap Simha’s outburst is driven by desperation," and accused the BJP of using such remarks to target backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and minorities.
The Rajya Sabha member further claimed that the incident reflects a pattern within the party. "This is not one man's madness—it is the BJP’s political culture," he said, adding that the remarks were aimed at "denigrating leaders from marginalised communities".
Referring to past incidents, Surjewala said, "CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar have received death threats in the past, including one from BJP leaders who warned that their bodies would be stuffed into a refrigerator."
The Congress leader also criticised the BJP’s bypoll campaign strategy, alleging "internal contradictions".
He pointed to the party’s use of expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in campaigning despite earlier disciplinary action against him, accusing the BJP of resorting to "abuses and indignities" against opposition leaders.
Surjewala demanded immediate action from the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, state president B Y Vijayendra, and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka.
He said they must tender a public apology to Kannadigas, particularly to OBCs, SCs, and minorities, over the remarks, and urged the party to expel Simha if it does not repudiate his statements.
Surjewala also called for legal action, demanding that an FIR be registered against Simha and that strict measures be taken.
Warning of "political consequences", he said the electorate in the bypoll-bound constituencies would respond decisively if the BJP failed to apologise, asserting that voters would "teach the BJP a befitting lesson" in the elections.
There has been no immediate reaction from the saffron party yet.
