NEW DELHI: A QR code reportedly printed on the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) Class 12 mathematics question paper has triggered a wave of online speculation after students claimed that scanning it led to the music video of “Never Gonna Give You Up” by British singer Rick Astley, a classic internet prank known as “rickrolling”. The mathematics board examination was held on March 9 from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Soon after the test, images of the question paper began circulating on social media, with several students alleging that the QR code printed on it redirected them to the 1987 hit song’s video on YouTube. QR codes are typically included on board exam papers for authentication and security verification. However, according to claims shared by students online, scanning the code instead opened the music video associated with the long-running internet joke in which unsuspecting users are tricked into clicking a link that leads to the song.Videos and screenshots posted ‘X’ quickly went viral. In one widely shared clip, a student scans the QR code from the paper and shows that it leads to the music video. As the posts spread, social media users responded with a mix of amusement and disbelief. One user joked, “When the paper setter is a part-time admin of a meme page.” Another wrote, “I don’t see a problem with it, kinda funny ngl.” Others questioned whether the claim pointed to a larger issue. Some users pointed out that QR codes on official examination documents are meant to be secure verification tools and wondered how a link to unrelated online content could appear on them.Responding to the controversy, CBSE issued a statement on Tuesday clarifying that the question papers were genuine and that their security had not been compromised. The board said QR codes are included on question papers as a security feature to verify authenticity in case of suspected breaches. CBSE acknowledged that in a few question paper sets, scanning one of the QR codes appeared to link to a YouTube video, which raised concerns among students and parents. However, it emphasised that the authenticity of the question papers remained intact and that the matter was being taken seriously. “The question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised,” the board said, adding that necessary steps are being taken to ensure such issues do not recur.

The wedding bells are ringing for actress Kritika Kamra and popular host Gaurav Kapur, as the couple prepares for an intimate Mumbai wedding on March 11 and 12, 2026. In contrast to the growing trend of lavish destination ceremonies, the duo has opted for a modern and minimal celebration. Ahead of the big day, an after-party invitation surfaced online, teasing a relaxed, “unhurried” evening in South Mumbai.

Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur’s wedding after-party invite surfaces online

Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur will tie the knot on March 11 and 12 in Mumbai. Amid this, an after-party invitation video is now circulating online. According to Pinkvilla, the sweet invite reveals the kind of celebration it will be. From the invite, it is clear the couple wants a relaxed, unhurried celebration. It read, “The Party, After. We’d love to celebrate our wedding with you. Easy. Unhurried. Come early. Stay as long as the night allows.” The celebration will start at 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026. According to reports, the venue is in South Mumbai.

Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Gupta opt for a minimal wedding

According to the report, Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur’s wedding ceremony will be an intimate affair. The report stated that for the couple, “it was never about the scale but about meaning.” Reportedly, they opted for a modern, minimal, and intimate celebration in Mumbai over a destination wedding.

The report added that the couple is ensuring that “they embrace this new chapter and begin it with a celebration that feels authentic to them.” The duo was reportedly involved in choosing everything, from decor to styling.

More about Kritika Kamra and Gaurav Kapur

According to reports, Kritika Kamra recently completed shooting for an independent project, a series titled ‘Matka King’, co-starring Vijay Varma, Sai Tamhankar, and Sammy Jonas Heaney. On the other hand, Gaurav Kapur has been busy with his hosting commitments and will resume work post March.

After social media posts claimed that a QR code reportedly printed on the Class 12 Mathematics question paper directed students to a YouTube video, the Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a clarification. In a post on microblogging platform X, the board said that the “security of the question papers remains uncompromised”. “On 09.03.2026, examination of 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,” the board said. “While the concern about the veracity of the question papers is put to rest, the matter has been viewed seriously and necessary steps are being taken by the Board to ensure that such issues are not repeated in future,” it further added.

CBSE clarifies the need for QR codes on question papers

In the official statement, CBSE clarified that the board gives “many security features” on the question papers. One such feature is QR codes, which as per the board, helps “verify the genuineness of the question paper in case of suspected security breach”.

The board introduced QR codes on question papers in 2019 to help trace the origin of the leak as well as stop its spread. The CBSE Board Exam 2025 rules mandated unique QR codes on all answer sheets as well.

What CBSE said after QR code reportedly printed on the Class 12 Maths paper directed students to YouTube video

In social media posts, students claimed that scanning the QR code on Maths question paper led to the music video of “Never Gonna Give You Up” by British singer Rick Astley. Sharing the clarification on X, CBSE wrote: Many security features are provided on the Question Papers. These include QR codes to verify the genuineness of the question paper in case of suspected security breach. On 09.03.2026, examination of 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. It appears that this has raised concerns about the veracity of the question papers amongst concerned students and their parents. It is hereby confirmed by the Board that the question papers are genuine. The security of the question papers remains uncompromised. While the concern about the veracity of the question papers is put to rest, the matter has been viewed seriously and necessary steps are being taken by the Board to ensure that such issues are not repeated in future.

MUMBAI: The use of AI tools, hidden cameras, screen mirroring, smartwatches or any remote-access software during any CET conducted in the state may lead to canellation of candidature for the entire year and/or legal action under the new regulations aimed at preventing malpractice in examinations.For the first time, the Maharashtra State CET Cell has clearly defined what constitutes malpractice in the computer-based entrance tests it conducts, with particular emphasis on the misuse of technology and AI tools. The cell has also specified the punishment for 13 different forms of malpractice in the regulations released ahead of this year’s entrance exam season. Earlier, the rules were not clearly defined and mostly followed the provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act.

Catching up with new tricks to cheat

After an inebriated candidate created a ruckus last year, the CET Cell has introduced a clause providing for the immediate expulsion and cancellation of candidature for entering the examination centre under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.An official said that regulations for malpractices always existed, but they were generic and did not specify any measures for computer-based tests. Of the exams conducted by the CET Cell for 17 courses, 15 are in the CBT format, mentioned a note issued by the office. “The revised regulations will address malpractices carried out using digital, cyber and AI technology. There was a committee which looked into the aspects of malpractices during exams and they have come out with specific guidelines,” said the official.CET Cell commissioner Dileep Sardesai said the regulations were specified and published on the website well before the exams to ensure that the severity of the penalties acts as a deterrent, and to prevent students from claiming they were unaware of rules. He said some of the provisions are drawn from the regulations followed by some universities in the state, such as the Mumbai University.Even candidates found talking, giving signals, exchanging gestures or trying to communicate during an exam will call for the cancellation of their candidature for that exam. No legal action, though, will be initiated in such cases. Some of the rules that were specified in hall tickets earlier only mentioned prohibition on notebooks, calculators, pagers or mobile phones. While earlier rules specified that instances of providing incorrect information would amount to malpractice, now altering or falsifying biometric data has been included too.The CET cell also framed regulations for the examination centres and made it mandatory for them to install CCTV, conduct biometric verification and maintain strict vigilance, failing which their recognition could be temporarily or permanently revoked, or will also include suspension of staff and imposition of financial and administrative penalties.

MUMBAI: The Mankhurd police have booked a group of people who under promise of giving 5 interest on the investment, collected Rs 5.13 crores from more than 125 persons and duped them.Police have booked the firm’s proprietor Amanat Ali Ansari, his partners Rahim Ansari, Ali Ansari and Nayeem Sarvar and Yogini Shirke. Police have booked the stringent act of Maharashtra Protection of interest of Depositor’s act and are looking for the accused.Though the number of victims are growing up and the figure of fraud could go up, a 31-year-old IT engineer Saeed Khan from Trombay has filed the cheating complaint alleging that he and more than 125 investors were duped of over ₹5.13 crore through an investment scheme promising 5 per cent monthly returns,.Khan has alleged that he was introduced about four years ago to Naeem Sarwar Musa Anjum, owner of a gym in the Chita Camp area. Naeem allegedly told him about an investment scheme run by Dream Sunshine Digital Pvt. Ltd., claiming that investors would receive 5 per cent monthly returns.Khan stated that Naeem later took him to the company’s office at Mohite Patil Nagar in Mankhurd, where he was introduced to Amanat Ali Ansari, who claimed to be the owner of the company. Two others, Rahim Abdul Ansari and Nawajis Ali Ansari, were introduced as partners, while Yogini Shirke was present as a company associate.The accused allegedly claimed that the company was involved in businesses such as Real Aussie water, sugar, dates and construction, and assured investors of steady monthly returns if they invested in the scheme.Trusting their claims, Khan initially invested ₹2 lakh in October 2022 from his ICICI Bank account. After he began receiving the promised returns for some time, he and several relatives invested additional amounts in the scheme. In total, Khan and his relatives invested ₹23.70 lakh between 2022 and 2026.However, the complainant stated that monthly payments stopped from February 2026. When he visited the company’s office to inquire, he found the office shut and several investors gathered there. He later learned that the accused had allegedly closed the office and fled.Police said the complainant alleged that the accused collectively cheated him, his relatives and about 125 investors of approximately ₹5.13 crores by collecting deposits on the promise of high returns but failing to repay the principal amounts or the assured profits.

India will supply 5,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh via pipeline starting Tuesday through the Parbatipur border, confirmed Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). “Under our agreement with India, the country is to deliver 180,000 tons of diesel annually through the pipeline. The 5,000 tons arriving now is part of this arrangement,” Rezanur told ANI.Under the deal, Rahman added, at least 90,000 tons of diesel are to be imported within six months. “The consignment arriving today is 5,000 tons, and we hope that within the next two months, we will bring in the total diesel amount for the entire six months,” he said.

The fuel arrival comes as the Bangladesh government continues efforts to monitor stock levels amid reports of illegal hoarding. Earlier in the week, the energy ministry said that drives had been conducted to inspect the situation. “In the current crisis situation, various media outlets have reported that some unscrupulous traders are illegally stockpiling fuel in an attempt to create an artificial shortage in the market,” the ministry stated.To tackle the fuel crisis, the Bangladesh government has imposed supply limits based on vehicle categories. However, authorities noted that some petrol stations are selling fuel beyond the approved quota, hoarding extra stock for profit, and in some cases, engaging in black-market sales or smuggling.“To address this crisis, the government has already fixed fuel supply limits based on vehicle categories. Nevertheless, it has been observed that at various petrol pumps/filling stations, fuel is being sold in excess of the government-approved limit, additional stock is being hoarded for excessive profit, and there are tendencies of selling fuel on the open market and engaging in smuggling,” the ministry added.In response, mobile court drives have been launched to curb illegal stockpiling and ensure compliance. Recent operations by the Executive Magistrate in Dhaka reported the following: City Filling Station, Tejgaon (MPL) has been dry since yesterday, with operations set to resume once new fuel arrives; Clean Fuel, Tejgaon (POPLC) is operating fully in line with government regulations.

In April 2014, reports suggested that filmmaker Shekhar Kapur was finally ready to begin work on his long-delayed futuristic film ‘Paani’, a project that had remained stuck in development for more than a decade. At the time, Sushant Singh Rajput had replaced Hrithik Roshan as the male lead, raising hopes that the ambitious film, set in a dystopian 2050 where the world is grappling with an extreme water crisis, would soon enter production. However, nearly 12 years later, and more than five years after Sushant’s death, the film is still yet to be made.Kapur recently opened up on the project and shed light on why Yash Raj Films ultimately stepped away from the film. In a conversation, he revealed that the production was halted before it could even begin.

“I couldn’t even start Paani’s production (unlike some other films of Kapur that were shelved midway). By the time YRF decided that they wouldn’t cast Sushant, I had already been rehearsing with him for six months. After hearing their decision, I went back to the West. I had only come to India to do Paani. However, I haven’t abandoned the project,” he said in an interview with The Lallantop. Kapur also recalled a conversation with Aditya Chopra, the head of YRF, explaining how their creative arrangement eventually led to the film being dropped by the studio.“The agreement Aditya Chopra (YRF’s head) and I had was that he would wield the business control while I would have the creative control over the movie. Then one day, he called me for breakfast and said, ‘Shekhar, what I have seen at YRF is that, if I don’t stand behind the director all the time, things don’t run well and the film doesn’t turn out well. Hence, it has become my habit. But I can’t stand behind you like that.’ He was right, because our agreement was that we were making my film. ‘I probably won’t be able to do that,’ he said. That’s how we decided that YRF wouldn’t go ahead with the project.”Kapur explained that the decision wasn’t the result of any conflict, but rather a natural difference in creative approaches between two established filmmakers.“It’s a simple matter. Since we couldn’t stay together creatively, it was decided that YRF would not make it. That’s how Paani hit a roadblock. But I haven’t abandoned it totally,” he said.Reflecting on Sushant, who passed away in 2020 at his home in Mumbai, Kapur shared that he was in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand when he heard the tragic news. The director described the late actor as deeply dedicated to his craft, though he admitted he did not know him well on a personal level.“He was very obsessive about the role. I didn’t notice anything different in him. He was an obsessive actor. As a director, that’s what I needed. I didn’t notice anything else abnormal about him. That may also be because I didn’t know him personally,” he said.