Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the world wholeheartedly praised India’s potential during the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the growing global confidence in the country’s young technology talent.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the summit demonstrated how the mindset of India’s youth in the field of technology would serve humanity at large. He described the event as historic and underlined the positive global response to India’s AI capabilities.

The AI Impact Summit 2026, organised in New Delhi last week, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. The declaration has been endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations, signalling broad global agreement on promoting artificial intelligence for economic growth and social welfare.

Broad global participation

The summit saw the participation of several prominent world leaders and top technology executives. Among those present were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

Other leaders attending the summit included Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Estonia President Alar Karis, and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

Chief executives and senior leaders from major global technology firms were also part of the gathering.

Focus on inclusive AI growth

Held under the theme ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay’ (welfare for all, happiness of all), the summit aimed to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence while ensuring that AI development remains inclusive and sustainable.

The event brought together more than 500 international AI leaders. This included around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 CTOs, vice presidents and philanthropists. Additionally, over 100 government representatives and nearly 60 ministers and vice ministers participated in discussions.

The New Delhi Declaration seeks to strengthen international cooperation and ensure that AI technologies contribute to economic progress, social good and environmental protection.

The Maharashtra government has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar last month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of the state budget session, Fadnavis said the request for a CBI inquiry had been conveyed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He added that the move followed a letter from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), an ally of the BJP, demanding a central probe into the incident.

Multiple investigations underway

Fadnavis said investigations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are already in progress. The proposed CBI probe would run parallel to these inquiries to address any concerns surrounding the crash.

Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on January 28 when a chartered Learjet 45 aircraft crashed while attempting to land near Baramati in Pune district.

The chief minister said the government is committed to clearing all doubts related to the incident and will ensure regular follow-up of the investigations. He urged people to avoid speculation and wait for the official findings.

Allegations and political reactions

Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late NCP leader and a member of the NCP (SP), has raised allegations about the circumstances of the crash and suggested possible foul play. On Saturday, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu until the inquiry is completed.

Rohit Pawar has also questioned the company VSR, which owned the ill-fated aircraft, and alleged links with the civil aviation minister.

Fadnavis said the DGCA is conducting an audit of the VSR company and examining its logbooks. He maintained that both the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry have nothing to hide.

Highlighting the broader implications of the incident, Fadnavis noted that the probe is important for ensuring the safety of political leaders, adding that he had travelled on the same VSR aircraft on several occasions.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who was present at the press conference along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said the state government has formally requested a CBI probe and assured a thorough investigation.

The issue is expected to be discussed during the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature, amid sharp exchanges between the ruling alliance and the Opposition. The Opposition also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by the chief minister, citing concerns over the potential impact of the Indo-US trade deal on cotton growers and fisherfolk in the state.