Narendra Modi meets Japanese Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Sunday, as both leaders get set for crucial bilateral talks on Monday. The civilian nuclear deal between New Delhi and Tokyo is high on the agenda and delegations from both sides were up late on Sunday to conclude the agreement. However, a sticking point is New Delhi's desire to establish the "Indo-US nuclear deal template", which holds that in case of a nuclear test both sides must hold negotiations for one year and then establish the process of termination. Japan's discomfort with this stems from its history of being the only country to have suffered from a nuclear attack. Besides this deal, other key infrastructure, trade and defence concerns will be on the agenda.

NIA seeks greater legal protection for undercover operations
India's counter-terror organisation, the National Investigation Agency, proposed changes in the law that would allow them to send undercover operatives to infiltrate terror outfits, without the fear of legal repercussions. According to the Hindustan Times, the agency has sought official powers to conduct undercover operations.

Clashes between Pakistan government and protesters intensify
The Pakistani army's top brass on Sunday called on the government and protesters to peacefully resolve the current political crisis in Islamabad, after clashes left three people dead. The army, however, was "committed to playing its part in ensuring security of the state". Violence between the police and demonstrators led by prominent politician Imran Khan and firebrand cleric Tahir ul-Qadri intensified this weekend. Both protest leaders have demanded Sharif's resignation for alleged rigging last year's general elections.

Army to give 'befitting replies' to ceasefire violations from Pakistan, says Home Minister
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the Border Security Force was ordered to give "befitting replies" to firing across the Line of Control. Despite attempts at reaching a peaceful resolution to tensions on the border, Singh ordered the BSF not to raise the white flag if ceasefire violations were attempted.

Government to relax environment norms to clear industrial projects
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is set to stimulate economic growth by relaxing environment norms that have reportedly stalled key industrial projects in the country. Proposed changes to the National Green Tribunal Act and the Forest Rights Act will ease the process of giving clearances to big-ticket industrial projects. The forest law make it compulsory for industry to seek the consent of local forest or tribal dwellers, while the tribunal act outlines the powers of the green body that reviews project clearances.