New Delhi, June 28 -- Indians are increasingly using public transport and opting for carpooling, while farmers in several parts of the country are turning to natural fertilizers amid shortages caused by the West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.

Addressing the nation in his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said that following his appeal to avoid foreign travel and reduce gold purchases, several people have postponed overseas holidays and chosen not to buy new gold for weddings, with some instead recycling old gold to make new jewellery.

"In view of the prevalent war-like situation in West Asia, I had urged the countrymen on a few points. I had asked people to avoid buying gold for some time, as far ...