Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hezbollah-lebanon-to-be-careful-246001">Hezbollah militia</a> with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate.

"Dir balak," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks directed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-hit-pro-syria-palestinian-group-in-lebanon-245680">Lebanon</a>, using the Arabic for "watch out".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-air-strike-in-syria-sent-no-immunity-message-to-iran-245618">Israel and Lebanon</a>'s Hezbollah, which last fought a war in 2006, are on high alert after drones were used at the weekend to attack what a security official in the region described as a target linked to precision-guided missile projects.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the rare strike in Beirut, and said it will retaliate. The heavily armed Shi'ite movement has denied harbouring such missile facilities. Lebanon has accused Israel of seeking pretexts for aggression.

Without claiming responsibility for the drone attack, the Israeli military published what it said were details about an extensive Iranian-sponsored campaign to provide Hezbollah with the means to produce precision-guided missiles.

Such missiles - which Hezbollah acknowledges possessing - could potentially pose a counter-balance to Israel's overwhelming military force in any future war, with the capacity to home in on and knock out core infrastructure sites.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said that in recent months Iran had increased the pace of the project such that it was "faster in terms of buildings, facilities, locations, conversion and manufacturing facilities, and it means more people, operatives involved in doing so".

"It is time for them (the Lebanese government) to understand their responsibility and understand the fact that what they are letting Hezbollah and Iran do on Lebanese soil is their responsibility," Conricus said.

"They are the ones who are complicit in endangering Lebanon and Lebanese civilians which Hezbollah and Iran are using as human shields."

There was no immediate response from Tehran, Israel's arch-foe, whose nuclear programme and regional activities have been a focus of redoubled US&nbsp;pressure under President Donald Trump - with knock-on tensions in the Gulf.

After Hezbollah said it would respond to the Beirut strike by downing Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's skies, the Lebanese army on Wednesday shot at drones that it said had crossed the border. Israel said there was no damage to them.

In the past Israel has argued that the Lebanese army is too close to Hezbollah to warrant the more than $1.5 billion in US&nbsp;military assistance it has received since the 2006 war. Washington regards the army as a counter-weight to Hezbollah.

Conricus said there was no change to Israel's position on the Lebanese army. But he appeared to play down the threat.

"We continue to classify Hezbollah as our main enemy and the Lebanese Armed Forces as a potential enemy," he said. "If they fire at Israel, tactically speaking, ... then that specific force on the ground will be considered an active enemy, but strategically speaking Hezbollah is the enemy."

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the Hezbollah militia with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate.

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of stepping up efforts to provide the Hezbollah militia with precision-guided missile production facilities, a warning to Beirut that Israeli counter-strikes could escalate. "Dir balak," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in public remarks directed at Lebanon, using the Arabic for "watch out". Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which last fought a war in 2006, are on high alert after drones were used at the weekend to attack what a security official in the region described as a target linked to precision-guided missile projects. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the rare strike in Beirut, and said it will retaliate. The heavily armed Shi'ite movement has denied harbouring such missile facilities. Lebanon has accused Israel of seeking pretexts for aggression. Without claiming responsibility for the drone attack, the Israeli military published what it said were details about an extensive Iranian-sponsored campaign to provide Hezbollah with the means to produce precision-guided missiles. Such missiles - which Hezbollah acknowledges possessing - could potentially pose a counter-balance to Israel's overwhelming military force in any future war, with the capacity to home in on and knock out core infrastructure sites. Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said that in recent months Iran had increased the pace of the project such that it was "faster in terms of buildings, facilities, locations, conversion and manufacturing facilities, and it means more people, operatives involved in doing so". "It is time for them (the Lebanese government) to understand their responsibility and understand the fact that what they are letting Hezbollah and Iran do on Lebanese soil is their responsibility," Conricus said. "They are the ones who are complicit in endangering Lebanon and Lebanese civilians which Hezbollah and Iran are using as human shields." There was no immediate response from Tehran, Israel's arch-foe, whose nuclear programme and regional activities have been a focus of redoubled US pressure under President Donald Trump - with knock-on tensions in the Gulf. After Hezbollah said it would respond to the Beirut strike by downing Israeli drones that enter Lebanon's skies, the Lebanese army on Wednesday shot at drones that it said had crossed the border. Israel said there was no damage to them. In the past Israel has argued that the Lebanese army is too close to Hezbollah to warrant the more than $1.5 billion in US military assistance it has received since the 2006 war. Washington regards the army as a counter-weight to Hezbollah. Conricus said there was no change to Israel's position on the Lebanese army. But he appeared to play down the threat. "We continue to classify Hezbollah as our main enemy and the Lebanese Armed Forces as a potential enemy," he said. "If they fire at Israel, tactically speaking, ... then that specific force on the ground will be considered an active enemy, but strategically speaking Hezbollah is the enemy."

Israel says Iran boosting bid to set up Hezbollah precision-missile plants in Lebanon

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state.

The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence.

After the meeting, Pramod Tiwari and Jitin Prasad said several issues related to the party organisation including strengthening the cadre base in UP came up during the discussion.

According to a party source, the upcoming Assembly by-polls in UP, the appointment of a new state party president and formation of district committees were among the issues which came up.

Congress is keen to contest the by-elections on its own, the source said.

"Suggestions were sought from the leaders on the ways to strengthen the party at the grassroot level," the source added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state. The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday met senior party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to take stock of the political situation in the state. The leaders including former Union ministers RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad and Pradeep Jain, Rajya Sabha MPs Pramod Tiwari and PL Punia attended the meeting at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence. After the meeting, Pramod Tiwari and Jitin Prasad said several issues related to the party organisation including strengthening the cadre base in UP came up during the discussion. According to a party source, the upcoming Assembly by-polls in UP, the appointment of a new state party president and formation of district committees were among the issues which came up. Congress is keen to contest the by-elections on its own, the source said. "Suggestions were sought from the leaders on the ways to strengthen the party at the grassroot level," the source added.

Priyanka Gandhi meets UP Congress leaders; discusses political situation

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday appointed office bearers and constituted several committees in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kaushambi.

BSP in an official statement said, "BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, has appointed office bearers for district committee and metropolitan (city) committee for several districts in Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadoi and Kaushambi."

In the recent appointments, Chintamani Verma and Chaudhary Saeed Ahmed have been appointed as the District Chief and City President respectively for Allahabad.

Abhishek Pratap Singh has been appointed as the District Head for Fatehpur District and Omkar Nath will look after the Kaushambi district as a District Chief.Sushil Kumar Gautam and B Sagar have been appointed as the District Head for Pratapgarh and Sonbhadra district respectively.

Rajesh Gautam and Kamlashankar Bharti will look after Mirzapur and Bhadohi district as district presidents of these two districts respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday appointed office bearers and constituted several committees in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kaushambi.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday appointed office bearers and constituted several committees in different districts of Uttar Pradesh including Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi and Kaushambi. BSP in an official statement said, "BSP supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, has appointed office bearers for district committee and metropolitan (city) committee for several districts in Allahabad, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Bhadoi and Kaushambi." In the recent appointments, Chintamani Verma and Chaudhary Saeed Ahmed have been appointed as the District Chief and City President respectively for Allahabad. Abhishek Pratap Singh has been appointed as the District Head for Fatehpur District and Omkar Nath will look after the Kaushambi district as a District Chief.Sushil Kumar Gautam and B Sagar have been appointed as the District Head for Pratapgarh and Sonbhadra district respectively. Rajesh Gautam and Kamlashankar Bharti will look after Mirzapur and Bhadohi district as district presidents of these two districts respectively.

Uttar Pradesh: BSP chief Mayawati constitutes district committees, appoints office-bearers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry.

Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress. New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government and proactive citizenry. New India is the era of responsible people and responsive government."

Speaking about how India is changing, the Prime Minister said that for many years a culture was perpetrated in which aspiration had become a bad word, doors were open depending upon your contacts, success depended on whether or not you belonged to an old boys club.

Big cities, institutions, and big families were all that mattered. The economic culture of licence raj and permit raj had struck at the heart of individual ambition. But today things are changing for the better.

"We see the spirit of new India in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Thousands of talented youngsters are creating a fantastic platform showcasing a spirit of enterprise. We also see this spirt in the sports field. India is now excelling in arenas where we were hardly present earlier," Modi said.

"Be it startup or sports, who is powering this vibrancy? It is courageous youngsters from small towns and villages, most people not even had heard of. They did not have big bank balances but they have, in plenty, dedication and aspiration. They are converting that aspiration into excellence and making India proud. This for me is the new India spirit," he said.

PM Modi further said that "competence" is going to be the only norm now and not "surnames".

"This is an India where the surnames of the youth do not matter. What matters is their ability to make their own name. This is an India where corruption is never an option, whoever the person is. Only competence is the norm."

Speaking about the massive changes India has been witnessing, Modi said, "Now, it is common to see people using Wi-Fi facilities in railway stations. Who would have ever thought this would be a reality. The system is the same, the people are the same yet, massive changes have taken place on the ground."

Elaborating on changing India, Prime Minister Modi said, "How the spirit has changed in India can be summed up using just two words. Five years ago, people would ask -will we? Will we ever be free from dirt? Will we ever remove policy paralysis? Will we ever eliminate corruption?"

"Today people say - we will! We will be a Swachh Bharat. We will be a nation free from corruption. We will make good governance a mass movement. The word `will`, which earlier denoted a pessimistic question now reflects the optimistic spirit of a youthful nation," he added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry. Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry. Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress. New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government and proactive citizenry. New India is the era of responsible people and responsive government." Speaking about how India is changing, the Prime Minister said that for many years a culture was perpetrated in which aspiration had become a bad word, doors were open depending upon your contacts, success depended on whether or not you belonged to an old boys club. Big cities, institutions, and big families were all that mattered. The economic culture of licence raj and permit raj had struck at the heart of individual ambition. But today things are changing for the better. "We see the spirit of new India in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Thousands of talented youngsters are creating a fantastic platform showcasing a spirit of enterprise. We also see this spirt in the sports field. India is now excelling in arenas where we were hardly present earlier," Modi said. "Be it startup or sports, who is powering this vibrancy? It is courageous youngsters from small towns and villages, most people not even had heard of. They did not have big bank balances but they have, in plenty, dedication and aspiration. They are converting that aspiration into excellence and making India proud. This for me is the new India spirit," he said. PM Modi further said that "competence" is going to be the only norm now and not "surnames". "This is an India where the surnames of the youth do not matter. What matters is their ability to make their own name. This is an India where corruption is never an option, whoever the person is. Only competence is the norm." Speaking about the massive changes India has been witnessing, Modi said, "Now, it is common to see people using Wi-Fi facilities in railway stations. Who would have ever thought this would be a reality. The system is the same, the people are the same yet, massive changes have taken place on the ground." Elaborating on changing India, Prime Minister Modi said, "How the spirit has changed in India can be summed up using just two words. Five years ago, people would ask -will we? Will we ever be free from dirt? Will we ever remove policy paralysis? Will we ever eliminate corruption?" "Today people say - we will! We will be a Swachh Bharat. We will be a nation free from corruption. We will make good governance a mass movement. The word `will`, which earlier denoted a pessimistic question now reflects the optimistic spirit of a youthful nation," he added.

New India is about participative democracy, citizen centric government: PM Modi

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in very poor condition because of climate change, over fishing and land clearing, a state agency said on Friday, as it downgraded the reef's status to the lowest level, which could jeopardise its World Heritage status.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) said the health of the world's largest coral reef system, off the northeast coast of the Queensland state, had deteriorated since its last review, in 2014, but the problems the reef faces were not insurmountable.

"This report draws attention to the fact that the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef, the long term outlook, is very poor- that's largely driven by climate change," GBRMPA's Chief Scientists David Wachenfeld told reporters in Sydney.

"Despite that, with the right mix of local actions to improve the resilience of the system and global actions to tackle climate change in the strongest and fastest way possible, we can turn that around."

The report, which is compiled every five years, painted a deteriorating picture of widespread coral bleaching, habitat loss and degradation caused by human-induced climate change, overfishing, poor water quality, and coastal land clearing for grazing.

The reef stretching for more than 2,300 km (1430 miles) is home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs.

Some parts of the reefs remained in good condition but many species including dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays and turtles were being threatened.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee last year called for global action on climate change to protect five large coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef.

The committee is due to consider the reef's heritage listing, considering its health and a possible "in danger" status.

"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the globe's most famous World Heritage Areas yet the report finds that its integrity is challenged and deteriorating," environmentalist group Australian Marine Conservation Society said in a statement.

"This is now the third Outlook Report. We've had ten years of warnings, ten years of rising greenhouse emissions and ten years watching the Reef heading for a catastrophe," said the group's director of strategy, Imogen Zethoven.

"This report will be a major input into UNESCO's committee and here is a very strong case for the reef to be considered for the in danger list."

The inclusion of the reef on the in danger list would be an embarrassment for the government and could damage the tourist industry.

UNESCO's chief of the Asia and Pacific region, Feng Jing, said the organisation was following closely the state of the reef and progress made in protecting it and would consider its status in July next year.

"We would hope that the collective efforts undertaking by the State Party of Australia will bring the change that is needed to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Great Barrier Reef," Jing said in an emailed statement.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in very poor condition because of climate change, over fishing and land clearing, a state agency said on Friday, as it downgraded the reef's status to the lowest level, which could jeopardise its World Heritage status.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in very poor condition because of climate change, over fishing and land clearing, a state agency said on Friday, as it downgraded the reef's status to the lowest level, which could jeopardise its World Heritage status. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) said the health of the world's largest coral reef system, off the northeast coast of the Queensland state, had deteriorated since its last review, in 2014, but the problems the reef faces were not insurmountable. "This report draws attention to the fact that the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef, the long term outlook, is very poor- that's largely driven by climate change," GBRMPA's Chief Scientists David Wachenfeld told reporters in Sydney. "Despite that, with the right mix of local actions to improve the resilience of the system and global actions to tackle climate change in the strongest and fastest way possible, we can turn that around." The report, which is compiled every five years, painted a deteriorating picture of widespread coral bleaching, habitat loss and degradation caused by human-induced climate change, overfishing, poor water quality, and coastal land clearing for grazing. The reef stretching for more than 2,300 km (1430 miles) is home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs. Some parts of the reefs remained in good condition but many species including dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays and turtles were being threatened. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee last year called for global action on climate change to protect five large coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef. The committee is due to consider the reef's heritage listing, considering its health and a possible "in danger" status. "The Great Barrier Reef is one of the globe's most famous World Heritage Areas yet the report finds that its integrity is challenged and deteriorating," environmentalist group Australian Marine Conservation Society said in a statement. "This is now the third Outlook Report. We've had ten years of warnings, ten years of rising greenhouse emissions and ten years watching the Reef heading for a catastrophe," said the group's director of strategy, Imogen Zethoven. "This report will be a major input into UNESCO's committee and here is a very strong case for the reef to be considered for the in danger list." The inclusion of the reef on the in danger list would be an embarrassment for the government and could damage the tourist industry. UNESCO's chief of the Asia and Pacific region, Feng Jing, said the organisation was following closely the state of the reef and progress made in protecting it and would consider its status in July next year. "We would hope that the collective efforts undertaking by the State Party of Australia will bring the change that is needed to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Great Barrier Reef," Jing said in an emailed statement.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef in 'very poor' condition

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday asserted that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya in the same manner by which Article 370 was abrogated from Jammu and Kashmir.

Thakur, who is known for making controversial statements, said, "Ram Mandir will be built in Ayodhya, the same way Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir. Nothing will happen to me till the construction of the shrine in Ayodhya."

"Everyone believes now that removal of Article 370 has united the country. Now a grand Ram Temple will be built and we all witness it soon," she said while speaking to reporters in Indore.

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sunil Bharala gave a statement on similar lines.

He told ANI, "Temple of Lord Ram will be built during the tenure of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He is a decisive man, he will be the one to build the temple with his own hands, he has 'apaar shakti'&nbsp;in him."

"The day-to-day hearing on Ayodhya matter is taking place in the Supreme Court and a decision will be taken soon in the favour of the construction of Ram temple... Even the Muslim community supports this," he claimed.

Fourteen appeals are pending before the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict which ordered equal division of the 2.77-acre disputed land in Ayodhya among the three parties- Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The 16th-century Babri Masjid was demolished on 6 December 1992.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday asserted that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya in the same manner by which Article 370 was abrogated from Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP MP from Bhopal, Pragya Singh Thakur on Friday asserted that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya in the same manner by which Article 370 was abrogated from Jammu and Kashmir. Thakur, who is known for making controversial statements, said, "Ram Mandir will be built in Ayodhya, the same way Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir. Nothing will happen to me till the construction of the shrine in Ayodhya." "Everyone believes now that removal of Article 370 has united the country. Now a grand Ram Temple will be built and we all witness it soon," she said while speaking to reporters in Indore. Recently, Uttar Pradesh Minister Sunil Bharala gave a statement on similar lines. He told ANI, "Temple of Lord Ram will be built during the tenure of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He is a decisive man, he will be the one to build the temple with his own hands, he has 'apaar shakti' in him." "The day-to-day hearing on Ayodhya matter is taking place in the Supreme Court and a decision will be taken soon in the favour of the construction of Ram temple... Even the Muslim community supports this," he claimed. Fourteen appeals are pending before the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict which ordered equal division of the 2.77-acre disputed land in Ayodhya among the three parties- Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The 16th-century Babri Masjid was demolished on 6 December 1992.

After removal of Article 370, Ram temple will now be built in Ayodhya: Pragya Thakur

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sitharaman-gives-mantra-of-restraint-to-tax-collectors-but-says-deadlines-are-realistic-246076">Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman</a> on Friday announced four state-run banks mergers.&nbsp;India will now have 12 Public Sector Banks from 27.

While Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will merge, Sitharaman announced merger plans of three other PSU banks.

Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank will merge; Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will come together while Indian bank will merge with Allahabad Bank.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will be brought together and they shall form the second largest public sector bank with business of Rs 17.95 Lakh Crore. <a href="https://t.co/QhFCMVq2Gn">pic.twitter.com/QhFCMVq2Gn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167392602284412928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Together, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank merger shall form the second largest public sector bank with the business of Rs 17.95 Lakh Crore, Sitharaman added.&nbsp;

The Canara Bank merger with Syndicate Bank will be the fourth largest Public Sector Bank with a business of Rs 15.20 lakh crores.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Canara Bank with (merge) Syndicate Bank, they will be the fourth largest Public Sector Bank with business of Rs 15.20 lakh crores. <a href="https://t.co/nRshTrYLxS">pic.twitter.com/nRshTrYLxS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167393394982674432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The merger between Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank shall become the fifth largest public sector bank now whereas Indian Bank amalgamation with Allahabad Bank will be the seventh-largest Public Sector Bank with a business amounting to Rs 8.08 lakh crores.

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Indian Bank with (merge) Allahabad Bank, they will be the seventh largest Public Sector Bank with business of Rs 8.08 lakh crores. <a href="https://t.co/4cFafOybzH">pic.twitter.com/4cFafOybzH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167393736105455618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During her address, the finance minister stated that the Gross Non Performing Assets have come down from 8.65 lakh crores to 7.90 lakh crores.

"Specialised agencies have been set up who are monitoring every loan which is over Rs 250 crores," she said, adding that loan recoveries have hit a recover level of Rs.1,21,076 crore.

Finance secretary Rajeev Kumar said that there has been no retrenchment so far and that there is no of the same.&nbsp;

"The benefits of employment and HR will improve, with amalgamation the best combination will be taken up," he said.&nbsp;

Just yesterday, the Reserve Bank of India in its annual report revealed that&nbsp;the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bank-frauds-climb-by-74-to-rs-71543-crore-in-fy19-rbi-annual-report-246433">frauds reported by banks has shot</a> up by 15 per cent in the financial 2018-19 on a year-on-year basis.&nbsp;

The amount involved in such frauds rose by 73.8 per cent, though mostly related to occurrences in earlier years.&nbsp;The banking sector reported 6,801 frauds involving Rs 71,542.93 crore in the financial year 2018-19 as opposed to 5,916 cases involving Rs 41,167.04 crore reported in the previous financial year.

"The average lag between the date of occurrence and its detection by banks was 22 months," while the "average lag for large frauds, i.e. Rs 1 billion and above, amounting to Rs 522 billion reported during 2018-19, was 55 months," the top bank stated in its report which was uploaded on its website.&nbsp;

The bulk of frauds reported in 2018-19 come from bank groups PSBs that constitute the largest market share in bank lending, followed by private sector banks and foreign banks.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on Friday announced four state-run banks mergers. India will now have 12 Public Sector Banks from 27. While Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will merge, Sitharaman announced merger plans of three other PSU banks.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman on Friday announced four state-run banks mergers. India will now have 12 Public Sector Banks from 27. While Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will merge, Sitharaman announced merger plans of three other PSU banks. Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank will merge; Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will come together while Indian bank will merge with Allahabad Bank. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will be brought together and they shall form the second largest public sector bank with business of Rs 17.95 Lakh Crore. pic.twitter.com/QhFCMVq2Gn — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2019 × Together, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank merger shall form the second largest public sector bank with the business of Rs 17.95 Lakh Crore, Sitharaman added. The Canara Bank merger with Syndicate Bank will be the fourth largest Public Sector Bank with a business of Rs 15.20 lakh crores. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Canara Bank with (merge) Syndicate Bank, they will be the fourth largest Public Sector Bank with business of Rs 15.20 lakh crores. pic.twitter.com/nRshTrYLxS — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2019 × The merger between Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank shall become the fifth largest public sector bank now whereas Indian Bank amalgamation with Allahabad Bank will be the seventh-largest Public Sector Bank with a business amounting to Rs 8.08 lakh crores. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Indian Bank with (merge) Allahabad Bank, they will be the seventh largest Public Sector Bank with business of Rs 8.08 lakh crores. pic.twitter.com/4cFafOybzH — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2019 × During her address, the finance minister stated that the Gross Non Performing Assets have come down from 8.65 lakh crores to 7.90 lakh crores. "Specialised agencies have been set up who are monitoring every loan which is over Rs 250 crores," she said, adding that loan recoveries have hit a recover level of Rs.1,21,076 crore. Finance secretary Rajeev Kumar said that there has been no retrenchment so far and that there is no of the same. "The benefits of employment and HR will improve, with amalgamation the best combination will be taken up," he said. Just yesterday, the Reserve Bank of India in its annual report revealed that the number of frauds reported by banks has shot up by 15 per cent in the financial 2018-19 on a year-on-year basis. The amount involved in such frauds rose by 73.8 per cent, though mostly related to occurrences in earlier years. The banking sector reported 6,801 frauds involving Rs 71,542.93 crore in the financial year 2018-19 as opposed to 5,916 cases involving Rs 41,167.04 crore reported in the previous financial year. "The average lag between the date of occurrence and its detection by banks was 22 months," while the "average lag for large frauds, i.e. Rs 1 billion and above, amounting to Rs 522 billion reported during 2018-19, was 55 months," the top bank stated in its report which was uploaded on its website. The bulk of frauds reported in 2018-19 come from bank groups PSBs that constitute the largest market share in bank lending, followed by private sector banks and foreign banks.

Mega bank reforms: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces 4 state-run banks mergers

Equity benchmark indices traded higher in the afternoon trade on Friday ahead of GDP data and new government announcements to perk up the sluggish economic growth.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex closed 264 points higher at 37,333 while the Nifty 50 edged up by 75 points to 11,023.At the National Stock Exchange, all sectoral indices were in the positive zone with Nifty pharma gaining by 2 per cent, metal by 1.6 per cent, realty by 1.3 per cent and PSU bank by 1 per cent.

Among stocks, Yes Bank emerged as the top gainer by moving up 5.2 per cent to close at Rs 60.40 per share.

IndusInd Bank gained by 3.5 per cent while Hindustan Lever inched up by 2.7 per cent.

Metal stocks like Tata Steel, Vedanta, JSW Steel and Hindalco gained between 2.7 to 3.3 per cent each.

Meanwhile, Asian shares jumped to a one-week high following strong gains on the Wall Street overnight amid signs that China is open to a resolution of its trade war with the United States.

However, investors had lingering recession fears and hoped that central banks and governments will do more to avert a global growth slowdown.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose to the highest since August 23 but soon pared some of those gains after Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets turned negative.

Arrests or detentions of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong added to investor jitters.

But Japan's Nikkei jumped 1.2 per cent while South Korea's KOSPI index gained 1.8 per cent.

Equity benchmark indices traded higher in the afternoon trade on Friday ahead of GDP data and new government announcements to perk up the sluggish economic growth.

Equity benchmark indices traded higher in the afternoon trade on Friday ahead of GDP data and new government announcements to perk up the sluggish economic growth. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 264 points higher at 37,333 while the Nifty 50 edged up by 75 points to 11,023.At the National Stock Exchange, all sectoral indices were in the positive zone with Nifty pharma gaining by 2 per cent, metal by 1.6 per cent, realty by 1.3 per cent and PSU bank by 1 per cent. Among stocks, Yes Bank emerged as the top gainer by moving up 5.2 per cent to close at Rs 60.40 per share. IndusInd Bank gained by 3.5 per cent while Hindustan Lever inched up by 2.7 per cent. Metal stocks like Tata Steel, Vedanta, JSW Steel and Hindalco gained between 2.7 to 3.3 per cent each. Meanwhile, Asian shares jumped to a one-week high following strong gains on the Wall Street overnight amid signs that China is open to a resolution of its trade war with the United States. However, investors had lingering recession fears and hoped that central banks and governments will do more to avert a global growth slowdown. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose to the highest since August 23 but soon pared some of those gains after Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets turned negative. Arrests or detentions of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong added to investor jitters. But Japan's Nikkei jumped 1.2 per cent while South Korea's KOSPI index gained 1.8 per cent.

Sensex gains 264 points as fresh stimulus hopes spark sentiment

A day after the mega launch of Fit India movement Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday said that his life is going on because of "Yoga", "Pranayam" and "Ayurveda".

Addressing a programme on Ayush and Yoga, he said that there are "professional hazards" related to politics in terms of health, which are to be taken care of with the help of Naturopathy and Yoga.

"Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is on visits to villages and is working hard and the result can be see while his voice has become sore. These are the professional hazards and at the time of elections I also undergo through the same," said Modi.

"I must tell you my secret- Yoga, Pranayam and Ayurveda kept the vehicle of my life running," said Modi.

"A day after Fit India movement is started, coming to the programme of Ayush and Yoga is a great opportunity. Ayush and Yoga are strong pillars of Fit India movement. This is not only associated with our practice, culture and heritage and also related to our health care infrastructure," he said&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A day after the mega launch of Fit India movement Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday said that his life is going on because of "Yoga", "Pranayam" and "Ayurveda".

A day after the mega launch of Fit India movement Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday said that his life is going on because of "Yoga", "Pranayam" and "Ayurveda". Addressing a programme on Ayush and Yoga, he said that there are "professional hazards" related to politics in terms of health, which are to be taken care of with the help of Naturopathy and Yoga. "Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is on visits to villages and is working hard and the result can be see while his voice has become sore. These are the professional hazards and at the time of elections I also undergo through the same," said Modi. "I must tell you my secret- Yoga, Pranayam and Ayurveda kept the vehicle of my life running," said Modi. "A day after Fit India movement is started, coming to the programme of Ayush and Yoga is a great opportunity. Ayush and Yoga are strong pillars of Fit India movement. This is not only associated with our practice, culture and heritage and also related to our health care infrastructure," he said

Yoga, Pranayam, Ayurveda have kept me running : PM Modi

A US envoy suggested Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-there-has-been-contact-with-us-officials-for-months-244530">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> will be safe from US prosecution if he quits but acknowledged that his departure remained elusive despite a half-year pressure campaign by Washington.

Elliott Abrams, the US pointman on Venezuela, renewed demands that Maduro cede power to opposition chief Juan Guaido but said there was no "personal edge" to the position.

"We are not trying to go after him," Abrams told reporters.&nbsp;

"We are not after punishment or vengeance; we are after political change," he said.

The United States blames Maduro for the economic collapse of Venezuela, from which millions have fled due to basic shortages, and considers him illegitimate after wide reports of irregularities in last year's election.

"Our goal here is a recovery of democracy and prosperity in Venezuela. We believe this cannot be achieved under Nicolas Maduro," Abrams said.

But he acknowledged that there was no sign that Maduro was planning to leave.

"I would have to say I have not yet seen any sign of willingness to negotiate that kind of compromise, which of course is very unfortunate, because that's the way out for Venezuela," he said.

Abrams also said that there were no negotiations between the United States and Maduro, although he said that Washington has spoken to his regime on practical issues such as the status of US government facilities in Venezuela.

More than 50 countries recognize Guaido as the interim president and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-halts-talks-with-opposition-after-us-sanctions-241432">United States has slapped sanctions</a> against Venezuela's oil, by far its top export.

The United States has also imposed personal sanctions on Maduro and his family, and US prosecutors frequently take legal action against former officials over allegations of corruption or human rights abuses.

But Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

A US envoy suggested Thursday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will be safe from US prosecution if he quits but acknowledged that his departure remained elusive despite a half-year pressure campaign by Washington.

A US envoy suggested Thursday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will be safe from US prosecution if he quits but acknowledged that his departure remained elusive despite a half-year pressure campaign by Washington. Elliott Abrams, the US pointman on Venezuela, renewed demands that Maduro cede power to opposition chief Juan Guaido but said there was no "personal edge" to the position. "We are not trying to go after him," Abrams told reporters. "We are not after punishment or vengeance; we are after political change," he said. The United States blames Maduro for the economic collapse of Venezuela, from which millions have fled due to basic shortages, and considers him illegitimate after wide reports of irregularities in last year's election. "Our goal here is a recovery of democracy and prosperity in Venezuela. We believe this cannot be achieved under Nicolas Maduro," Abrams said. But he acknowledged that there was no sign that Maduro was planning to leave. "I would have to say I have not yet seen any sign of willingness to negotiate that kind of compromise, which of course is very unfortunate, because that's the way out for Venezuela," he said. Abrams also said that there were no negotiations between the United States and Maduro, although he said that Washington has spoken to his regime on practical issues such as the status of US government facilities in Venezuela. More than 50 countries recognize Guaido as the interim president and the United States has slapped sanctions against Venezuela's oil, by far its top export. The United States has also imposed personal sanctions on Maduro and his family, and US prosecutors frequently take legal action against former officials over allegations of corruption or human rights abuses. But Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

US suggests won't prosecute Venezuela's Maduro if he quits

Ministry of External Affairs'&nbsp;spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive.&nbsp;

He stated that there has been no communication from Pakistan on complete closure of airspace, "certain sectors have been temporarily closed and notifications were received on certain routes and diversions."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Raveesh Kumar, MEA on letter by Pakistan Minister Shireen Mazari to the United Nations: The letter is not even worth the paper on which it was written. Don’t want to give credence to it by reacting. <a href="https://t.co/Ag0twwZKkJ">https://t.co/Ag0twwZKkJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5sgc09Tjn">pic.twitter.com/M5sgc09Tjn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167024335774576640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Pak Human Rights Shireen Mazari's letter to the president of UN Rights Council Kumar said, "don't want to lend any credence to the letter by acting, the letter is not even worth the paper on which it has has been written."

On the matter of Pakistan trained commandos' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ports-in-gujarat-on-high-alert-after-pakistan-commandos-enter-kutch-area-246375">intrusion in Kutch</a>, he said, "ask relevant authorities on this matter, our security forces are ready to deal with any eventualities."

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: What we understand is perhaps there were certain sectors which were temporarily closed, there have been NOTAM (A notice to airmen) which were issued that too for a certain period. There has been no statement from Pakistan confirming closure of airspace. <a href="https://t.co/mKlZI22aVF">pic.twitter.com/mKlZI22aVF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167026005069811714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Terrorism is an instrument of Pakistan's policy, their statements instigate violence," he added.&nbsp;

India slammed Pakistan for its irresponsible statements which include resorting to war and has asked the country to act like a normal neighbour by not supporting terror in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Pakistan railway minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that there could be a war between the two countries towards the end of the year.

Pak Minister Fawad Chowdhary had said that Islamabad had considered closing airspace for India though Pakistani foreign ministry has clarified that no such decision has been taken. The use of Pak airspace for PM Modi's plane during France visit was given by Islamabad to New Delhi despite its rhetoric on Kashmir after August 5.

Asking Pakistan to behave like "a normal neighbour", Kumar said "What do normal neighbours do, they don't push terrorist in the neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade".

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/after-failure-at-diplomatic-front-pakistan-test-fires-ghaznavi-missile-246365">missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan</a>.

The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: It is important for them (Pakistan) to now start behaving like a normal neighbour. What do normal neighbours do? You don't push terrorists into a neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade.This is not something which is happening from Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/kx9SXLCteq">pic.twitter.com/kx9SXLCteq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167031583640965120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres. It can deliver multiple types of warheads.

Meanwhile, Mundra port has been put on high alert after Pakistan trained commandos entered the Gulf of Kutch and Kutch area through Harami Nala creek area.&nbsp;

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Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi: Pakistan has not yet decided to close its airspace to India. PM is the final authority to take a decision on this. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/8U6Ttp7lPK">pic.twitter.com/8U6Ttp7lPK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1166983762535563265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The coast guard alert said the commandos were trained in "underwater attacks". The coast guard had received the input that has been shared with private companies to take safety measures.&nbsp;

"It is therefore directed to take utmost measures of security and prevent any untoward situation in Gujarat state," Adani said in a statement.

All ships at the Mundra port have been asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to marine control station and port operation centre immediately.

The development came days after Islamabad deployed medium-range artillery and mobilised its army along the LoC.

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive.

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive. He stated that there has been no communication from Pakistan on complete closure of airspace, "certain sectors have been temporarily closed and notifications were received on certain routes and diversions." Raveesh Kumar, MEA on letter by Pakistan Minister Shireen Mazari to the United Nations: The letter is not even worth the paper on which it was written. Don’t want to give credence to it by reacting. https://t.co/Ag0twwZKkJ pic.twitter.com/M5sgc09Tjn — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × On Pak Human Rights Shireen Mazari's letter to the president of UN Rights Council Kumar said, "don't want to lend any credence to the letter by acting, the letter is not even worth the paper on which it has has been written." On the matter of Pakistan trained commandos' intrusion in Kutch, he said, "ask relevant authorities on this matter, our security forces are ready to deal with any eventualities." Raveesh Kumar, MEA: What we understand is perhaps there were certain sectors which were temporarily closed, there have been NOTAM (A notice to airmen) which were issued that too for a certain period. There has been no statement from Pakistan confirming closure of airspace. pic.twitter.com/mKlZI22aVF — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × "Terrorism is an instrument of Pakistan's policy, their statements instigate violence," he added. India slammed Pakistan for its irresponsible statements which include resorting to war and has asked the country to act like a normal neighbour by not supporting terror in the neighbouring country. Earlier this week, Pakistan railway minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that there could be a war between the two countries towards the end of the year. Pak Minister Fawad Chowdhary had said that Islamabad had considered closing airspace for India though Pakistani foreign ministry has clarified that no such decision has been taken. The use of Pak airspace for PM Modi's plane during France visit was given by Islamabad to New Delhi despite its rhetoric on Kashmir after August 5. Asking Pakistan to behave like "a normal neighbour", Kumar said "What do normal neighbours do, they don't push terrorist in the neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade". Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: It is important for them (Pakistan) to now start behaving like a normal neighbour. What do normal neighbours do? You don't push terrorists into a neighbouring country. You do normal talk, normal trade.This is not something which is happening from Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/kx9SXLCteq — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres. It can deliver multiple types of warheads. Meanwhile, Mundra port has been put on high alert after Pakistan trained commandos entered the Gulf of Kutch and Kutch area through Harami Nala creek area. Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi: Pakistan has not yet decided to close its airspace to India. PM is the final authority to take a decision on this. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/8U6Ttp7lPK — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2019 × The coast guard alert said the commandos were trained in "underwater attacks". The coast guard had received the input that has been shared with private companies to take safety measures. "It is therefore directed to take utmost measures of security and prevent any untoward situation in Gujarat state," Adani said in a statement. All ships at the Mundra port have been asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to marine control station and port operation centre immediately. The development came days after Islamabad deployed medium-range artillery and mobilised its army along the LoC.

India reacts to Pak Ghaznavi missile test, says forces are ready to deal with any eventuality

Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke to WION on a range of issues. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Sidharth MP Sadhguru said that the sustainable development of this country depends on putting an end to everything temporary and transient.

Here are excerpts from the conversation.&nbsp;

WION: How far have we come as far as the 'Rally for Rivers' initiative is concerned and how are we taking it forward from here?

Sadhguru: Rally for Rivers essentially was an awareness campaign and thanks to people of India, 162 million people endorsed their support. Because of the support, the Government took it up and within two and a half months, the policy recommendations that we made became official. Niti Aayog sent these recommendations for all 29 states. 4 states are already in an aggressive mode of implementation while other states are in different levels of debate and discussion.

WION: What is the 'Cauvery Calling' initiative all about?&nbsp;

Sadhguru: 'Cauvery Calling' is a different type of a project, we involve farmers, government and the larger society. Farmers shift to 1/3rd agro-forestry. We have converted 69,760 farmers in Tamil Nadu into agroforestry in last 18 years. In 5-7 years, farmers' income will increase anywhere between 300-800 per cent. Nearly 70,000 farmers are there like that. At the current rate of conversion of 3000-5000 farmers per year, it will take 80 to 100 years for 1/3rd of the land to come under agroforestry. Cauvery Calling is an effort to crush this 100-year possibility to a 12-year project. For this, we needed an incentive from the government for the farmers.

First 4 years, when they shift to agroforestry, there is a little bit of loss of revenue, for that we wanted a subsidy. We have been working on this for the last 2 years. Both governments gave a clear positive signal that they will bring about an economic incentive for farmers to move from regular farming to agroforestry.

Right now 42 per cent of agri land in Tamil Nadu has been declared as fallow land, most fertile land is declared fallow and moving towards desertification. If this has to change, we need to put organic content into the soil - leaves and animal waste. Right now we are looking at transforming the Cauvery basin. 1/3rd of it must come under some shade, so we need to plant 242 crore trees. That is a big number but the farmers are going to plant it. The government is giving subsidy for the transition for 4 years, now the challenge is to raise that many saplings. We are looking at crowd-sourcing the funds as it costs 42 rupees per sapling. We want to raise saplings on a war footing. We are training farmers to use this as an enterprise, if they grow healthy saplings we will buy back and use it for agroforestry purposes.&nbsp;

WION: There have been a lot of clamouring calls for river Interlinking across the country, how do you view the viability of the project?&nbsp;

Sadhguru: If it is done for flood mitigation for certain rivers in certain parts of the country it is ok, for small projects. Large scale projects of river interlinking will be a disaster for this nation because our rivers are not of that volume. In a tropical nation, if you try to transport water in open canals, the loss that happens due to evaporation and thirsty land which sucks it out. It is not a viable thing and even economically it is not viable. These are European and North American models, it can’t be implemented here as we have a different climate and soil condition. River linking on a large scale won’t work. If you need to transport water for human consumption, it has to happen in a closed pipeline, it cannot happen in an open canal.

 
WION: The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-looks-to-neighbours-for-amazon-support-defends-record-246468">lungs of the earth, the Amazon</a>, have been burning. What is the lesson that India and the World can learn?

Sadhguru: Look at the images of the burning Amazon and Central Africa, people are saying the rain forest is burning. But rainforest cannot burn, there is too much humidity in the rain forest for it to burn. These are forests where all timber has been removed, only undergrowth and few small trees are left and that is burning. Probably they want it to burn because they are trying to turn it into cow pastures. All those importing beef from Brazil must know if they need to grow that many beef cattle they need plains and grasslands. That’s what they are trying to do. Which is what every developed nation did in the past. If you want to save ecology and put forests back, eat sensibly. We are not eating sensible, our way of food consumption is ecologically too expensive. It is for beef cultivation that they are clearing the forest. Instead of just telling them don’t clear the forest, see the source and augment the nation. If not forestry put agroforestry back

 
WION: You were there at ISRO, Sriharikota watching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-lunar-bound-orbit-maneuver-for-chandrayaan-2-performed-successfully-isro-246182">Chandrayaan-2 launch</a>, there’s barely a week to go for the moon landing now, your thoughts?

Sadhguru: Its an exciting moment for India, fantastic for Indian scientists. Meeting leaders and scientists of ISRO has been an eye-opener for me. The general image of most government-related institutions is that they don’t perform. This is a phenomenal example of an organization functioning. It is not just about landing on the Moon, its the way they are operating, the passion, involvement, the cost at which it is being done. When I walk into ISRO, I have tears in my eyes; looking at these people, as simple as they seem, as brilliant as they are, what they are doing is fantastic. It is a great pride of the nation, our nation has so many problems and issues to settle, but ISRO is a bright spot for India.&nbsp;

WION: How do you view the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-rahul-gandhi-should-listen-to-his-constructive-critics-246267">abrogation of Article 370</a> and the communications blockade in Jammu and Kashmir?

Sadhguru: I am no expert in constitutional matters. Every Indian, mainly the youth, our next generation should know which is India, which is not India. If I think this is my chair on which you are sitting unnecessarily, I get worked up. Tell me clearly if this is my chair or not. Why keep this in suspense? When they wrote the article, they clearly said it is temporary and transient. Please define to me, what is the idea of temporary and transient in this country. Are 72 years enough temporary, or do you want to wait for 700 years? If you make that clear for all the people of India and the soldiers who are dying on the borders, in this friction of not knowing which is what, like the families who are suffering. End everything temporary and transient if you are looking for sustainable development of this nation.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke to WION on a range of issues. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Sidharth MP Sadhguru said that the sustainable development of this country depends on putting an end to everything temporary and transient.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev spoke to WION on a range of issues. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Sidharth MP Sadhguru said that the sustainable development of this country depends on putting an end to everything temporary and transient. Here are excerpts from the conversation. WION: How far have we come as far as the 'Rally for Rivers' initiative is concerned and how are we taking it forward from here? Sadhguru: Rally for Rivers essentially was an awareness campaign and thanks to people of India, 162 million people endorsed their support. Because of the support, the Government took it up and within two and a half months, the policy recommendations that we made became official. Niti Aayog sent these recommendations for all 29 states. 4 states are already in an aggressive mode of implementation while other states are in different levels of debate and discussion. WION: What is the 'Cauvery Calling' initiative all about? Sadhguru: 'Cauvery Calling' is a different type of a project, we involve farmers, government and the larger society. Farmers shift to 1/3rd agro-forestry. We have converted 69,760 farmers in Tamil Nadu into agroforestry in last 18 years. In 5-7 years, farmers' income will increase anywhere between 300-800 per cent. Nearly 70,000 farmers are there like that. At the current rate of conversion of 3000-5000 farmers per year, it will take 80 to 100 years for 1/3rd of the land to come under agroforestry. Cauvery Calling is an effort to crush this 100-year possibility to a 12-year project. For this, we needed an incentive from the government for the farmers. First 4 years, when they shift to agroforestry, there is a little bit of loss of revenue, for that we wanted a subsidy. We have been working on this for the last 2 years. Both governments gave a clear positive signal that they will bring about an economic incentive for farmers to move from regular farming to agroforestry. Right now 42 per cent of agri land in Tamil Nadu has been declared as fallow land, most fertile land is declared fallow and moving towards desertification. If this has to change, we need to put organic content into the soil - leaves and animal waste. Right now we are looking at transforming the Cauvery basin. 1/3rd of it must come under some shade, so we need to plant 242 crore trees. That is a big number but the farmers are going to plant it. The government is giving subsidy for the transition for 4 years, now the challenge is to raise that many saplings. We are looking at crowd-sourcing the funds as it costs 42 rupees per sapling. We want to raise saplings on a war footing. We are training farmers to use this as an enterprise, if they grow healthy saplings we will buy back and use it for agroforestry purposes. WION: There have been a lot of clamouring calls for river Interlinking across the country, how do you view the viability of the project? Sadhguru: If it is done for flood mitigation for certain rivers in certain parts of the country it is ok, for small projects. Large scale projects of river interlinking will be a disaster for this nation because our rivers are not of that volume. In a tropical nation, if you try to transport water in open canals, the loss that happens due to evaporation and thirsty land which sucks it out. It is not a viable thing and even economically it is not viable. These are European and North American models, it can’t be implemented here as we have a different climate and soil condition. River linking on a large scale won’t work. If you need to transport water for human consumption, it has to happen in a closed pipeline, it cannot happen in an open canal. WION: The lungs of the earth, the Amazon, have been burning. What is the lesson that India and the World can learn? Sadhguru: Look at the images of the burning Amazon and Central Africa, people are saying the rain forest is burning. But rainforest cannot burn, there is too much humidity in the rain forest for it to burn. These are forests where all timber has been removed, only undergrowth and few small trees are left and that is burning. Probably they want it to burn because they are trying to turn it into cow pastures. All those importing beef from Brazil must know if they need to grow that many beef cattle they need plains and grasslands. That’s what they are trying to do. Which is what every developed nation did in the past. If you want to save ecology and put forests back, eat sensibly. We are not eating sensible, our way of food consumption is ecologically too expensive. It is for beef cultivation that they are clearing the forest. Instead of just telling them don’t clear the forest, see the source and augment the nation. If not forestry put agroforestry back WION: You were there at ISRO, Sriharikota watching Chandrayaan-2 launch, there’s barely a week to go for the moon landing now, your thoughts? Sadhguru: Its an exciting moment for India, fantastic for Indian scientists. Meeting leaders and scientists of ISRO has been an eye-opener for me. The general image of most government-related institutions is that they don’t perform. This is a phenomenal example of an organization functioning. It is not just about landing on the Moon, its the way they are operating, the passion, involvement, the cost at which it is being done. When I walk into ISRO, I have tears in my eyes; looking at these people, as simple as they seem, as brilliant as they are, what they are doing is fantastic. It is a great pride of the nation, our nation has so many problems and issues to settle, but ISRO is a bright spot for India. WION: How do you view the abrogation of Article 370 and the communications blockade in Jammu and Kashmir? Sadhguru: I am no expert in constitutional matters. Every Indian, mainly the youth, our next generation should know which is India, which is not India. If I think this is my chair on which you are sitting unnecessarily, I get worked up. Tell me clearly if this is my chair or not. Why keep this in suspense? When they wrote the article, they clearly said it is temporary and transient. Please define to me, what is the idea of temporary and transient in this country. Are 72 years enough temporary, or do you want to wait for 700 years? If you make that clear for all the people of India and the soldiers who are dying on the borders, in this friction of not knowing which is what, like the families who are suffering. End everything temporary and transient if you are looking for sustainable development of this nation.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev speaks to WION on Amazon fires, Article 370 and much more 

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