Goa village bans kissing in public

March 27, 2015

Panaji, Mar 27: A Goan village has banned kissing in public, saying it causes irritation to residents.

Reena Fernandes, deputy sarpanch of Salvador do Mundo, a picturesque village located a short distance from Panaji, told media persons on Thursday that the decision was taken by the village panchayat based on requests from locals.

"There were a lot of unwanted things happening there (Salvador do Mundo) and causing irritation to people," Fernandes said, adding the decision was taken earlier this month.

The ban on kissing, drinking alcohol, playing loud music in public in the village came under the spotlight after photos of a banner printed and hoisted in public places in Salvador do Mundo went viral on social media.

The banner reads: "Commit no nuisance, visitors keep our village clean, drinking alcohol, smoking, loud music, kissing in public, nuisances in public are strictly prohibited here."

Photos of the banner has triggered mixed reactions on Facebook.

"Why no kissing? Why is the state cracking down against an expression of love? You can piss in public but you can't kiss in public? How logical is that?" asked Gerard D'Souza, a media professional.

Patricia Nazareth, from Salvador do Mundo, favoured the ban. She said: "People sometimes do get a bit too carried away kissing in public."

Some weeks ago, several ministers of the BJP-led coalition government sought a ban on revealing clothing in Goa, especially bikinis on beaches, claiming such garments violated Indian culture.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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