Government may lower limit for quoting PAN number for cash transactions

January 19, 2017

New Delhi, Jan 19: Unwilling to lose the momentum it gained for a less-cash economy after demonetisation and restrictions on cash withdrawals, the government may announce big disincentives in the upcoming Budget for usage of cash.

The government may reduce threshold for quoting PAN card for cash transactions, say sources.

The threshold, which is Rs 50,000 now, may be brought down to Rs 30,000 to bring more transactions within formal economy. Sources say the threshold for quoting PAN Card details for merchant transactions can also be reduced.

In addition to these steps, the government may also announce cash-handling charges for cash payments above a certain limit.

These measures will help the government stay on track towards a less-cash economy as there are concerns that easing of cash-withdrawal limits at banks and ATMs might take the economy back to pre-demonetisation prevalence of cash.

Also, these steps may seem necessary to promote a less-cash economy as digital payments cannot be encouraged through apps and PoS alone due to the poor state of infrastructure and lack of digital literacy in the country.

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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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