#UPI remains free for the public and protected for small traders
Clarification on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI (P2M) transactions The first and most important fact is this: the general public will not pay any UPI charge.
UPI will continue to remain free for consumers. There is no fee for sending or receiving money, scanning a QR code, paying at a shop, or using any UPI app. UPI apps cannot levy a platform fee. Merchants cannot pass MDR to customers. The listed price remains the price paid by the buyer.
What stays completely free
• Person-to-Person (P2P) transfers — to family, friends, staff or one’s own accounts — remain free, of any amount.
• Payments to merchants up to ₹2,000 remain free for all merchants.
• Small merchants under the P2PM (Person-to-Person-Merchant) framework, receiving up to ₹1 lakh a month through UPI QR into their own accounts, continue with zero MDR. A single payment above ₹2,000 does not attract MDR if the merchant is in this exempt category.
• There is no monthly cap on the number of free UPI transactions for consumers.
• Recurring UPI Mandates / AutoPay for utilities, subscriptions and similar standing instructions do not carry the prescribed MDR.
• GST registration is not required for a small merchant to get zero-MDR protection.
• Existing QR codes and soundboxes need not be replaced.
Official communication from the Ministry of Finance confirms that Person-to-Person transactions stay free always; payments to merchants up to ₹2,000 stay free for all merchants; the zero-MDR framework for small merchants continues; and about 96% of P2M transactions remain unaffected. MDR applies only to specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000.
What changes — and only for larger commercial acceptance
The framework takes effect from 15 October 2026.
For larger P2M merchants:
• MDR of 0.4% applies only on eligible UPI P2M transactions above ₹2,000.
• For transactions of ₹75,000 and above, MDR is capped at ₹300 per transaction.
• For specified categories such as railways, telecom, insurance, fuel and certain other industry-programmemerchants, a flat ₹5 applies on transactions above ₹2,000, instead of 0.4%.
• Capital-market payments (mutual funds, securities, brokers and dealers) attract a separate concessional rate of 0.02%, capped at ₹300.@HMOIndia@nsitharamanoffc@PiyushGoyal@CimGOI@DPIITGoI@SunilSinghiIND@LG_ANI_DrDinesh@MediaRN_ANI
Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council Ward No. 14 Sanitation team continued a Cleanliness Drive at the SeaShore near Junglighat Fish Landing Jetty, cleaning Coastal and Roadside areas. Citizens are urged to adopt Waste Management and hand over waste during door-to-door collection.
Heartfelt congratulations to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for sealing the historic India-US trade deal through visionary diplomacy with President @realDonaldTrump. This landmark agreement reduces tariffs to 18%, boosts bilateral trade towards $500 billion by 2030, and opens doors for enhanced innovation, energy security, and economic growth. It empowers Indian farmers, MSMEs, exporters, and professionals with better market access and advanced US tech, fostering mutual prosperity. #IndiaUSDeal #ModiTrump #EconomicGrowth @PMOIndia@PiyushGoyalOffc@nsitharaman@DrSJaishankar@SunilSinghiIND@realDonaldTrump@USAmbIndia
Heartfelt congratulations to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji for sealing the historic India-US trade deal through visionary diplomacy with President @realDonaldTrump. This landmark agreement reduces tariffs to 18%, boosts bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 @SunilSinghiIND
Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.
I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights.
@POTUS@realDonaldTrump
Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to Neeraj Chopra & all our athletes, who have represented India with distinction.
Their achievements serve as a powerful reminder that with dedication, support, & hard work, we can reach any pinnacle of success. #NationalJavelinDay
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose ji is a name etched in the annals of Indian history. He remains a symbol of courage, patriotism, and unwavering determination.
Born today on January 23, 1897, Netaji played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's collective memory.
#NetajiSubhasChandraBose #birthanniversary #ParakramDiwas
@acciandaman#ACCIYouthWing organizes #TourismConclave in #PortBlair with an aim to promote #sustainabletourism@iato_india@FollowCII@FhraiO@FhraiMagazine@AndamanNews@TourismDeptANI@tourismgoi@haanipb
The Youth Wing of Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) organized a massive "Tourism Conclave" in the City of Port Blair on October 3rd, 2023 at TSG Emerald View Hotel. The conclave witnessed a robust gathering of representatives from hotel and restaurant industry from across Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
This conclave was organised with an aim to discuss and educate the audience on the various sustainable practices in the tourism industry and to act as a platform for collaborations and partnerships that aim to promote responsible hospitality and tourism in A&N Islands.
The welcome address was delivered by the President of ACCI Youth Wing Mr. Farhan Jadwet and later the conclave was officially inaugurated by the Chief Guest Smti. Nandini Maharaj, IAS, Special Secretary, IP&T, A&N Administration with a lamp lighting ceremony.
This was followed by an award ceremony in which the prominent stakeholders who have contributed in sustainable tourism were felicitated.
The day witnessed exchange of ideas, meaningful conversation that in a longer run would contribute to the advancement of tourism industry.
Smt. Nandini Maharaj, in her address highlighted the unique qualities of Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a destination for sustainable and eco tourism. She also put forth the initiatives taken by A&N Administration for improving the tourism industry in A&N Islands.
The conclave also featured key panel discussions on various topics. The experts shared their insights to promote sustainability and responsible business practices for a greener future.
Panel Session I focused on “Sustainable Tourism and Green Investment.” This discussion was hosted by Mr. Ebrahim Jadwet, Director, ANEMCO and the Panel Members included Mr. Ramakrishna, Assistant Director, India Tourism, Mr. Anil Kumar, GM, CGH Earth, Mr. Mohd. Sajid, MD, Andaman Escapades, Mr. Arun Singh, President, Avians Club and Mr. Mukeshwar Lal, a renowbed Film Maker and Historian. The discussion revolved around promoting sustainability in investment decisions, policies on green tourism and waste management etc.
Panel Session II tackled the theme of “Tourism in Andamans Issues and Future ”. This discussion was hosted by Mr. Dakshin Bhasker, Director, TSG Hotels and Resorts and the Panel Members included Mr. M. Vinod, Member, LG Advisory Committee, Mr. Mohd. Mr. Mohd. Parvez, GM, ANIIDCO, Mr. Girish Arora, Former President, ACCI, Mr. C.S Ashok, Director, Makruz and Mr. V.V Singh, Pilot, Pawan Hans. The Experts explored approaches to improve tourism in A&N Islands by making tie-ups with international countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand etc and tackling the issues such as connectivity problem, high air fares, unavailability of adequate helicopters, cruise ships and sea planes in Inter-Island sector etc.
Finally, the programme was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Ayush Kandoi, (Designation).
The Tourism Conclave organized by ACCI Youth Wing is the first of it's kind in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and provided a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing issues faced by the tourism industry in A&N Islands, encouraging businesses to embrace sustainability and responsible practices to create a greener and socially conscious future.
Major Takeaways From #BRICS Declaration:
》The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia are officially invited to BRICS
》BRICS countries noted proposals for mediation in Ukraine conflict
》 BRICS leaders support reform of UN, including of UNSC
》BRICS support use of national currencies in international & bilateral trade
》BRICS countries need to resolve Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful & diplomatic means
》BRICS countries express full support for Russian presidency in 2024, holding summit in Kazan.
(After Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran joining, BRICS members now control 80% of the global oil production. Six of the world's nine-biggest oil producers will be members of the BRICS as of the 1st of January, 2024)
🇮🇳 Proud moment for India! Congratulations to ISRO on this astonishing achievement and the flawless landing of #Chandrayaan3!🚀 🌕 . The dedication and brilliant efforts of all the contributors of the mission will continue to inspire us all forever. 🌠 #Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 #IndiaOnTheMoon #moonlanding #VikarmLander #SpaceMilestones
@isro@PMOIndia@narendramodi@MinistryofST