Fast forward 10 years; cash is back, bigger than ever. RBI reports cash in circulation has more than doubled since 2016. And now, the government’s new UPI fee (MDR on transactions over ₹2,000) is pushing people back to wallets and safes. Merchants in Ghaziabad and MP are already refusing digital payments; passing the cost to you, the consumer. Funny how the ‘cashless future’ dream is quietly dying. Even more ironic? The timing: right after US pressure over ‘unfair’ UPI rules favouring local players. Now, Walmart’s PhonePe and GooglePay dominate; 78% of UPI. Was this always about letting American giants into the game? For ordinary Indians, it’s another policy flip; more hassle, more cost. Cash isn't just king. It’s the only king left standing.