Big UPI payments in India now cost 0.4%.

Traders warn they’ll push customers back to cash, reversing years of digital adoption.

A parliamentary panel says the government spent about 2,000 crore rupees a year keeping UPI fees at zero.

The finance ministry says the October 15 charge is final despite trader demands to reverse it.

How each outlet framed it

drawn from 200+ reports worldwide

News18 leans critical
highlights seasonal timing: 0.4% MDR arrives during festive peak; traders warn of shift to cash payments to offset added costs
Economic Times
defends permanence: government rejects rollback, frames MDR as making UPI 'self-sustainable' per international precedent
The Indian Express leans favorable

Sources: News18, Economic Times, The Indian Express