The Observation Engine

Cash remains a cornerstone of Indian transactions, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where ATM withdrawals outpace metro cities, according to a recent LinkedIn Economic Graph report. While UPI and digital payments dominate headlines, the data reveal a hybrid reality where physical currency persists for everyday needs. The Urban-Rural Divide in Cash Usage The report highlights stark geographic differences. Semi-urban and rural consumers rely more on ATMs for cash access, reflecting limited digital infrastructure and a preference for tangible money. In contrast, metros lean toward UPI for convenience, with urban digital payments surging 35% in FY25. This aligns with RBI's Cash Usage Indicator (CUI), showing cash accounting for 51.9%–59.9% of household spending in 2024, even as digital transactions hit 43.6%. Rural areas favor cash for its immediacy in informal economies, daily wages, and small vendor payments. Why Cash Endures Amid UPI Boom Several factors keep cash relevant: ...

AI tools are no longer futuristic experiments; they're becoming standard equipment for professionals worldwide. A recent LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Index highlights this shift, noting that professionals in India are now 1.8 times more likely to use AI products daily or weekly for their jobs compared to 18 months ago. ​ Why the Rapid Adoption in India? Several factors drive this acceleration. AI tools have grown cheaper and more accessible, lowering barriers for small businesses and freelancers. Ansh Mehra, founder of Cutting Edge Group, attributes this to companies finding it "easier to move on to these new AI tools" as costs drop and interfaces simplify. In a competitive market like India's freelance and tech sectors, tools for tasks such as data research, content curation, and media monitoring provide an edge without requiring steep investments. ​ This trend aligns with global patterns, where UK professionals are three times more likely to use AI daily. For freel...