In this national update dated 24 September 2025, Bank of Baroda launched person-to-person digital gifting through eRUPI on its bob i Pay UPI app. Under this feature, a sender can give a prepaid digital voucher for a specific purpose. The rollout began with the Food category, and more use cases are being added. The voucher can be redeemed only for the designated purpose at participating merchants, so it is different from an ordinary cash transfer.
For exam preparation, eRUPI matters because it links digital payments, the UPI ecosystem and targeted delivery of benefits or payments. eRUPI is a cashless, contactless voucher-based mode of payment. It can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access. Its core design is person-specific and purpose-specific: the value is meant for the identified recipient and for the intended use for which the voucher is created.
Bank of Baroda's move extends this voucher-based approach from welfare-style use cases towards consumer gifting. In prelims, the update can be linked to eRUPI, UPI, digital vouchers and NPCI. In mains, it can be used as an example for digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, targeted payments and purpose-based spending control. In RAS and UPSC preparation, it can connect with both economy and science-technology portions. Aspirants should also keep eRUPI distinct from the digital rupee: eRUPI is a voucher-based payment instrument, while the digital rupee belongs to the separate idea of central bank digital currency.