Government of India launches CBDC-based Digital Food Coupon Pilot in Gujarat

• India's first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) pilot, launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 15 February 2026.
• Integrates the Digital Rupee (e₹) issued by the RBI with the National Food Security Act, 2013 delivery architecture — programmable tokens replace cash subsidy / repeat biometric flows at Fair Price Shops (FPS).
• UPSC relevance: convergence of monetary innovation (CBDC), food security (NFSA/PDS) and DBT-style targeted welfare — straddles GS-II (governance, welfare) and GS-III (economy, technology).