India's fiscal deficit for April-September at Rs 7.14 lakh crore, widens to 42.1% of FY27 aim

India's fiscal deficit for the first half of the fiscal year through September stood at Rs 7.14 lakh crore. Total receipts during this period amounted to Rs 18.35 lakh crore, representing 50.3% of the annual estimate. The Centre has budgeted a fiscal deficit of Rs 16.96 lakh crore for the full year. Major subsidy expenditures reached approximately Rs 6.55 lakh crore, affecting overall financial performance.