New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- India's fiscal deficit rose in the first five months of 2025-26, as compared with the same period last year, due to higher government capital expenditure while net tax revenue declined. The Union government reported a fiscal deficit of Rs.5.98 lakh crore for April-August, amounting to 38.1% of the target for the entire 2025-26 fiscal year, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts on Tuesday. For the same period last year, the fiscal deficit was Rs.4.35 lakh crore. The government has maintained a strong commitment to fiscal consolidation, with the deficit for FY26 projected at Rs.15.69 lakh crore, lower than the Rs.16.85 lakh crore reported in FY25, and pegged at 4.4% of the Gross Domestic Product...