New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- India's fiscal deficit for the first half of FY26 rose to 36.5% of the annual target, higher than 29.4% recorded in the same period last year, according to government data released on October 31.

The Centre utilised 51.8% of its full-year capital expenditure (capex) target of Rs.11.2 lakh crore, compared with 37.3% during the first half of FY25.

Of the Rs.5.8 lakh crore spent so far, Rs.1.5 lakh crore was disbursed in September alone - a 30% increase from the previous year.

However, net tax revenue moderated to 43.3% of the annual target, down from 49% in H1 FY25.

Officials attribute the dip partly to the GST rate rationalisation implemented on September 22, though a post-festive consumption boost is expected to ...