The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Primary Deficit is a fiscal indicator that measures the government's borrowing requirements exclusive of the interest payments on accumulated past debts. It isolates the current fiscal performance of the government.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Primary Deficit is mathematically defined as the Fiscal Deficit minus Interest Payments. It represents the borrowing requirement of the government for the current year's expenditure, excluding the cost of servicing past debt.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Primary Deficit excludes the burden of past debt (interest payments). It is the Fiscal Deficit that indicates the total borrowing requirement of the government from all sources, reflecting the total debt burden including interest obligations.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: If the Primary Deficit is zero, it implies that the Fiscal Deficit is equal to Interest Payments. This situation indicates that the government is borrowing solely to pay the interest on its past loans, rather than for new expenditure. It does not mean the Fiscal Deficit itself is zero.
Key Takeaway: Primary Deficit reflects the gap between the government's expenditure and revenue for the current year, removing the legacy of past fiscal indiscipline (interest payments).