poverty

 How poor is the Indian economy for the poor?  That's not all the landless, that's not counting every person but every family, and that's not counting people who own some land and are still dirt poor.  And that's in the state that is used as a model for decent development by some economics departments. 

A small anecdote that speaks to the greater reality: the extremely poor are still here.

According to BBC, half of India's districts have been affected by a drought resulting from a nearly 30% reduction in monsoon rain this season.  This may result in a 10% decline in rice production, though the government says it will not need to import food.  Just some quick, preliminary notes below.

In western Nepal:

We're hoping to write something longer on Pakistan soon, but I thought I would pass on this appeal in the meantime.  I don't know enough about this situation and haven't researched many of the organisations below to understand how relief fits in with my politics here, so please act on and send on as and how you see fit.  You can see the original unexcerpted text at the website linked above.