This document defines and discusses poverty. It begins by defining poverty as a condition where basic needs for food, clothing and shelter are not being met. It then discusses absolute and relative poverty. The document also examines the effects of poverty globally and in India, particularly rural and urban poverty in India. It notes that while India's economy is growing, poverty remains a major challenge, with over 80 million people in urban India and around 170 million in rural India considered poor. The conclusion states that India has the world's largest number of people in poverty and that alleviating poverty is important for peace.