Suicide spree on India's farms (BBC)

More than 100 farmers have taken their lives in the drought-ridden state of Andhra Pradesh over the last fortnight.

The new Congress government has announced free electricity and compensation of 150,000 rupees ($3500) to the relative of every farmer who had committed suicide or who was being harassed to repay loans. It is possible that some of the suicides may be a desperate way to get the government aid.