Compiled by DIVYA THERESA RAVI, JAROD LIM and R. ARAVINTHAN

A 55-YEAR-OLD woman, Rekha Kalbeliya, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, has given birth for the 17th time, a story that sheds light on the struggles of her impoverished family.

The report from Makkal Osai details how Rekha and her husband, Kavra, who survive by selling scraps, have faced immense hardship.

Five of their 16 previous children died shortly after birth, a tragedy the report suggests was likely due to malnutrition.

During Rekha’s most recent hospital admission, the family reportedly misinformed doctors, claiming it was her fourth child, a falsehood later uncovered by medical staff.

Kavra revealed the family’s dire financial situation, stating he has been forced to take out high-interest loans from moneylenders to feed his children.

Despite having five children who are now married and having become grandparents themselves, the couple remain homeless, even after being approved for an affordable housing programme.

The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.