Hit The Books

Try, try again:

A 73-year-old Indian farmer who vowed not to marry before passing his high school exams has failed to get through for the 38th time.

Shiv Charan Yadav has been taking the exams - normally given to schoolchildren aged 15 - every year since 1969, without success. This year, he failed everything except Sanskrit.

Mr Yadav, who lives on his own in a small village, was in his 30s when he decided to better himself through education.

"Once I pass, I want to get married to a girl under 30," the ever-optimistic permanent student said.