Jobs lost: 20,000 Indians return home

About 20,000 Indians have returned home after losing their jobs overseas due to the global economic crisis, the government said today. Though the exact number of people who have returned is not available, there are reports, which indicate that between 16,000 and 20,000 Indians have come back here after the economic slowdown, the Overseas Affairs Minister, Vyalar Ravi, told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.

To a supplementary, the Minister said that the number of incidents of overseas employers keeping passport of Indian employees have come down by 50 per cent.But he did not provide the period when this reduction has been witnessed.To a supplementary, the Minister said that the number of incidents of overseas employers keeping passport of Indian employees have come down by 50 per cent.But he did not provide the period when this reduction has been witnessed.He said the government is aware that some employers keep the employees' visas with themselves and do not renew these on time, rendering them illegal immigrants. The government is holding talks with foreign countries on the issue.He said the government is aware that some employers keep the employees' visas with themselves and do not renew these on time, rendering them illegal immigrants. The government is holding talks with foreign countries on the issue.he UAE has issued direction to employers not to keep the visa of their employees, he added.The Minister also said there is a need to make changes in the Immigration Act, which was last amended in 1983. On the issue of migrant workers, he said the government has taken a number of initiatives, including signing of bilateral agreements to protect their interests. Asked how many Indians are in jails abroad, he said the government does not have the figure, but it is very vigilant and would collect the information.

Salma Hayek weds billionaire in Paris

Mexican actress Salma Hayek has married on-off fiance Francois-Henri Pinaul in a surprise ceremony in Paris on Valentine's Day.The Mexican actress, 42, and the French billionaire, 46, married in the City Hall in the St. Germain area of the French capital Saturday, reports dailymail.co.uk.The decision to wed on Valentine's Day also has a special meaning for the couple, as their 17-month-old daughter is named Valentina.News of their marriage comes as a surprise after they publicly announced the end of their engagement last July.

RICKY MARTIN KIDS PHOTOS

A.R.RAHMAN WINS BAFTA

It's raining awards on music wizard A. R. Rahman. At the recently concluded British awards ceremony BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), A. R. Rahman has been adjudged the best original music composer for his work in the film 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
The film directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle is a rags-to-riches tale of an improbable winner of the game show 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire', has picked up seven awards.
'Slumdog Millionaire' has won awards for Best Film, Best Director and Best Original Music Score. The film also won the awards for Cinematography, Editing, Sound and Adapted Screenplay.
The film's story revolves around Jamal Malik, played by Dev Patel, who wins the jackpot and then is subject to police interrogation for cheating. The film stars well-known Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Irfan Khan. The film had earlier swept the the Critics' Choice Awards in California, winning five prizes, including best film, best director and best composer. Rahman had earlier won the Golden Globe Award and the Screen Award for 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Interestingly all eyes are now on Feb 22 when the coveted Oscar Awards would be announced. The movie has been nominated in 10 categories.

FORMER INDIAN CAPTAIN SOURAV GANGULY TO CONDUCT QUIZ

Former cricketer Sourav Ganguly is all set to begin a new innings as compere of a Bengali TV reality show in June.Ganguly, India's cricket captain who retired from the game late last year, has already inked a deal with popular Bengali TV channel Zee Bangla, according to a report in the Ananda Bazar Patrika.

'Yes, I have agreed to this proposal. I only know I have to conduct a quiz show.A Zee Bangla official, however, refused to comment.The weekly show, likely to be christened 'Dadagiri', would see Ganguly interacting with the masses, besides talking to celebrity guests.Initially, there will be 52 episodes, which may be increased if the show becomes a hit.

'Slumdog Millionaire' is like my story: Anil Kapoor

Versatile Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who played quizmaster in Danny Boyle's Oscar-nominated rags-to-riches story 'Slumdog Millionaire', says he sees a reflection of his own life in the film.''Slumdog…' is like my story. I also started from scratch - a rags to riches story. I started in Chembur (a Mumbai suburb) and slowly climbed up. God has been kind in that way,' Anil said on CNN's show 'My City My Life'.On the show, to be aired Thursday at 3 p.m., the actor tours the city and shows off 'his' Mumbai with clips of slums as well as the hangout spots of Bollywood's elite.While doing a tour, the 49-year-old also talks about the success of 'Slumdog Millionaire', his first international venture.The film triumphed at the Golden Globe awards and has also bagged 10 Oscar nominations.'The film is basically a love story, but shot in a very realistic way. The film is not choreographed at all - it's very natural and real. There is nothing that is exaggerated or nothing that is downplayed,' said the actor.The actor, whose first big hit was 'Tezaab' (1988), went on to give blockbusters like 'Ram Lakhan', 'Mr. India', 'Karma' and 'Beta'.