Global slowdown failed to affect gold prices in India. Gold prices registered a growth of 66 per cent in the third quarter of 2008. Investors across the world preferred to invest in gold, considering it as the best investment option amid volatile market conditions, following the global slowdown.

The demand for yellow metal in India increased to 250 tonnes in the third quarter of 2008, which earlier stood at 190 tonnes in same period of 2007.

Hugh Jackman, 40, blockbuster films action hero, Tony award winner for his turn on Broadway, including father of Oscar, 8 and Ava, 3, has been named 2008 Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. Described as 'a triple threat: a star who can sing, dance and wield a weapon', according to People, the star of 'Australia', hunky at 6 ft. 2-in. and well-known for his rock hard body, also has a softer, romantic side. He not only sings ballads at home, he also makes pancakes for Ava, Oscar and wife Deb, the best things that have happened to him.

The most influential celebrity childrens' annual list of Hollywood's 10-Hottest Tots has actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' regularly photographed daughter, two-year old Suri Cruise toppling last year's winner Shiloh Jolie-Pitt to secure top honours, no doubt, due to her stylish outfits, stylish hair and stylish parents.

Two year old Shiloh slipped to second place, to be joined three-year-old Zahara in third place and brother Pax, 4 at fourth.

Manjeri Narayana Nambiar, alias MN Nambiar, the 88-year-old veteran theatre artist and a legend in Indian cinema, passed away today in a private hospital in Chennai. The villain-cum-character actor had been in the film industry for more than 60 years.

Born on March 17, 1919 in Kannur, Kerala, he entered the stage at the age of 13. His first film, 'Bhakta Ramadoss', where he played a villain was shot in 1935 in Hindi and Tamil. Until his last film 'Sudeshi' in 2006, Nambiar was an actor you could never miss!

Taylor Swift's second album Fearless (Big Machine) sold 592,000 copies week-ending Sunday, making it the best selling country album since Eagles Long Road Out Of Eden sold 711,00 in its debut week, last year. Not only that, it is the largest sales opening for a female artist in any genre in 2008, just behind Lil Wayne, AC/DC and Coldplay, in fourth place. As well, Fearless also makes the biggest country digital album debut by selling 129,000 copies digitally.

The best sales week for a country album has 18-year-old Taylor Swift debut at No. 1 on the U. S. pop album chart.

Chicken Little, the Walt Disney Co.'s first digital 2005 3D movie, will soon have company when it is joined by a 3D version of 'Beauty and the Beast', including Disney's deal with IMAX Corp. to make 3D films.