World's richest

This list of billionaires is based on the annual ranking of the world's wealthiest people compiled and published by Forbes magazine on March 10, 2010. Indian jewels: Indians Mukesh Ambani and Lakshmi Mittal figured among world's top ten billionaires as Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim Helu beat Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to become the wealthiest person on earth. Besides fourth ranked Reliance Industries chairman Ambani and fifth placed steel czar Mittal, four other Indians were among top 50 in 2010 Forbes list of the World's Billionaires released on March 10.

Slim & rich: With his fortune swelling to an estimated $53.5 billion, up $18.5 billion in 12 months, Carlos Slim surged ahead of Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, who had held the title of world's richest 14 of the past 15 years, the US business magazine noted. Gates, now worth $53 billion, is ranked second in the world. He is up $13 billion from a year ago as shares of Microsoft rose 50 percent in 12 months. (AGENCIES)

Plentiful Buffet: Buffett's fortune jumped $10 billion to $47 billion on rising shares of Berkshire Hathaway, he ranks third. Fourth placed Mukesh Ambani with a fortune of $29 billion has global ambitions, Forbes said. So has his younger brother Anil Ambani ranked 36 with a $13.7 billion fortune. (AGENCIES)

Billionaires everywhere: Fifth ranked Lakshmi Mittal with a fortune of $28.7 billion is "looking to expand in his native India; wants to build steel mills in Jharkhad and Orissa but has not received government approval," Forbes noted, describing him as "London's richest resident" who oversees ArcelorMittal, world's largest steel maker. Eleven countries have at least double the number of billionaires they had a year ago, including China, India, Turkey and South Korea.

Indians, synonym for moolah: Azim Premji with a fortune of $17.0 billion was ranked 28. "Software czar chairs $5.5 billion (revenues) Wipro, country's third-largest software exporter. Reported jump in net profits in last 2 quarters, signaling a rebound for US-dependent outsourcing giant. Shashi & Ravi Ruia brothers took the 40th spot with a fortune of $13.0 billion.