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Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

Articles Written By IANS News

Dwayne Johnson feels lockdown had positive effect on his marriage
2243 days ago
Hollywood

Dwayne Johnson feels lockdown had positive effect on his marriage

Los Angeles, April 19 (IANS) Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson says "self-quarantining" amid the coronavirus pandemic has had a positive effect on his marriage.## The actor, who is self-isolating at home with his wife Lauren Hashian, daughters Jasmine Lia, 4, and Tiana Gia, 2, opened up about how he and Hashian are maintaining a healthy relationship on Instagram when a fan asked how social distancing has been affecting his marriage, reports people.com.## Through a video message, Johnson explained that he and Hashian have been "doing (their) best" amid the circumstances.## While he admitted that the two "are going through dumb s**t" and occasionally "get snippy" with one another, he feels that "the quarantine has had a very positive effect on my relationship and my marriage".## The 47-year-old star explained that he felt "wobbly" the first two weeks of quarantine as he felt unsure of the future, but he "realized kinda quickly how critical it was for (him and his wife) to be ultra considerate, caring and empathetic of one another".## "Be even better listeners. Even better communicators. Recognize that during these times, we're not operating at full brain & emotional EQ capacity as we usually are, he said.## Throughout his experience at home, however, the former professional wrestler said his wife is "the best" and that the two "try to go easy on each other, to go light and not get too judgy". He also gave a piece of advice about what to do when you get "short-tempered" with a quarantine partner.## "Grab your partner by the shoulders, like I grabbed Lauren. Look them directly in the eyes and say with full conviction, "baby, you're not wrong". You're just not used to being right' and then count the seconds it takes for you both to belly laugh you assess off," he joked, adding: "Then sip some @teremana later that night and make some more babies."## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

Madhuri Dixit, Virat Kohli and others appeal to put 'lockdown' on domestic violence
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Madhuri Dixit, Virat Kohli and others appeal to put 'lockdown' on domestic violence

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Celebrities like Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Vidya Balan among others have joined hands to support an initiative #lockdownOnDomesticViolence, expressing concern over the global surge in cases of domestic violence amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.## Under the initiative, a video is made in which celebs are seen urging people to stand up and fight for themselves by reporting the abuse.## "Let's put a lockdown on domestic violence...if you are a survivor of domestic violence, report it. .. It's time to stand up and break the silence. If you are a witness to a domestic violence ...please report," the stars said in the video.## Cricketer Rohit Sharma, actors Rahul Bose, Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Karan Johar have also featured in the video.## The initiative is curated by Akshara Centre in collaboration with Special Cell for Women and Children.## Stay tuned...

Ramayan's 'Ravan' Arvind Trivedi joins Twitter, gets warm welcome
2243 days ago
Social Media

Ramayan's 'Ravan' Arvind Trivedi joins Twitter, gets warm welcome

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi, who is best known for his role of Ravan in Ramanand Sagar's "Ramayan", has joined Twitter. His debut on the microblogging site comes after his former "Ramayan" co-stars Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhila made their Twitter accounts.## The actors are back in the limelight after Doordarshan started the re-run of the mythological show amid the coronavirus lockdown.## With Arvind's Twitter debut, fans got excited and showered him with love and praise. They even started trending #RavanonTwitter.## "Due to my kids and because of your unconditional love, I have joined Twitter. This is my original ID. Whoever retweets my tweet with #RaavanOnTwitter on April 18, I will follow them without second thoughts. Jai Shri Ram. Om Namah Shivaay," Arvind tweeted.## Apart from thanking fans for their love, Arvind also urged people to stay at home.## Stay tuned...

Breastfeeding may be effective during COVID-19: Study
2243 days ago
Lifestyle

Breastfeeding may be effective during COVID-19: Study

New York, April 19 (IANS) During the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, breastfeeding and the provision of human milk to infants is recommended by national and international organizations because it is effective against infectious diseases-- It strengthens the immune system by directly transferring antibodies from the mother, say researchers.## While the current coronavirus continues to affect all people, families will still give birth and bring new life into the world.## In the study, published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania provides guidance regarding breastfeeding and COVID-19 and reaffirms why it is of paramount importance to promote and protect the use of human milk and breastfeeding.## "While it is unknown if COVID-19-positive mothers can transmit the virus through milk, in limited studies the virus has not been detected in human milk," said study author Diane Lynn Spatz from the University of Pennsylvania in the US.## According to the researchers, during this current pandemic, there have been reports of formula shortages and price gouging the cost of infant formula.## "We should use this pandemic as a way to increase the visibility of the critical role of human milk and breastfeeding for all families at all times and educate the public about the importance of the use of human milk and breastfeeding as lifesaving medical interventions," She added.## The World Health Organisation has advised that mothers with any symptoms who are breastfeeding or practicing skin-to-skin contact should take precautions.## "Practice respiratory hygiene, including during feeding. If you have respiratory symptoms such as being short of breath, use a medical mask when near your child," the WHO said.## Stay tuned...

Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher to pay tribute to medics with virtual concert
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher to pay tribute to medics with virtual concert

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) From singers Kailash Kher, Sonu Nigam to actor Sunil Grover and comedian Sudesh Lehri, a slew of Bollywood celebrities will be part of a virtual concert to pay tribute to the medics who are striving to combat the coronavirus pandemic.## Presented by Mankind Specialities and organized by Katalyst Entertainment, the digital concert is curated by actor Nitin Arora.## "This concert is called 'Saluting our true heroes'. Today, we will pay our respect to the chemists, stockists....all those guys who are running around to give medicines to people everywhere," Nitin said.## The concert which is expected to reach over 20,000 doctors across India, will premier on Sunday at 8 p.m.## Stay tuned...

Kartik Aaryan can't compromise on food quality
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Kartik Aaryan can't compromise on food quality

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) One should head to actor Kartik Aaryan's social media accounts to get entertained amid the ongoing lockdown period. From posting hilarious pictures to making goofy videos and conducting interactive sessions, Kartik has been doing his best to lighten up the mood of people.## And now on Sunday, he is back with another goofy video, which he has made with his sister.## In the video, the "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety" actor can be seen taking a bit of his chapati and clearly hates it. He then moved towards his sister, heldA her braid and turned her around.## "No compromise on food quality," he captioned the video.## The siblings' video has left netizens in splits.## A user commented: "Hahahaa."## Another one wrote: "Thank you for making us laugh."## On the film front, Kartik will be next seen in "Dostana 2" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2".## Stay tuned...

Disha Patani flaunts killer dance moves in viral video
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Disha Patani flaunts killer dance moves in viral video

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Amid the lockdown, Bollywood actress and fitness enthusiast Disha Patani is keeping her fans and followers entertained with her social media posts. In her latest post, she showed off her killer dance moves while grooving to Beyonce's track "Yonce".## Recently, Disha took to Instagram to share a video of herself flaunting amazing dance moves on "Yonce". The video has gone viral in the virtual world.## Disha posted a video of herself performing a hip-hop routine to Beyonce's track "Yonce". She is seen wearing a white sports bra and a pair of camouflage cargo pants.## "#beyonce Choreography #brian #quarantinelife," the "Bharat" actress wrote along with the video.## The clip is winning hearts and earned her a lot of love from fans and her friends, including Elli AvrRam.## Disha is popular for her dancing skills and has been part of many music videos and special songs, most recent being "Do you love me" in "Baaghi 3"## On the work front, Disha was last seen in "Malang", which also features Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Kunal Kemmu. She will next be seen in "Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai" starring superstar Salman Khan.## Stay tuned...

Farah Khan Ali pens open letter to Kangana Ranaut
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Farah Khan Ali pens open letter to Kangana Ranaut

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali has penned an open letter to actress Kangana Ranaut after the latter came out in support of her sister Rangoli Chandel, whose Twitter account was suspended recently over a controversial post.## For the uninitiated, Farah is Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan's former sister-in-law and Sussane Khan's sister. A few days ago, she called out Rangoli for targeting a specific community. She even reported her Twitter account which eventually led to Rangoli's account being suspended.## It didn't end here. Kangana came out with a video, defending her sister and claimed that the allegations made by Farah are completely false.## Reacting to Kangana's video, Farah penned an open letter to her.## "My dear Kangana, Let me begin by saying I'm a huge fan and you're an amazing actress. My reaction to Rangoli's tweet was because she specifically used the word 'Nazi' along with 'Mullahs and secular media' in her tweet.## "It spoke of making both mullahs and secular media stand in line and shoot them dead... it further said, "f****k the history they may call us "Nazis" who cares, life is more imp than fake image. The word Nazis is synonymous with the Genocide of the Jews were, as many as 6 million Jews were targeted and exterminated in the Holocaust because of Hitler and the Nazis which eventually lead to World War 2. So using the word Nazi is totally inappropriate, hateful and goes against the rule of law. I reported her tweet to Twitter amongst others because she 'implied Genocide' by that word when she spoke of killing."## Explaining her point, Farah added: "She may be directing her anger towards those she claims killed a doctor in Muradabad and if that's true the man needs to be arrested and punished severally because anyone attacking doctors or nurses especially in today's time is totally nonacceptable."## Farah also shared that she has nothing against Rangoli and Kangana.## "I have nothing personal against Rangoli or you and have even met Rangoli in the past where she came across sweet. She has been an acid victim and now a social activist so she should be more responsible with her tweets. She should inspire all who have lost hope to have hope. She should lead by example.## "Spewing hatred towards a community and calling for them to be killed for the acts of few is unacceptable. I do hope she sees her error and realizes that she has the social and moral responsibility of so much more than just being your sister. God bless you both. May peace be upon you and our country at large," she concluded.## Stay tuned...

Kareena Kapoor receives quarantine presents from hubby Saif, son Tamiur
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Kareena Kapoor receives quarantine presents from hubby Saif, son Tamiur

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Beating the lockdown blues, actor Saif Ali Khan and his little son Taimur took up painting a pass time after wowing netizens with their gardening skills.## On Saturday, Kareena Kapoor Khan posted a few pictures on Instagram in which her husband and son can be seen channeling their inner "Picasso". In one of the images, Saif can be seen painting flowers on a wall in their balcony. And in another picture, the 3-year-old Taimur is seen turning the balcony's wall in a multi-colored canvas.## "If there is a wall that's blocking your creativity... Try painting on it #QuaranTimDiaries #InhousePicasso," Kareena captioned Taimur's artwork.## After posting her husband and son's pictures, Kareena posted her selfie, flaunting her zit on her face. But more than the zit, it was her caption that left social media users in the split.## "Meanwhile I just sat there staring in the wonder of what was being created. PS: The zit on my face didn't get the memo of no personal visits and social distancing #HugeMess," Kareena wrote.## Reacting to the post, actor Ranveer Singh commented a few laughing emojis.## Actress Amrita Arora commented: Captions are lit bro."## Stay tuned...

Nikkhil Advani: Technicians to superstars, everyone will re-evaluate post COVID-19
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Nikkhil Advani: Technicians to superstars, everyone will re-evaluate post COVID-19

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who had several productions in the pipeline when the COVID-19 lockdown was announced, says that the whole process of budgeting and releasing a film will change once this phase ends, keeping in mind social distancing and viewing habit of the audience.## Asked about how he is holding up amid the lockdown, the founder of Emmay Entertainment told IANS: "We had three films and six shows in the pipeline. Everything is on hold now. Arjun (Kapoor) and Rakul's film was on the floor. We were also shooting two films -- 'Satyameva Jayate 2' and 'Mumbai Diaries'. I am doing a post (production) of ‘Indoo Ki Jawani'."## "As a producer, of course, I am affected, but what I am trying to do is, instead of thinking negatively, I am working with my writers and developing scripts. I am trying to finish the post-production of those projects that we can be sitting in the house" shared Nikkhil.## Under his banner, Nikkhil delivered films like "D-Day", "Satyameva Jayate", "Airlift", "Batla House", and ‘Marjaavaan" among others. He has also produced the Netflix show "Hasmukh", featuring Vir Das.## Talking about one of the biggest problems the shooting process will face in near future, Nikkhil said: "Maintaining social distancing on a shooting floor is tough and that we have to incorporate in our lifestyle, in our work culture. From budgeting to promoting and processing of a film, everything is going to change post lockdown. I do not think the formula we were working with for long will be relevant anymore."## Citing an example, he said: "Even if we want to release a film, will people go to the theatre to watch it? Social distancing is one factor, home entertainment through OTT platforms is another. Of course, it is more convenient. From technicians to superstars, everyone has to sit down and re-evaluate. We are all going to look at it as ‘pre-COVID 19' and ‘post-COVID 19'. Nothing is going to be the same!"## Does he have any solution in mind? "We cannot fight the change. We have to change ourselves to deal with it. Every film cannot be an event film. There are high-budget, mid-budget, and small budget films. We plan the budget based on the subject and stars coming on board for the film. As the viewing habit of our audience is changing, we have to choose the platform of release and the story accordingly. That will surely change the budgeting of a film. The definition of stardom will also change. Running a production house is not easy, and all I am doing is preparing myself to deal with the new age that is coming!" Nikkhil signed off.## Stay tuned...

Ayushmann: 'Vicky Donor' shaped me as an actor
2243 days ago
Bollywood

Ayushmann: 'Vicky Donor' shaped me as an actor

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) "Vicky Donor" will always remain close to actor Ayushmann Khurrana's heart as it's his first film.## Released in 2012, the Shoojit Sircar directorial presented a light-hearted take on the taboo attached with sperm donation and artificial insemination. And according to Ayushmann, the film, which made him a household name, completely shaped him as an actor.## Reminiscing the movie's journey, Ayushmann said: "I will be forever thankful to Shootjit da for choosing me for 'Vicky Donor'. He gave wind beneath my wings, told an outsider like me that it was ok for me to dream, it was ok for me to chase my passion of being a Hindi film hero.## "'Vicky Donor' is my role of a lifetime for me and there are so many lovely memories attached to the film. This taboo-breaking film-shaped me as an actor and told people about my intent to do differential and quirky cinema that will stand out for its content."## Also, as the film is marking its eighth anniversary on Monday, Ayushmann will conduct a Twitter chat with Sircar.## "I have planned something really special. Shoojit da and I will go live on our social media and discuss the process of how 'Vicky Donor' was conceptualized by Shoojit da.## "We will also discuss several unheard anecdotes from the film's shooting schedule. It will be like a trip down memory lane for us and I'm looking forward to it," he added.## Ayushmann has since carved a niche for himself in the industry with projects like "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", "Bareilly Ki Barfi", "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", "Badhaai Ho", "AndhaDhun", "Article 15" and "Bala". He will be next seen opposite megastar Amitabh Bachchan in "Gulabo Sitabo".## Stay tuned...

SRK, Priyanka Chopra join Lady Gaga for corona relief concert
2243 days ago
Bollywood

SRK, Priyanka Chopra join Lady Gaga for corona relief concert

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Indian superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas joined Lady Gaga's star-studded "One World: Together at Home" to celebrate healthcare workers fighting against the coronavirus pandemic and urged everyone to stay strong during the health crisis.## Over 70 artists and celebrities from across the world joined the concert to honor the frontline workers. The virtual concert, organized by the WHO and Global Citizen on Saturday, was hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert. The event included performances and appearances from Taylor Swift, Elton John, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney.## Shah Rukh opened up about the coronavirus outbreak in India and delved into the plight faced by the people.## "India is facing one of its greatest challenges, in our history. With a population of over a billion citizens, the strength of COVID-19 is bound to have a negative impact on the country. Like, it is impacting the rest of the world too," Shah Rukh said in a video clip.## "Battling this crisis is going to take its toll, and this is the time to take action. Right now, I'm working with a team of people to provide protective equipment, quarantine centers, food and essentials to patients, hospitals and homes. But to beat this worldwide pandemic, the world must come together," he added.## He continued: "So find out how you can contact World and private sector leaders, and ask them to continue to contribute to WHO's Solidarity Response Fund, so they can help to continue the hardest of areas and people who desperately need it. India, planet earth, we are one world. I love you, stay strong."## Priyanka, who is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, spoke on the challenges faced by the refugee camps all over the world.## "I have witnessed first hand the overcrowded and unlivable conditions in refugee camps ... The camps need health care, clean water, and sanitation to stand through the pandemic," said Priyanka, who has worked with Shah Rukh in the "Don" series.## The mega concert also had acted by Chris Martin, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, and Jennifer Lopez among many others.## The US event featured the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, Common, The Killers, Luis Fonsi, Adam Lambert, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Ke$ha, and Jessie J. The event aired in India on AXN and Sony PIX.## Stay tuned...