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Isnin, 13 Januari 2014

The Star eCentral: Movie Reviews

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The Star eCentral: Movie Reviews

Gravity leads

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

SPACE drama Gravity received 11 Bafta nominations on Wednesday, one more than the Oscar-tipped 12 Years A Slave.

Gravity star Sandra Bullock was nominated for best actress, while Alfonso Cuaron is in the running for best director in Britain's equivalent of the Oscars.

British filmmaker Steve McQueen was nominated for best director for his brutal slavery epic 12 Years A Slave, while its star Chiwetel Ejiofor is nominated for the lead actor gong.

Michael Fassbender and rising Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o received supporting nominations for their role in the film, which is hotly tipped for Oscar glory.

Ejiofor, who was raised in London, said: "I continue to be immensely proud of the recognition this film is getting around the world. There is, of course, something particularly special about receiving a Bafta nomination from home."

American Hustle, the drama about two con artists embroiled with the FBI in the 1970s, equalled the 10 Bafta nominations for 12 Years A Slave.

Its star Christian Bale will go up against Ejiofor, Tom Hanks for Captain Phillips, Bruce Dern for Nebraska and Leonardo DiCaprio for The Wolf Of Wall Street for the best leading man award.

Bookmakers immediately made Ejiofor favourite to win his category with odds of 1-4, while 12 Years A Slave is their favourite for best film.

In the best actress category, Bullock will challenge American Hustle star Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine, Emma Thompson for Saving Mr Banks and Judi Dench for Philomena.

Captain Phillips and Philomena – based on a true story about the Catholic Church in Ireland selling babies to wealthy Americans in the 1950s – complete the five-strong list of contenders for best film.

The awards ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in London on Feb 16. – AFP Relaxnews

Pining for Chris

Posted: 11 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

It's Chris Pine's turn to play CIA operative Jack Ryan and the actor is more than thrilled to step into the iconic role.

Chris Pine has always enjoyed watching movie stars like Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin bring to life Jack Ryan, the famous character created by author Tom Clancy.

Each of these actors brought a different facet to the fictional CIA operative, who uses his brains rather than brawn, in the films based on Clancy's books – Clear And Present Danger, Patriot Games, The Sum Of All Fears and The Hunt For Red October.

Hence, when Pine was approached to play Jack Ryan in an origins story – Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit – he said yes immediately.

In a transcript provided by the film distributor, United International Pictures, Pine – who shot to fame after playing Captain James T. Kirk in 2009's Star Trek – said: "After the first Star Trek, they offered (the role of Jack Ryan) to me and I hadn't seen a script at that point but I love the character. I was more familiar with Jack Ryan than I ever was with Captain Kirk. I've always loved spy thrillers and I just jumped on it immediately."

At the same time, the 33-year-old Pine knew he had to bring something different to the film directed by Kenneth Branagh as there will definitely be comparisons drawn to the previous actors playing the character.

"When Ken and I started, we talked about how often in films you see so much death and mayhem and violence and no one ever really pays attention to it. So we thought it would be interesting to see ... what happens when an everyman is thrown into an extraordinary situation where he has to do things that you wouldn't necessarily do on any given day and how does he deal with seeing death?

"How does he deal with inflicting violence? How does he deal with potentially killing someone? ... So I like that human aspect (the film) has."

Shadow Recruit tells the story of how Jack is recruited into the CIA by a        veteran operative (Kevin Costner). Soon, he uncovers a terrorist plot planned by Russian Viktor Cherevin (Branagh). Also mixed up in the story is Jack's romance with a surgeon, Cathy (Keira Knightley), who has no idea that Jack is now part of the United States' intelligence team.

The secret naturally causes a rift between the couple – and to make matters worse, she is kidnapped by Cherevin's henchman.

The Los Angeles-born actor felt it was important to tap into a current concern – terrorism.

"I can't tell you how many conversations I had with everyone involved. For me, the question always came down to what it meant to be a patriot because Jack is a patriot of sorts. And my contention was that in a post 9/11 era, the world is much greyer than it was 25, 30 years ago," Pine reasoned. – Mumtaj Begum

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit opens in cinemas nationwide on Jan 16.

Kellan Lutz in 'The Legend Of Hercules'

Posted: 10 Jan 2014 07:25 PM PST

The buff actor sheds his Twilight image to play a Greek demigod.

Actor Kellan Lutz is shedding the vampire teeth to don the breastplate of Greek demigod Hercules in his newest film, as he leaves the Twilight franchise behind to embrace the action genre.

The Legend Of Hercules, now playing in cinemas nationwide, sees Lutz exploring the hero's origins. A second film, Hercules, starring Dwayne Johnson, will focus on the hero later in life, after he completes the legendary 12 labours.

Born to a mortal woman and Zeus, king of the Gods, Lutz's Hercules faces challenges early on in his life from his human father King Amphitryon, who never accepts him as a true son, and his half brother Iphicles, who is jealous of his super strength. Hercules finds himself torn away from his love, Hebe, and sent to war, only to be sold into slavery.

"It's the hero's journey – you have the wizard, you have the antagonist, that's the king, and you have the different missions he has to go through and the love interest in Princess Hebe. Story-wise, it's all there, that's what drew me to it," Lutz told Reuters.

Not that playing a superhero is unfamiliar territory for 28-year-old Lutz, who played Greek god Poseidon in 2011's mythological action film Immortals and has been drawn to the larger-than-life heroes from childhood. "I knew when I saw the superheroes that I wanted to fight against injustice. So from a young age, I always wanted to make the world a better place like Captain Planet would do, or He-Man, or Tarzan or Hercules," the actor said.

Lutz (right) as Hercules in the movie. The actor will also be appearing in another action-packed film later this year.

Lutz rose to prominence as the hunky vampire Emmett Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, based on the young adult novels by Stephenie Meyer about a teen romance between a human girl and vampire boy, which has grossed more than US$3bil at the worldwide box office. As well as starring in Hercules, Lutz will be in this year's action extravaganza The Expendables 3 alongside Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford.

The actor also has a long list of varied roles he'd like to play, from villain Venom in Spider-Man to secret agent MacGyver, animated hero Jonny Quest and of course, the sword-wielding He-Man.

"If everyone saw me as an action guy and gave me action movie after action movie, I'd be fine with it, it's one of those great genres that you always have fun doing," Lutz said. "I don't care to win an Oscar or anything like that. ... I love doing action movies. I love doing comedies and dramas," the actor added, saying he aspired to a career like Matt Damon's, who has flitted between drama, action and comedy on both independent and big-budget productions.

But while Lutz is building a portfolio of roles that capitalise on his model good looks and muscular physique – he was part of a 2010 Calvin Klein underwear campaign – the actor said he wants to be taken seriously as a filmmaker as well, writing and producing scripts for upcoming projects.

"I'm a very intelligent man. I went to college for chemical engineering," the actor said. "A lot of roles have shown off one of my other strengths, my physique, but now that I'm a producer, I can create my own material, so a lot of the books I'm going after, you probably won't even see me topless. ... I don't get offended if people call me a beefcake, they just don't know me." — Reuters
Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star eCentral: Movie Buzz

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The Star eCentral: Movie Buzz

Gravity leads

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

SPACE drama Gravity received 11 Bafta nominations on Wednesday, one more than the Oscar-tipped 12 Years A Slave.

Gravity star Sandra Bullock was nominated for best actress, while Alfonso Cuaron is in the running for best director in Britain's equivalent of the Oscars.

British filmmaker Steve McQueen was nominated for best director for his brutal slavery epic 12 Years A Slave, while its star Chiwetel Ejiofor is nominated for the lead actor gong.

Michael Fassbender and rising Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o received supporting nominations for their role in the film, which is hotly tipped for Oscar glory.

Ejiofor, who was raised in London, said: "I continue to be immensely proud of the recognition this film is getting around the world. There is, of course, something particularly special about receiving a Bafta nomination from home."

American Hustle, the drama about two con artists embroiled with the FBI in the 1970s, equalled the 10 Bafta nominations for 12 Years A Slave.

Its star Christian Bale will go up against Ejiofor, Tom Hanks for Captain Phillips, Bruce Dern for Nebraska and Leonardo DiCaprio for The Wolf Of Wall Street for the best leading man award.

Bookmakers immediately made Ejiofor favourite to win his category with odds of 1-4, while 12 Years A Slave is their favourite for best film.

In the best actress category, Bullock will challenge American Hustle star Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine, Emma Thompson for Saving Mr Banks and Judi Dench for Philomena.

Captain Phillips and Philomena – based on a true story about the Catholic Church in Ireland selling babies to wealthy Americans in the 1950s – complete the five-strong list of contenders for best film.

The awards ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in London on Feb 16. – AFP Relaxnews

Pining for Chris

Posted: 11 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

It's Chris Pine's turn to play CIA operative Jack Ryan and the actor is more than thrilled to step into the iconic role.

Chris Pine has always enjoyed watching movie stars like Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin bring to life Jack Ryan, the famous character created by author Tom Clancy.

Each of these actors brought a different facet to the fictional CIA operative, who uses his brains rather than brawn, in the films based on Clancy's books – Clear And Present Danger, Patriot Games, The Sum Of All Fears and The Hunt For Red October.

Hence, when Pine was approached to play Jack Ryan in an origins story – Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit – he said yes immediately.

In a transcript provided by the film distributor, United International Pictures, Pine – who shot to fame after playing Captain James T. Kirk in 2009's Star Trek – said: "After the first Star Trek, they offered (the role of Jack Ryan) to me and I hadn't seen a script at that point but I love the character. I was more familiar with Jack Ryan than I ever was with Captain Kirk. I've always loved spy thrillers and I just jumped on it immediately."

At the same time, the 33-year-old Pine knew he had to bring something different to the film directed by Kenneth Branagh as there will definitely be comparisons drawn to the previous actors playing the character.

"When Ken and I started, we talked about how often in films you see so much death and mayhem and violence and no one ever really pays attention to it. So we thought it would be interesting to see ... what happens when an everyman is thrown into an extraordinary situation where he has to do things that you wouldn't necessarily do on any given day and how does he deal with seeing death?

"How does he deal with inflicting violence? How does he deal with potentially killing someone? ... So I like that human aspect (the film) has."

Shadow Recruit tells the story of how Jack is recruited into the CIA by a        veteran operative (Kevin Costner). Soon, he uncovers a terrorist plot planned by Russian Viktor Cherevin (Branagh). Also mixed up in the story is Jack's romance with a surgeon, Cathy (Keira Knightley), who has no idea that Jack is now part of the United States' intelligence team.

The secret naturally causes a rift between the couple – and to make matters worse, she is kidnapped by Cherevin's henchman.

The Los Angeles-born actor felt it was important to tap into a current concern – terrorism.

"I can't tell you how many conversations I had with everyone involved. For me, the question always came down to what it meant to be a patriot because Jack is a patriot of sorts. And my contention was that in a post 9/11 era, the world is much greyer than it was 25, 30 years ago," Pine reasoned. – Mumtaj Begum

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit opens in cinemas nationwide on Jan 16.

Kellan Lutz in 'The Legend Of Hercules'

Posted: 10 Jan 2014 07:25 PM PST

The buff actor sheds his Twilight image to play a Greek demigod.

Actor Kellan Lutz is shedding the vampire teeth to don the breastplate of Greek demigod Hercules in his newest film, as he leaves the Twilight franchise behind to embrace the action genre.

The Legend Of Hercules, now playing in cinemas nationwide, sees Lutz exploring the hero's origins. A second film, Hercules, starring Dwayne Johnson, will focus on the hero later in life, after he completes the legendary 12 labours.

Born to a mortal woman and Zeus, king of the Gods, Lutz's Hercules faces challenges early on in his life from his human father King Amphitryon, who never accepts him as a true son, and his half brother Iphicles, who is jealous of his super strength. Hercules finds himself torn away from his love, Hebe, and sent to war, only to be sold into slavery.

"It's the hero's journey – you have the wizard, you have the antagonist, that's the king, and you have the different missions he has to go through and the love interest in Princess Hebe. Story-wise, it's all there, that's what drew me to it," Lutz told Reuters.

Not that playing a superhero is unfamiliar territory for 28-year-old Lutz, who played Greek god Poseidon in 2011's mythological action film Immortals and has been drawn to the larger-than-life heroes from childhood. "I knew when I saw the superheroes that I wanted to fight against injustice. So from a young age, I always wanted to make the world a better place like Captain Planet would do, or He-Man, or Tarzan or Hercules," the actor said.

Lutz (right) as Hercules in the movie. The actor will also be appearing in another action-packed film later this year.

Lutz rose to prominence as the hunky vampire Emmett Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, based on the young adult novels by Stephenie Meyer about a teen romance between a human girl and vampire boy, which has grossed more than US$3bil at the worldwide box office. As well as starring in Hercules, Lutz will be in this year's action extravaganza The Expendables 3 alongside Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford.

The actor also has a long list of varied roles he'd like to play, from villain Venom in Spider-Man to secret agent MacGyver, animated hero Jonny Quest and of course, the sword-wielding He-Man.

"If everyone saw me as an action guy and gave me action movie after action movie, I'd be fine with it, it's one of those great genres that you always have fun doing," Lutz said. "I don't care to win an Oscar or anything like that. ... I love doing action movies. I love doing comedies and dramas," the actor added, saying he aspired to a career like Matt Damon's, who has flitted between drama, action and comedy on both independent and big-budget productions.

But while Lutz is building a portfolio of roles that capitalise on his model good looks and muscular physique – he was part of a 2010 Calvin Klein underwear campaign – the actor said he wants to be taken seriously as a filmmaker as well, writing and producing scripts for upcoming projects.

"I'm a very intelligent man. I went to college for chemical engineering," the actor said. "A lot of roles have shown off one of my other strengths, my physique, but now that I'm a producer, I can create my own material, so a lot of the books I'm going after, you probably won't even see me topless. ... I don't get offended if people call me a beefcake, they just don't know me." — Reuters
Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: World Updates

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The Star Online: World Updates

Biden assures Israel about core sanctions on Iran - U.S. official

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 09:30 PM PST

SHANNON, Ireland (Reuters) - Vice President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that the United States is committed to enforcing its "sanctions architecture" against Iran even as world powers provide it with some relief in pursuit of a final nuclear deal.

In four hours of wide-ranging talks during Biden's visit to Israel for the funeral of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the vice president briefed Netanyahu on an interim agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program and sought his views on efforts to reach a broader accord, a senior U.S. official said.

Netanyahu has been at odds with the Obama administration over its diplomatic engagement with Iran, and Washington has tried to ease Israeli concerns that Tehran is getting too much in return for too few concessions.

"It is safe to say that the issue of ensuring the continued enforcement of the sanctions architecture is an important priority for us, is an important priority for Israel and was a subject of conversation," the official told reporters aboard Biden's plane on the flight back to Washington.

Biden's visit to Israel came just a day after the announcement that a six-month deal between Iran and six world powers, including the United States, to pave the way toward ending a long standoff over Tehran's nuclear ambitions will come into force on January 20.

The deal, hailed by President Barack Obama, calls for a verifiable freeze on Iran's most sensitive atomic work in return for limited sanctions relief. A new round of talks will seek a permanent settlement.

Some U.S. officials have cited oil and banking as the core architecture of the sanctions program that has crippled Iran's economy. Relief under the initial deal would include suspension of some restrictions on trade in gold, precious metals and petrochemicals, and in the auto industry. It also allows third-country purchases of Iranian oil to remain at current levels.

Echoing Obama, Biden also made clear to Netanyahu that Washington opposes a U.S. congressional push for new sanctions during talks on a long-term deal with Iran, the official said.

The working dinner between Biden and Netanyahu, which lasted twice as long as scheduled, also focused on renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians that have struggled to make headway under the auspices of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

While Biden did not try to negotiate the "nitty-gritty" separating the two sides, the two leaders had a "strategic conversation" about how to achieve the goal of Israel and an eventual Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security, the official said.

However, Biden reiterated the U.S. position that Israeli settlement expansion on occupied land is "not constructive" for peace efforts, the official said.

Biden's visit was his first to Israel since 2010, when the surprise Israeli announcement of a major settlement project caused an embarrassing rift between the United States and its closest Middle East ally.

Still, Iran tops the Israeli agenda. Believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear weapons power, Israel fears that its arch-foe is seeking an atomic bomb, though Tehran denies this.

Washington has resisted Netanyahu's demands to broaden the scope of nuclear talks with Iran to other issues, but the U.S. official said Biden's meeting in Jerusalem was not limited to the Iranian nuclear file.

"They spoke about Iran's ... destabilizing activities and support for terror, as well as the important implications of the election of President (Hassan) Rouhani and the activities of other actors in the Iranian system, and how the United States and Israel need to cooperate together to confront the variety of threats posed by Iran," the official said.

Biden used his eulogy for Sharon, seen as a war hero at home but reviled by many in the Arab world, to reaffirm Washington's commitment to Israel's security.

Chinese military ordered to buy locally-made vehicles

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 07:45 PM PST

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ordered the military to choose domestic brands when procuring vehicles, part of a broad effort to reduce costs and buy locally-produced goods, state media reported.

The decision, contained in a circular issued late on Monday, follows a ban in April on the use of military licence plates on luxury cars, most of which were foreign brands.

Xi, who became Communist Party chief in November 2012 and also serves as president and top military leader as head of the Central Military Commission, has launched a government-wide drive to encourage frugality and fight corruption.

Government officials have already been urged to drive home-produced brands, such as Red Flag, challenging Audi, the Volkswagen-owned brand that has dominated the government market for 20 years. The Foreign Ministry has said that minister Wang Yi is now chauffered in a Red Flag H7.

The circular, approved by Xi and issued by the People's Liberation Army's staff headquarters as well as the political, logistics and armament departments, said funds used by the army should be strictly regulated and the budgeting processes improved, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.

The purchase of new military cars should be arranged through a centralised system, it said. The document was "aimed at promoting frugality and cutting down on waste in military and armed police forces".

In line with similar calls to directed at government officials, it urged strengthened supervision over spending and banned "personal banquets financed with public funds".

The circular also banned giving or accepting money, securities, souvenirs and local products and called for strict controls on celebrations, forums, exhibitions and performances.

(Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Ron Popeski)

South Korea cuts future reliance on nuclear power, but new plants likely

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 07:35 PM PST

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea has revised down its future reliance on nuclear power, although growing energy demand and the shutdown of aging reactors mean it is still likely to need more nuclear-fired plants over the coming two decades.

Asia's fourth-largest economy has been under pressure to curb its use of nuclear power in the wake of a safety scandal that led to the shutdown of some nuclear reactors to replace parts supplied with fake safety certificates.

The energy ministry said on Tuesday it has changed its energy policy to reduce the country's reliance on nuclear power to 29 percent of total power supply by 2035, down from a planned 41 percent by 2030 and in line with a draft proposal.

Nuclear power made up 26 percent of South Korea's energy mix as at end-2012.

The proposed cut is the least stringent reduction of a range of figures suggested last October by a public advisory group, following public anger over the safety scandal and in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster.

In early December, the ministry unveiled a draft of its policy revision in which the government made clear that nuclear power still had a role to play and its capacity would not be drastically slashed or expanded.

The ministry says the country will need a total of 43,000 megawatts (MW) nuclear power capacity by 2035, up from 36,000 MW by 2024.

South Korea currently has 23 nuclear reactors, which produce about a third of its electricity, and plans to add 11 more by 2024, with five already under construction.

For nuclear power to meet its share of future capacity, a further five 1,400 MW reactors would need to be built between 2025 and 2035, an energy ministry official who declined to be identified told Reuters.

Under the previous plan for nuclear power to make up 41 percent of total energy supply, South Korea would have needed to add as many as 20 additional reactors, according to industry data.

In addition, the operating licences for 14 units will expire by 2035, more than half of the current total, although the ministry has yet to announce whether it would extend their operating life or look to replace them.

The ministry also said it plans to invest 1.1 trillion won ($94.64 million) in ageing nuclear facilities by 2017 as part of efforts to strengthen nuclear safety.

The study group had recommended reducing the country's reliance on nuclear energy to between 22 to 29 percent of its total power supply.

Of the country's 23 nuclear reactors, three are offline mainly for scheduled maintenance, including a reactor which is awaiting an extension of its licence after its 30-year lifespan expired in November 2012, according to a website of nuclear operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP).

Ahead of the peak winter demand in January, the country's nuclear regulator early this month approved the restart of three reactors shut since last May to replace control cables supplied using forged safety certificates.

KHNP is fully owned by state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO).

(Editing by Richard Pullin)
Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

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The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

Animal Planet has a new family

Posted: 10 Jan 2014 07:30 PM PST

Step aside Duck Dynasty, it's time for the Alaska Bush Family.

Animal Planet teased the premiere of Alaska Bush Family at the Television Critics Association winter press tour on Thursday morning, and it looks an awful lot like A&E's Duck Dynasty – absurdly long beards and all.

"Our family is doing what is natural for human beings to do," family patriarch Billy Brown says in the sizzle reel. "It's the life we were meant to live." The show focuses on the Brown family – Billy, wife Ami, and their nine children – as they hunt, fish, and work together to survive in the frigid Alaskan bush.

The quintessentially rough-around-the-edges father told the TCA audience that the premise behind the six-episode series, premiering this spring, is to shed light on the family's isolated existence, so that the US can see that it's still possible to live an independent life but as a family unit.

"God and family values," Brown said in response to a question about what the most important takeaway is from the show. "Not putting anybody down, I think it's something we're losing today," he added.

Billy and Ami Brown of Alaska Bush Family at the 2014 Winter Television Critics Association tour in California. -- AFP/Getty Imaes/Frederick M. Brown 

After Brown lost his family at the age of 16, he hit the road, met Ami, and they travelled the country together. But the two were never satisfied with the cities and towns in the lower 48. "When Alaska opened up to us it was like a ready-made home to us," Brown said.

As part of homeschooling the children, Brown told the audience he would write stories and put together kids' books. One of the sons eventually put the books online, where producers discovered the isolated family and offered to tell their story.

"We spent 30 years of our life trying to stay as far away as we could from this stuff and people," Brown said. "We think it's cool to show people how we live." — Reuters

More Doc McStuffins and Sofia for kids

Posted: 09 Jan 2014 07:50 PM PST

Disney Junior renews a number of children's programmes on its roster.

Disney Junior has ordered new seasons of its animated series Sofia The First, Doc McStuffins and Jake And The Never Land Pirates. All three series have performed well for the network geared to the preschool-age demographic, ranking well among the key demo, as well as ranking in the Top 10 for preschool shows on cable, as well as their parents. The series also did well for total viewers and with women ages 18-49.

"Sofia The First, Doc McStuffins and Jake And The Never Land Pirates do what Disney does best – tell great stories with humour and heart," said Disney Junior Worldwide's executive vice president.

"We've seen these series connect with our audience around the world and across platforms in meaningful ways, and we have many more stories to tell. We look forward to developing new narratives that will put our charismatic princess Sofia, aspiring doctor Doc, and inspiring hero Jake into exciting new situations and locales."

Additionally, the shows can be seen in more than 30 different languages in more than 160 countries, including Malaysia. — Reuters

Camryn Manheim in new TV series

Posted: 09 Jan 2014 07:50 PM PST

Steven Spielberg sits in as executive producer for CBS' Extant.

The Practice and The L Word alum Camryn Manheim has signed on as a series regular on CBS's upcoming drama Extant from executive producer Steven Spielberg, the network said Thursday.

Manheim, whose most recent TV roles include Ghost Whisperer and Harry's Law, will play Sam Barton, the best friend and closest confidante of Molly (series star Halle Berry). The series, from Amblin Television and CBS Television Studios, follows Berry as an astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns after a year in outer space.

Her experiences lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history. Extant is scheduled to premiere in the US in summer 2014. — Reuters
Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Business

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The Star Online: Business

Lion Industries on 'hold' with uncertainty in steel sector

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

LION INDUSTRIES CORP BHD

(LICB)

By AmResearch

Hold (re-initiation)

Fair value: 82 sen

WITH uncertainty now in the steel sector driven by higher operation costs due to the electricity tariff hike, overcapacity in China, which continued to suppress global steel prices and dumping of cheap wire rods and billets from China in the local market, AmResearch said it re-initiated coverage on Lion Industries Corp Bhd (LICB) with a "hold"' recommendation.

While the acceleration of Mass Rail Transit (MRT) jobs was expected to benefit steel players, it said the steel products manufacturer and property developer conglomerate's earnings would be negligible due to depressed margins given the rise in costs and weak selling prices.

Following a restructuring exercise that was completed early last year, Lion Corp Bhd had disposed of its 27% stake in LICB to Tan Sri William Cheng, who now holds a 30% direct stake in LICB.

The bank-backed research house said it was also positive over the recent termination of a proposed joint venture to develop a blast furnace.

Reflecting the tough operating environment, it has included a 75% discount to the sum-of-parts derived value of RM3.28 per share to arrive at a fair value of 82 sen per share.

WAH SEONG CORP BHD

By RHB Research Institute

Buy

Target price: RM2.25

WITH abundant pipe-coating work orders to rejuvenate margins, more overseas jobs to mitigate dependence on domestic works and higher associate income, RHB Research has rated Wah Seong Corp Bhd (WSC) a "buy".

It said it expected these factors to diminish the negatives of the international oil and gas and industrial services group's loss-making plantation venture and low margin jobs.

It added this was supported by a RM1.7bil oil & gas (O&G) orderbook backlog including Statoil and North Malay Basin jobs which will become full scale in financial year ending Dec 31, 2014 while it conservatively assumed Wah Seong's exposure to the recently-terminated Kristin project as minimal at RM20mil to RM30mil.

The bank-backed research house noted that the company was securing more overseas jobs, which boded well against the dependency on domestic works.

WSC said that any jobs related to Petronas' enhanced oil recovery projects, marginal oil fields and pipeline replacement works were expected to be small in value, but would provide some level of recurring orderbook replenishment.

With new bids for O&G jobs in Brazil and West Africa, and better prospects in the oleochemical market that directly supported the process equipment of its renewable energy division, RHB Research said the company was rated "buy" at a target price of RM2.25 at 16 times of its price-to-earnings ratio.

ESTHETICS INTERNATIONAL

GROUP BHD

By RHB Research Institute

Buy

Target price: RM1.78

HAVING an established partnership with the reputable Dermalogica skincare group, committed family-led management and decent earnings growth, RHB Research Institute has rated Esthetics International Group (EIG) with a "buy" call.

The bank-backed research house said it expected the group to register core earnings of RM15.8mil to RM21.7mil, implying a three-year compounded annual growth rate of 11.2% in the financial year ending March 31, 2014 (FY14) to FY16 forecast respectively.

As part of management's plan to expand its regional presence by leveraging on Dermalogica's maturing brand, the group also intends to expand its products offering and brands via potential partnerships with international brand owners.

The company, which focuses on the distribution of skincare, cosmetics and wellness products as well as services through its network of self-owned and third-party salons, also owns and operates the AsterSpring chain of beauty salons, which carry Dermalogica's skincare products.

To strengthen its market presence, EIG is looking to increase the collective number of its own salons and retail kiosks to 100 outlets over the next three to five years from 70 currently.

It has forecast an annual dividend yield of 3.1% to 3.8% for FY15 to FY16 respectively, in view of EIG's current net cash of RM59.4mil.

GREENTOWN CHINA HOLDING

LTD (HK)

By Hong Leong Investment

Bank Bhd

GREENTOWN China Holdings Ltd builds residential villas, low-rise and high-rise apartment for the middle and high-income people.

The developer's stock is currently trading at 3.7 times financial year 2014 (FY14) forward of price-to-earnings as compared with the industry average of 10.5 times.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd noted that there were 19 analysts rating the stock with "buy" calls against two "hold" and two "sell" ratings. Compared with the consensus target price of HK$16.77, this will translate to a further 39% upside potential. 

Chart-wise, the share price is gaining upside momentum due to the hourly downtrend channel breakout; daily downtrend channel breakout and hourly and daily indicators that showed that bulls were gaining strong momentum.

The investment bank also noted that the upside targets were at HK$12.93 with a 50-day simple moving average (SMA) and HK$14 (100-day SMA), with long-term target price of HK$16.76 which was the high on Aug 15, 2013. Immediate supports are at HK$11.70 (100-hour SMA) and HK$11.49 (downtrend line). It also recommended cut loss at HK$11.37 (50-hour SMA).

Japan logs record current account deficit

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 08:02 PM PST

TOKYO: Japan's current account deficit in November tripled year-on-year to a record $5.7 billion as a weak yen pushed up the country's post-Fukushima energy bills, official data showed Tuesday.

The shortfall in the current account hit 592.8 billion yen, easily eclipsing a deficit of 179.6 billion yen in the same month a year earlier.
The latest data marked the largest monthly current account deficit based on comparable data stretching back to 1985, blowing past a 455.6 billion yen shortfall in January 2012, according to the finance ministry.
November's deficit largely stemmed from a growing trade imbalance stoked by Japan's heavy dependence on importing pricey fossil fuels to generate electricity, after the country's nuclear reactors were shut down in response to the 2011 tsunami-sparked atomic disaster.
The yen's sharp depreciation since late 2012 has also bloated costs.

The current account is the broadest measure of Japan's trade with the rest of the world, including not only trade in goods but also services, tourism and returns on the country's foreign investment. - AFP

Chinese military ordered to buy locally-made vehicles

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 07:46 PM PST

SHANGHAI: Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ordered the military to choose domestic brands when procuring vehicles, part of a broad effort to reduce costs and buy locally-produced goods, state media reported.

The decision, contained in a circular issued late on Monday, follows a ban in April on the use of military licence plates on luxury cars, most of which were foreign brands.

Xi, who became Communist Party chief in November 2012 and also serves as president and top military leader as head of the Central Military Commission, has launched a government-wide drive to encourage frugality and fight corruption.

Government officials have already been urged to drive home-produced brands, such as Red Flag, challenging Audi, the Volkswagen-owned brand that has dominated the government market for 20 years. The Foreign Ministry has said that minister Wang Yi is now chauffered in a Red Flag H7.

The circular, approved by Xi and issued by the People's Liberation Army's staff headquarters as well as the political, logistics and armament departments, said funds used by the army should be strictly regulated and the budgeting processes improved, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.

The purchase of new military cars should be arranged through a centralised system, it said. The document was "aimed at promoting frugality and cutting down on waste in military and armed police forces".

In line with similar calls to directed at government officials, it urged strengthened supervision over spending and banned "personal banquets financed with public funds".

The circular also banned giving or accepting money, securities, souvenirs and local products and called for strict controls on celebrations, forums, exhibitions and performances.- Reuters
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Going back to basics with Idumban Kavadi

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

GEORGE TOWN: Thaipusam's earliest kavadi, an Idumban kavadi, made its appearance at the festival here.

Many were impressed by the sight of the Idumban Kavadi, which had two pots of offerings suspended from each side of a wooden staff, as a devotee carried it to the Arulmigu Bala­­­thandayuthapani Hilltop Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang.

Lord Idumban, for whom a shrine is dedicated at the foot of the hill, is said to have carried two hills on his shoulders for the sage Agastya but the hills were claimed by Lord Muruga.

"Idumban is now the guardian at the foot of the hill where Lord Mu­­ruga's temple is," said R. Rajnee, 36.

The freelance location scout for film companies has been carrying kavadi for the past 20 years, but it was his first time shouldering the Idumban Kavadi.

He said the shaft weighed about 5kg and was custom-made.

"One pot contains cow's milk while the other has rose water. Both are used for abhisegam (ritual bath) of Lord Muruga," he explained.

At yesterday's kavadi session, which was organised by the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram for the 13th year, some 150 devotees celebrated Thaipusam earlier although the actual day is on Friday.

Malaysia Hindudharma Maman­dram deputy president D.S.V. Nandakumar said they usually chose the Sunday before Thaipusam to fulfil vows for the convenience of elderly devotees or those with children.

Khalid asked to explain decisions

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

PETALING JAYA: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will be asked to explain his decision to drop state party chief Azmin Ali from the Selangor State Development Cor­poration (PKNS) board.

He would also be queried on his decision to work together with the Federal Government on the restructuring of its water assets and services.

The decision to ask Khalid to explain his actions over the two issues was made at the state PKR emergency meeting held last night.

State party secretary Amirudin Shari who spoke to reporters after the meeting said the decisions and recommendations made at the meeting would also be forwarded to the party's political bureau for further action.

The bureau is scheduled to meet tonight.

On Azmin's impromptu ouster from PKNS, Amirudin said it the party at its extraordinary general meeting last year had included a clause into its constitution that any changes made regarding party-recommended positions into state governmment-linked companies must be referred to the party's leadership.

"The state should have informed the leadership if they wanted to drop anyone recommended by the party," said the Batu Caves assemblyman.

He said the party was also concerned over the Selangor government's decision to work with the Federal Government to manage the state's water assets as it might adversely affect the people.

Another leader, who declined to be named, said the meeting also questioned Khalid's appointment of his aide Faekah Husin into the National Water Services Commission.

"Why Faekah? Why is she being made to be so powerful?" he asked.

Related story:

Khalid-Azmin feud at breaking point

Afraid to lose newfound comforts

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

EXCLUSIVE:

KUALA KUBU BARU: Lau Looi shuffles around the hospital ward and fidgets nervously with his dirty fingernails.

He was one of five senior citizens found living in deplorable conditions in an abandoned old folks home at Taman Wahyu in Kuala Lumpur last week.

Having lived in filth with nearly two months without piped water, the newfound comforts at the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital are a luxury he does not want to lose.

"I am afraid of where they are going to move me. Please don't send me somewhere else," said the senior citizen, who could not remember his full name or age.

Lau Looi said he was born in Ipoh and worked as a contractor before he was divorced and separated from his wife and children.

Full story in your copy ofThe Star today.
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Pining for Chris

Posted: 11 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

It's Chris Pine's turn to play CIA operative Jack Ryan and the actor is more than thrilled to step into the iconic role.

Chris Pine has always enjoyed watching movie stars like Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin bring to life Jack Ryan, the famous character created by author Tom Clancy.

Each of these actors brought a different facet to the fictional CIA operative, who uses his brains rather than brawn, in the films based on Clancy's books – Clear And Present Danger, Patriot Games, The Sum Of All Fears and The Hunt For Red October.

Hence, when Pine was approached to play Jack Ryan in an origins story – Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit – he said yes immediately.

In a transcript provided by the film distributor, United International Pictures, Pine – who shot to fame after playing Captain James T. Kirk in 2009's Star Trek – said: "After the first Star Trek, they offered (the role of Jack Ryan) to me and I hadn't seen a script at that point but I love the character. I was more familiar with Jack Ryan than I ever was with Captain Kirk. I've always loved spy thrillers and I just jumped on it immediately."

At the same time, the 33-year-old Pine knew he had to bring something different to the film directed by Kenneth Branagh as there will definitely be comparisons drawn to the previous actors playing the character.

"When Ken and I started, we talked about how often in films you see so much death and mayhem and violence and no one ever really pays attention to it. So we thought it would be interesting to see ... what happens when an everyman is thrown into an extraordinary situation where he has to do things that you wouldn't necessarily do on any given day and how does he deal with seeing death?

"How does he deal with inflicting violence? How does he deal with potentially killing someone? ... So I like that human aspect (the film) has."

Shadow Recruit tells the story of how Jack is recruited into the CIA by a        veteran operative (Kevin Costner). Soon, he uncovers a terrorist plot planned by Russian Viktor Cherevin (Branagh). Also mixed up in the story is Jack's romance with a surgeon, Cathy (Keira Knightley), who has no idea that Jack is now part of the United States' intelligence team.

The secret naturally causes a rift between the couple – and to make matters worse, she is kidnapped by Cherevin's henchman.

The Los Angeles-born actor felt it was important to tap into a current concern – terrorism.

"I can't tell you how many conversations I had with everyone involved. For me, the question always came down to what it meant to be a patriot because Jack is a patriot of sorts. And my contention was that in a post 9/11 era, the world is much greyer than it was 25, 30 years ago," Pine reasoned. – Mumtaj Begum

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit opens in cinemas nationwide on Jan 16.

Kellan Lutz in 'The Legend Of Hercules'

Posted: 10 Jan 2014 07:25 PM PST

The buff actor sheds his Twilight image to play a Greek demigod.

Actor Kellan Lutz is shedding the vampire teeth to don the breastplate of Greek demigod Hercules in his newest film, as he leaves the Twilight franchise behind to embrace the action genre.

The Legend Of Hercules, now playing in cinemas nationwide, sees Lutz exploring the hero's origins. A second film, Hercules, starring Dwayne Johnson, will focus on the hero later in life, after he completes the legendary 12 labours.

Born to a mortal woman and Zeus, king of the Gods, Lutz's Hercules faces challenges early on in his life from his human father King Amphitryon, who never accepts him as a true son, and his half brother Iphicles, who is jealous of his super strength. Hercules finds himself torn away from his love, Hebe, and sent to war, only to be sold into slavery.

"It's the hero's journey – you have the wizard, you have the antagonist, that's the king, and you have the different missions he has to go through and the love interest in Princess Hebe. Story-wise, it's all there, that's what drew me to it," Lutz told Reuters.

Not that playing a superhero is unfamiliar territory for 28-year-old Lutz, who played Greek god Poseidon in 2011's mythological action film Immortals and has been drawn to the larger-than-life heroes from childhood. "I knew when I saw the superheroes that I wanted to fight against injustice. So from a young age, I always wanted to make the world a better place like Captain Planet would do, or He-Man, or Tarzan or Hercules," the actor said.

Lutz (right) as Hercules in the movie. The actor will also be appearing in another action-packed film later this year.

Lutz rose to prominence as the hunky vampire Emmett Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, based on the young adult novels by Stephenie Meyer about a teen romance between a human girl and vampire boy, which has grossed more than US$3bil at the worldwide box office. As well as starring in Hercules, Lutz will be in this year's action extravaganza The Expendables 3 alongside Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford.

The actor also has a long list of varied roles he'd like to play, from villain Venom in Spider-Man to secret agent MacGyver, animated hero Jonny Quest and of course, the sword-wielding He-Man.

"If everyone saw me as an action guy and gave me action movie after action movie, I'd be fine with it, it's one of those great genres that you always have fun doing," Lutz said. "I don't care to win an Oscar or anything like that. ... I love doing action movies. I love doing comedies and dramas," the actor added, saying he aspired to a career like Matt Damon's, who has flitted between drama, action and comedy on both independent and big-budget productions.

But while Lutz is building a portfolio of roles that capitalise on his model good looks and muscular physique – he was part of a 2010 Calvin Klein underwear campaign – the actor said he wants to be taken seriously as a filmmaker as well, writing and producing scripts for upcoming projects.

"I'm a very intelligent man. I went to college for chemical engineering," the actor said. "A lot of roles have shown off one of my other strengths, my physique, but now that I'm a producer, I can create my own material, so a lot of the books I'm going after, you probably won't even see me topless. ... I don't get offended if people call me a beefcake, they just don't know me." — Reuters

Johnny Depp gets co-stars for 'Mortdecai'

Posted: 09 Jan 2014 07:05 PM PST

Joining him in the movie are Aubrey Plaza, Oliver Platt and more.

Aubrey Plaza, Oliver Platt and Jeff Goldblum have joined the cast of Mortdecai, the action comedy starring Johnny Depp. Based on Kyril Bonfiglioli's series of novels, the film has already wrapped production in London and is now moving to Los Angeles.

Depp stars as an art dealer and rogue in search of a stolen painting that holds the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold. Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn and Paul Bettany also star in the film, which Lionsgate will distribute. It marks the first project under OddLot Entertainment's new co-production and co-financing deal with Lionsgate.

The film has added a troika of busy actors to an already strong cast. Plaza, a star of NBC's Parks & Recreation, continues to build her film resume after roles in comedies such as Scott Pilgrim Vs The World and Safety Not Guaranteed. She starred as a misfit teenage girl in last summer's The To Do List and plays the title character in the upcoming Life After Beth.

Platt, a regular supporting player in movies, TV and theatre, will appear in five movies opening this year, including Jon Favreau's Chef and Michael Cuesta's Kill The Messenger while Goldblum just finished a run in the play Domesticated. — Reuters
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Rodman 'sorry' after controversial North Korea trip

Posted: 12 Jan 2014 11:57 PM PST

BEIJING: An emotional Dennis Rodman appeared to break down Monday as he apologised on his return from a controversial trip to North Korea, where he sang "Happy Birthday" to regime leader Kim Jong-Un.

The former NBA star was widely criticised for refusing to bring up human rights abuses or the plight of a US missionary detained in North Korea during his week-long visit.

The former Chicago Bulls player was also accused of pandering to North Korean authorities during the trip, which featured an exhibition basketball match involving other NBA stars to mark Kim's birthday.

"I love my country, America, I love it and I will never trade it for nothing in the world," the pierced and heavily tattooed Rodman told reporters at Beijing airport.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has described Rodman's actions as "treason".

Rodman said he wanted to "show people that no matter what is going on in the world, for one day... not politics, not all this stuff..." before launching into an apology.

"I am sorry. I am not the president. I am not an ambassador. I am Dennis Rodman. Just an individual, just showing the world the fact that we can actually get along and be happy for one day," Rodman said, before his voice broke and he put his hands to his face.

He was ushered through a heavy media presence by security and his entourage, which includes Joseph Terwilliger, a bearded tuba-playing neuroscience professor from Columbia University in New York.

Rodman has developed an unlikely relationship with the young North Korean leader since making his first trip there in February, when he declared Kim a "friend for life".

The former power forward, who was wearing dark glasses, a blue tracksuit top and orange scarf, was asked whether he raised the issue of Kenneth Bae, who was detained by North Korean authorities.

In an interview with CNN last week, Rodman delivered an angry tirade in which he appeared to suggest that the missionary merited his 15-year prison sentence.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything," Rodman said, in comments echoing those of his publicist last week.

"I'm sorry, it's not my fault. I'm sorry... I just want to do some good stuff, that's all I want to do, basketball, that's all," he added.

Rodman was returning from his fourth visit to the reclusive state in 12 months.

"It is amazing that I had the opportunity just to go to North Korea, and for the Marshal (Kim) just to give me an opportunity just to be in his presence and in his city," he said, adding that he would visit the North again next month for "another game".

Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, is reported to be a huge fan of basketball and especially of the Chicago Bulls, with whom Rodman won three NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s.

Bae was arrested in November 2012 as he entered Rason, a port in the northeast of the hardline Communist state.

North Korea, which bans religious proselytising, says that Bae was a Christian evangelist who brought in "inflammatory" material. -AFP

India defeats polio, global eradication efforts advance

Posted: 13 Jan 2014 12:14 AM PST

NEW DELHI, India: India marks three years since its last reported polio case on Monday, meaning it will soon be certified as having defeated the ancient scourge in a huge advance for global eradication efforts.

The milestone confirms one of India's biggest public health success stories, achieving something once thought impossible, thanks to a massive and sustained vaccination programme.

With the number of cases in decline in Nigeria and Afghanistan, two of only three countries where polio is still endemic, world efforts to consign the crippling virus to history are making steady progress.

"In 2012, there were the fewest numbers of cases in endemic countries as ever before. So far in 2013 (records are still being checked), there were even less," Hamid Jafari, global polio expert at the World Health Organisation told AFP.

"If the current trends of progress continue we could very easily see the end of polio in Afghanistan and Nigeria in 2014," added Jafari, hailed as having played a crucial role in India's victory.

Despite the success, isolated polio outbreaks in the Horn of Africa and war-wracked Syria emerged as new causes for concern in 2013.

Nicole Deutsch, head of polio operations for UN children's arm UNICEF in India, called three years without polio in the country "a monumental milestone".

Success and caution

Despite its population density and sanitation problems, "India proved to the world how to conquer this disease," she told AFP.

The Rotary International charity, which has been a key donor, will illuminate the India Gate and Red Fort monuments in New Delhi with a message celebrating the achievement.

Countries are certified by the WHO as being polio-free if they go 12 months without a case, and are then said to have eradicated it after a period of three years without new infections.

India will likely receive this endorsement only in March, which will trigger more exuberant celebrations than on Monday.

There also remain reasons for caution, with the virus still considered endemic in neighbouring Pakistan, where vaccinators are being killed by the Taliban which views them as possible spies.

A fake vaccination programme was used by the CIA to provide cover for operatives tracking Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, who was killed in Pakistan by US special forces in May 2011.

Hopes of progress were given a boost last month when cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan pledged to personally spearhead vaccination efforts in the troubled northwest of the country.

In India, the wretched sight of crippled street hawkers or beggars on wheeled trolleys will also remain as a legacy of the country's time as an epicentre of the disease.

In the absence of any official data, most experts agree there are several million survivors left with withered legs or twisted spines who face discrimination and often live on the very margins of Indian society.

Million of vaccinators

The country's success was built on a huge vaccination programme that began in the mid-1990s with the backing of the central government and a coalition of charities, private donors, and UN agencies.

An army of more than two million vaccinators, backed by local religious and community leaders, canvassed villages, slums, train stations and public gatherings in even the most remote parts of the country.

The country reported 150,000 cases of paralytic polio in 1985, and it still accounted for half of all cases globally in 2009, with 741 infections that led to paralysis.

In 2010, the number of victims fell to double figures before the last case on January 13, 2011, when an 18-month-old girl in a Kolkata slum was found to have contracted it.

The girl, Rukshar Khatoon, is now attending school and leads a "normal life", although she still suffers pain in her right leg from the disease, doctors and her parents told AFP.

"She can now stand on her feet and walk, but can't run," her father Abdul Saha said. "When her friends play, she remains a spectator."

Saha, a father of four, conceded he had taken his son to get immunised but not two of his daughters. "It was a grave mistake," he said.

Jafari from the WHO highlighted the immense knock-on benefits for India, which is still afflicted by other preventable diseases, widespread malnutrition and poor sanitation.

"India has now set other important public health goals as a result of the confidence that the country has got from the successful eradication of polio," he said, citing a new measles eradication goal.

Ruling party MP and businessman Naveen Jindal underlined this with a message on Twitter on Monday which read: "Imagine what we can do when we come 2gether." -AFP

Related story:
India's last reported polio victim 'leads normal life'
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