It is business as usual for most part on Day 1 of US government’s shutdown

WASHINGTON: The sun rose in the East, flights international and domestic are landing, power and water are still flowing through outlets, gas stations, stores, and malls opened, teachers, soldiers, teachers, policemen, firefighters and mailmen continue with their job, and traffic is sailing through lights that work. It is business as usual for the most part on Day One of the US government's shutdown. It is only when you head to the Statue of Liberty or the Smithsonian Museum or various National Parks (''CLOSED''), or call in to check on some government programs or payouts (voicemail), that you feel the first impact of the government shutdown that is expected to get worse the longer it lasts.

US wants MNCs to have right to sue India abroad

There is growing pressure on the Indian government to incorporate a provision in an investment agreement with the US, which if invoked will have far-reaching implications in that it will allow multinational corporations to bypass the Supreme Court and sue the government for millions of dollars in foreign tribunals. 

Indians, Chinese keep US B-schools in business

MUMBAI: Young graduates from India and China are powering the growth of full-time MBA programmes worldwide. In contrast, the share of working people planning to pursue an MBA—through online, executive or part-time mode—is plummeting.

US, Russia agree deal on Syria chemical weapons

GENEVA/BEIRUT: Russia and the United States put aside bitter differences over Syriato strike a deal on Saturday that by destroying President Bashar al-Assad's chemical arsenal may avert US military action against him. 

US woman's last name too long for driver's license

HONOLULU: A US woman's last name is so long that she can't get a driver's license with her correct name. Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele is fighting to make it happen.

The documents only have room for 35 characters, so Hawaii County instead issued her driver's license and her state ID with the last letter of her name chopped off. And it omitted her first name.

US stocks: Wall Street rises for 7th straight session, Apple drops

NEW YORK: US stocks ended higher on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 rising for a seventh straight day, as chances for an immediate military strike against Syria decreased, while a sell-off at Apple limited gains. 

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 135.23 points or 0.89 percent, to 15,326.29, the S&P 500 gained 5.08 points or 0.3 percent, to 1,689.07 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.011 points or 0.11 percent, to 3,725.01. 

US: 9/11 ceremony will be a quiet 'last' for mayor of national September 11 memorial

NEW YORK: When this year's September 11 anniversary ceremony unfolds at ground zero, the mayor who has helped orchestrate the observances from their start will be watching for his last time in office. And saying nothing.

Syria crisis: Obama blends threat of attack, hope of diplomacySyria crisis: Obama blends threat of attack, hope of diplomacy

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama used a nationally televised address on Tuesday night to make his case for military action against Syria, telling skeptical Americans that President Bashar Assad's government posed a threat to US security even as he recognized that diplomatic steps could render attacks unnecessary.

US takes security steps ahead of 9/11 anniversary

WASHINGTON: The White House says President Barack Obama's national security team is taking steps to prevent terrorist attacks related to the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Wednesday. 

Obama discussed preparedness and security with his team Tuesday. The White House isn't disclosing what steps are being taken but says Obama's homeland security and counterterrorism adviser, Lisa Monaco, has been reviewing security measures for the anniversary for months. That includes a recent al-Qaida threat that led to the temporary closing of 19 diplomatic posts last month. 

The White House statement also cites the four Americans killed in an attack on a US outpost in Benghazi, Libya, on the September 11 anniversary last year. White House spokesman Jay Carney says the US is still committed to bringing the perpetrators of those attacks to justice.