The United States of America (USA) is a federal republic located in North America. It has 50 states and one federal district (Washington, D.C.). The U.S. has one of the world's largest economies and is considered a global superpower.
The country is bordered by Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. With an area of approximately 9.83 million square kilometres, it is the world's third-largest country by land area.
With around 330 million people, the U.S. ranks third globally in terms of population. It is home to people of diverse races, cultures, and religions, making it rich in diversity.
The United States is a federal democratic republic where the President serves as the head of the executive branch. The government is divided into three branches:
• Executive Branch – Headed by the President
• Legislative Branch – Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
• Judicial Branch – Supreme Court and other federal courts
Currently, two major political parties dominate American politics: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
The U.S. economy is one of the largest and most influential in the world, with a GDP exceeding $25 trillion. The country leads in finance, technology, industry, agriculture, and innovation. Major tech companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are based in the U.S.
American culture is a blend of diverse traditions from around the world. The U.S. has contributed immensely to films, pop music, fashion, and sports. Popular sports include American football, basketball, baseball, and golf.
American society highly values individual freedom and innovation. The country has a strong education system, with many top-ranked universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.
The U.S. plays a leading role in global politics, economics, science, and military power. It is a key member of organisations like the United Nations (UN), NATO, the World Bank, and the G7.
The U.S. military is among the most powerful in the world. Additionally, the country is a global leader in space technology, medical research, and artificial intelligence.
In early American history, indigenous and non-European foods like turkey, sweet potatoes, corn, squash, and maple syrup were commonly used. Later, immigrants introduced wheat flour, beef, and dairy products. Traditional foods are prepared and enjoyed during Thanksgiving celebrations. The American fast-food industry is the largest in the world. Iconic American dishes include apple pie, fried chicken, doughnuts, French fries, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
This news report focuses on the massive winter storm currently sweeping across much of the United States of America. The severe weather conditions have led to significant disruptions in power supplies and air travel, prompting several states to declare emergencies. According to the report, 'Washington, D.C. was blanketed with over 20 centimeters of snow in nearly 20 hours of snowfall' as the region grapples with the intense winter system. The capital is expected to remain snowbound for an extended period as temperatures are projected to plunge to minus 10 degrees Celsius. The visuals highlight the scale of the snowfall and the resulting impact on infrastructure and daily life across the country. The bulletin emphasizes the severity of the plummeting temperatures and the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the affected regions as the storm continues to impact the United States.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the high-profile interaction between top Indian business leaders and US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The delegation of prominent Indian corporate leaders, including Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekhar and Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, is set to discuss policy priorities and economic direction. A key point of concern remains the potential impact of US tariffs on India's service and software sectors. Geeta Mohan, Foreign Affairs Editor at India Today, notes that the message from Indian representatives will be that 'this harsh position of it is adversely impacting not just business but in the long run could impact the long-running businesses in the United States of America'. The programme highlights India's growing influence at the forum, marked by a unified 'India House' representing various states and a significant ministerial presence, as global leaders navigate a complex economic landscape defined by trade tensions.
On this edition of India Today Global, host Geeta Mohan reports on the escalating diplomatic tensions as US President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on nations that oppose his goal of acquiring Greenland. Highlighting the strategic importance of the territory for national security and natural resources, Trump stated, 'I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.' The report details the deployment of symbolic European troops to Nuuk by allies including Denmark and France to demonstrate NATO commitment to Arctic security. Former Trump advisor Dr. Waleed Phares joins the discussion to explore potential solutions, such as a long-term lease agreement. Additionally, the program covers the UN Security Council's emergency meeting on Iran protests, where US Ambassador Mike Walz affirmed that 'President Donald J. Trump and the United States of America stands by the brave people of Iran.' The bulletin also addresses India's engagement with the US over the Chabahar port sanctions waiver.
On this Special Report, Dr Ian Bremmer, President of the Eurasia Group, analyzes the global implications of the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Speaking to India Today, Dr Bremmer characterizes the event as a symptom of a 'G-Zero world', where the United States is 'walking away from its own previous global order' in favour of 'America first policies'. He asserts that the US is 'embracing the law of the jungle' where it acts as the 'military apex predator'. While acknowledging Maduro's lack of democratic legitimacy, Dr Bremmer warns that such unilateral actions, including the newly announced 'Don Roe doctrine', may cause 'a lot of damage to America's role in the world' long-term. He argues that while this is a 'short term tactical win for Trump', it undermines the multilateral institutions like the UN and NATO. The interview also covers how these developments impact the strategic postures of Russia and China concerning Ukraine and Taiwan.
On this broadcast, the focus is on the reported US airstrikes on Venezuela and the extraction of Nicolas Maduro. The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement condemning the operation and demanding the release of Maduro and his wife. The programme explores the geopolitical implications, with speakers debating the balance between the US adherence to the rule of law and its actions abroad. One view suggests the US may have broken international law to enforce domestic statutes, while another argues the US acts in its supreme national interest within its sphere of influence, citing the Monroe Doctrine.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating, 'If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters... the United States of America will come to their rescue.'
Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy strongly condemned racist attacks against Second Lady Usha Vance during his speech at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest. Addressing the conservative movement, Ramaswamy denounced online commentator Nick Fuentes for using the derogatory term ‘jeet’ against the Vice President's wife. He stated, ‘If you call Usha Vance, the second lady of the United States of America, a jeet, you have no place in the future of the conservative movement.’ Ramaswamy also drew a red line against extremism, asserting that those who admire figures like Hitler have no place in the party. The bulletin notes that Vice President J.D. Vance also addressed the issue in an interview with UnHerd.
This special report covers the deportation of one of India's most wanted gangsters, Anmol Bishnoi, from the United States. Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is accused in several high-profile cases, including the murders of singer Sidhu Moosewala and NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, and the firing outside actor Salman Khan's residence. Speaking exclusively to India Today, Baba Siddiqui's son and former MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui stated, 'as of today, 18th November 2025. The federal government has removed the offender Anmol Vishnoy from the United States of America.' Zeeshan Siddiqui expressed hope that the deportation will lead to justice for his family and urged the government to interrogate Bishnoi to uncover the masterminds behind his father's murder.
This special report covers the deportation of one of India's most wanted gangsters, Anmol Bishnoi, from the United States. Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is a key operative in a transnational crime syndicate and is accused in several high-profile cases, including the murders of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui and singer Sidhu Moosewala, and a firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's residence. Speaking to India Today, Baba Siddiqui's son and former MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui stated, 'as of today, 18th November 2025, The federal government has removed the offender Anmol Vishnoy from the United States of America.' Zeeshan Siddiqui expressed hope for justice and urged the Indian government to ensure Bishnoi is extradited to face interrogation.
This special report focuses on the global concerns surrounding the United States' nuclear testing policy following a directive from President Donald Trump to resume testing on par with rival nations. In a significant clarification, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated, 'There are no plans for a nuclear explosion in the United States of America.' The US administration has elaborated that the upcoming trials are 'non-critical' or 'subcritical' experiments, designed to verify weapon systems and components without triggering a nuclear chain reaction. This bulletin examines President Trump's justification that nations like China, Russia, and Pakistan are conducting tests covertly, and questions whether this move could ignite a new and dangerous global nuclear arms race.
This special report focuses on the critical meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, analyzing the intense negotiations over trade tariffs, technology, and global influence. The discussion centres on US demands for curbs on fentanyl precursor chemicals, stable access to rare earth minerals, and the rules governing the export of advanced semiconductors like NVIDIA's Blackwell chip. According to commentator Gaurav Sawant, ‘China now sees itself as an equal world superpower, so, China would not want to appear to be weak in front of the United States of America and this is something that the world is watching very closely’. The programme explores whether the two leaders can find common ground on a potential tariff reduction deal or if the geopolitical rivalry will lead to further escalation, with the global economy hanging in the balance. The report also touches upon Trump's transactional approach to the issue of Taiwan.
This special report focuses on a major push for India's defence sector, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearing military procurements worth ₹79,000 crore to boost the armed forces. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also confirmed progress in trade negotiations with the United States, stating, 'We are in dialogue with the United States of America. Our teams are engaged. We recently had the Commerce Secretary visit the US and he met with his counterparts. We continue to engage with them and talks are progressing. We hope to work towards a fair and equitable agreement in the near future'. The programme delves into the market impact of these developments, including the surge in defence stocks and the effect of rising global crude oil prices on Indian companies. Also discussed are Vedanta's ₹1 lakh crore investment plan in Odisha and Deloitte's forecast projecting India's FY26 growth at 6.8 percent amid strong domestic demand.
This special report on India Today Global, anchored by Geeta Mohan, covers the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The main topics include Zelensky’s urgent push for Tomahawk missiles, Trump’s diplomatic balancing act with Russia, and the strategic role of rare earth minerals in global power politics. As Rohit Sharma reports live from Washington DC, Trump’s reversal on missile supplies after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin takes centre stage. 'We need Tomahawks for the United States of America, too. We have a lot of them, but we need them. I mean, we can't deplete for our country,' Trump said, highlighting the tension between US defence needs and Ukraine’s requests. The report also explores China’s dominance in rare earth processing and its impact on US military supply chains.
This special report focuses on U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting stance on supplying Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine, following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump expressed his hesitation, stating, 'We need Tomahawks for the United States of America too... we can't deplete for our country'. The announcement came after a phone call with President Putin, who warned that providing Kyiv with these powerful weapons would inflict 'significant damage' on relations between Moscow and Washington. With President Zelenskyy scheduled to visit the White House to press for the advanced missiles, Trump's comments have cast serious doubt on the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and its strategy for the ongoing war.
A sudden executive order on the H-1B visa program has created significant uncertainty for Indian professionals in the United States. Sudhanshu Kaushik, founder of the North America Association of Indian Students, states the move was intended to create disorder, noting, "what is clear to me is that there was an intent to create chaos. There was an intent to create distrust." The policy shift, which includes a proposed $100,000 fee, has caused widespread concern among H-1B holders and their families, with reports of individuals deboarding flights fearing they might not be allowed back into the US. The situation is also predicted to impact the US higher education system, as prospective international students may now consider other countries like Canada or the UK. The discussion highlights the human and economic consequences of the abrupt policy change, affecting both current visa holders and future applicants.
The top story focusses on Amazon's recommendation for H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the United States by 21st September, following a $1,001 lakh fee levied on H-1B visas through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The administration states this move aims to prioritise American workers in the tech industry. Companies, including Amazon, are advising employees and their families on H-1B and H-4 visas to avoid travelling abroad and remain in the US to prevent complications. There is uncertainty about how the new rules will be implemented and enforced, leading to concerns and questions among visa holders and legal experts. The lack of clarity and the short window before the new policy takes effect has created chaos among affected individuals and companies.
The United States administration under President Donald Trump has initiated a significant change to the H-1B visa program by signing a proclamation for a new annual fee of one lakh dollars. This is an additional cost for employers, bringing the total for each application to approximately $101,000. The administration has argued that these changes will "ensure only the greatest workers..are the ones who are hired" and stated that the tech industry will be happy with the reforms. This new policy is expected to have a considerable impact on Indian applicants, who constitute the majority of H-1B visa recipients. An expert on the broadcast noted that large tech companies might be willing to pay for quality talent, but this move will affect the entire tech industry.
After a period of trade-related tensions, Donald Trump has stated that trade talks with India are still on and that he will speak to 'good friend' Prime Minister Modi in the next few weeks. This marks a softening of tone from the United States, following a 'massive tug-of-war' over tariffs. Trump's latest statement suggests there 'won't be difficulty between India and the United States of America.' The shift is seen as a positive development, leveraging the personal rapport between the two leaders to move forward. Back-channel talks are reportedly underway as both nations engage to find a resolution. On the Indian side, there is an objective to sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by November of this year.
Reports suggest Donald Trump may skip the upcoming Quad summit in India, a development that surfaces amid ongoing trade and tariff frictions affecting India-US relations. This possibility is being analysed as either a pressure tactic from the United States or an indication of America backpedalling on its 'Indo-Pacific' strategy. The situation unfolds as India solidifies its central role in diverse global groupings, including being a founding member of BRICS and a critical part of the Quad and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. While strategic defence and technology cooperation between India and the US remains strong, trade disputes are a significant point of contention. Amid these geopolitical shifts, India maintains its stance on a multipolar world order, with one analyst noting, "India is too strong a country for America to dictate terms to India, too."
A shootout has occurred in Minneapolis, United States of America. The shooter posted videos of weapons and ammunition online before the attack, which resulted in the deaths of an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old child. Messages written on the weapons included "Kill Donald Trump" and "Nuke India". This incident brings the contentious issue of gun control in the US into sharp focus again. The debate is largely centered around the Second Amendment, which grants the right to bear arms. A significant political divide exists on the issue, with Democrats generally advocating for stricter gun laws and Republicans opposing major reforms, resulting in a long-standing legislative impasse on gun control.
