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.
Geeta Mohan examines shifting geopolitical strategies in Statecraft, beginning with European nations relocating gold reserves from North America. The Netherlands has moved 86 tonnes of gold away from the United States and Canada to London and domestic vaults to enhance accessibility during potential crises, reflecting broader European moves to reduce dependence on Washington amid policy divergences. In Ukraine, lawmakers are pushing to legalise and tax the adult entertainment industry, projecting annual revenues of up to 25 million dollars to purchase approximately 30,000 combat drones, while curbing underground corruption. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has initiated a massive 17-day combat exercise over Rajasthan near the international border, coinciding with the multinational Tarang Shakti drill, triggering heightened vigilance and emergency meetings across Pakistan's defence establishment. Additionally, US diplomatic envoys held substantive talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, while Germany's far-right AfD achieved a major electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
An RSS chief address to the Indian community at Madison Square Garden in New York highlighted messages of unity, diversity, and civic duty to one's Karma Bhumi. Emphasizing that diversity decorates oneness, the speech pointed out that India helps the world understand unity in diversity. The address urged members of the Indian diaspora living and earning in the United States to fulfill their duties and remain loyal to their Karma Bhumi, emphasizing that living and working in America makes one part of the nation. It noted that while fulfilling duties to one's working land is essential, contributing to Bharat remains valued. The speech stressed the importance of sustaining humanity and nature, highlighting that truth connects everyone despite differences in language, attire, or religion. The event took place despite opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who acknowledged he lacked the authority to cancel the gathering.
The Indian Overseas Congress chief for the United States of America and Canada has called on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to embrace the founding principles of India. Speaking amidst the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat to New York, the representative stated that India belongs to all communities including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Dalits. The remarks emphasized eliminating the caste system, ending discrimination, respecting women, providing free education and healthcare, and upholding equality, justice, non-violence, and liberty as fundamental national values.
During the recent G7 Summit in Evian, the Indian Prime Minister and the US President engaged in bilateral discussions focusing on trade, tariffs, and defence cooperation.
A draft peace deal has been signed between the United States President and the Iranian President to end the conflict in West Asia. The agreement was signed digitally, with the United States President also signing a hard copy at the Palace of Versailles in France, alongside the French President.
The United States President addressed multiple geopolitical and domestic issues, highlighting a strong defence commitment to India. The administration pledged military assistance if India faces an attack, specifically noting support for the current Indian leadership.
The United States and Iran have reached a peace agreement, leading to the immediate removal of the naval blockade and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Trinamool Congress is facing an internal rebellion as multiple members of parliament have resigned and demanded the party chief choose between loyalists and general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The latest episode of Statecraft examines the evolving strategic posture of the Quad nations following their New Delhi meeting, focusing on maritime domain awareness and critical mineral supply chains across the Indo-Pacific.
This edition of India First examines recent social media posts by US President Donald Trump stating that nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran should sign the Abraham Accords moving forward.
The big focus of this episode of India First is on the big delimitation showdown.
Addressing the United States delegation during President Donald Trump's visit to China. President Xi Jinping said achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, discussed Tehran's response to US President Donald Trump's threats. He detailed the history of Tehran's diplomatic engagement with Washington, highlighting the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the assassination of IRGC Commander Qassem Soleimani. He explained Iran's recent proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which the US rejected. Baghaei stated, "Blockade itself is a declaration of an act of war," attributing the current international maritime and energy crises, including those affecting India, to actions by the US and Israel. He also questioned why the disarmament of Israel's nuclear weapons is not part of global demands, noting Iran's compliance with the NPT. Addressing the possibility of a ground invasion by the US, Baghaei affirmed Iran's military readiness, warning, "We have no other choice other than fighting back ferociously." He emphasised that Iran is defending its homeland and international law against aggression.
This broadcast examines escalating geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and South Asia. Iranian officials have rejected mediation efforts by Pakistan, alleging a bias toward the United States.
The big talking point of this episode of 5 Live is the political confrontation regarding the Women's Reservation Bill ahead of a special Parliament session.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a forty-minute phone conversation regarding the West Asia crisis and the necessity of a ceasefire.
Iran has confirmed that talks are underway with the United States of America, but clarified that these are not direct negotiations. According to Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai, discussions are happening through intermediaries who are conveying messages between the two sides.
In a moment that sounded less like restraint and more like raw power, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth credited President Donald Trump for allowing the military to strike Iran “as viciously as possible”. “The air campaign we’ve conducted was one for the history books,” Hegseth said on Wednesday, adding, “we have a president who when he sends his warfighters out to fight, he unties their hands to actually go out and destroy the enemy as viciously as possible from moment one.” It was praise, unmistakably. It was also a clear window into how this war has been fought. Hegseth did not attempt to soften the doctrine. “We negotiate with bombs,” he said, doubling down on a line that now defines Washington’s approach to the conflict. The comment comes even as talks with Iran continue in parallel, a combination of diplomacy and destruction that has become the hallmark of the current strategy. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Hegseth painted a picture of overwhelming force. “Never in history has a modern military… been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated, from day one with overwhelming firepower,” he said. “You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran, about your future.” He added that Trump had made the objective clear: Iran would not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. “The President has made it clear that you will not have a nuclear weapon. The war department agrees, our job is to ensure that.” Hegseth signalled there would be no let-up just yet. “We are keeping our hand on that throttle as long and as hard as is necessary to ensure that the interests of the United States of America are achieved on that battlefield,” he said. “He has been very clear with us about what we need to accomplish… creating the conditions for them never to have a nuclear capability, and that is exactly what we are doing in a historic fashion.”
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.
