United States
North America
Why in news
Sep 2026
Washington joined a two-week ceasefire with Iran and Israel, pausing strikes in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration moved to add a $103,265 fee on every new H-1B visa petition through formal rulemaking, a step with direct stakes for India's tech workforce.
Apr 2026
Washington joined a two-week ceasefire with Iran and Israel, pausing strikes in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration moved to add a $103,265 fee on every new H-1B visa petition through formal rulemaking, a step with direct stakes for India's tech workforce.
Key facts
- Washington moved to add a $103,265 fee on every new H-1B petition, with direct stakes for India's tech workforce.
UPSC relevance
Prelims
Prelims may ask its location, capital, neighbours, and the recent development that put it in the news.
Mains
Mains (GS-2): bilateral relations with India and regional geopolitics.
Asked in UPSC
2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1949
Frequently asked questions
Why is United States in the news?
Apr 2026: Washington joined a two-week ceasefire with Iran and Israel, pausing strikes in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration moved to add a $103,265 fee on every new H-1B visa petition through formal rulemaking, a step with direct stakes for India's tech workforce. Sep 2026: Washington joined a two-week ceasefire with Iran and Israel, pausing strikes in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration moved to add a $103,265 fee on every new H-1B visa petition through formal rulemaking, a step with direct stakes for India's tech workforce.
Why is United States important for UPSC?
Prelims may ask its location, capital, neighbours, and the recent development that put it in the news. Mains (GS-2): bilateral relations with India and regional geopolitics.
Last updated: 2026-10-09