Smriti Irani on her comeback to TV, political future and more

In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, US President Donald Trump has accused Somali immigrants of stealing ‘$19 billion’ from the United States and called for their deportation. Speaking to reporters, President Trump singled out Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, stating, ‘Every one of them should be forced to leave this country, including Ilhan Omar, who is a total crook.’ He alleged that Somalians are ‘ripping off’ the country through fraud in Minnesota. India Today Foreign Affairs Editor Pranay Upadhyay provides context, noting that this is not the first time President Trump has targeted Somali refugees, citing his previous travel bans and concerns over national security and assimilation. Upadhyay explains that Trump links the community to crime and views Omar, a Democrat who opposes his policies, as a symbol of these issues. The report also references Trump’s past controversial claims regarding Omar’s personal life.

In this Special Report, India Today’s Washington Correspondent Rohit Sharma analyses the new US bill authorising up to 500% tariffs on India if it continues buying Russian oil. Sharma explains that Senator Lindsey Graham has been pushing for this legislation since May 2025 and has now received a 'green-light' from President Donald Trump. The bill, which gives the US President sweeping powers to target Indian exports, is expected to be tabled in the US Senate next week. Sharma notes that despite a drop in Indian imports of Russian crude, the US administration is using tariff threats to force a complete halt to funding Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

A special report details the seizure of the Russian oil tanker 'Bella 1' by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The operation, involving the Cutter Monroe, reportedly targeted the vessel for transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. An unidentified speaker discusses the US strategy to enforce a strict blockade, stating that seized oil will be sold to benefit the Venezuelan people. The transcript highlights heightened tensions with Russia and a broader US initiative to assert dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

In a shocking incident reported from Minneapolis, a woman was shot and killed by a US immigration agent on Wednesday. India Today’s Rohit Sharma reports that the shooting occurred during a surge of federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. While the victim allegedly tried to drive away from the agents, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the officer's actions, stating, 'It's very clear that this individual was harassing and impeding law enforcement operations.' The incident has triggered protests in the city, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz calling for a full investigation into the fatal encounter.