US Trade Team's India Visit Called Off, Likely To Be Rescheduled: Sources

Amid a strain in economic ties because of the increased tariff, a planned visit by a US team to India for trade negotiations from August 25 to 29 has been cancelled and is likely to be rescheduled, sources told NDTV Profit on Saturday. 

The team was supposed to carry forward negotiations on the bilateral trade agreement between the countries, which is especially important now, given US President Donald Trump's announcement of 25% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, in addition to a 25% levy he had imposed before. 

The negotiations would have been the sixth round of talks between the US and India on the bilateral trade agreement and their timing was also crucial because they would have been held around August 27, when the additional 25% tariff is scheduled to take effect. They were also being held ahead of the fall, or September-October timeframe, that was being targeted for the finalisation of the agreement. 

The sources said, however, that the talks are most likely to be rescheduled.

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US Parents Defend Discipline Method After Viral Video Sparks Backlash

An Oregon couple, Katie and Dustin Maletich, have defended their parenting approach after a video showing their 9-year-old son doing push-ups and 60 squats went viral, drawing mixed reactions online, according to The Fox News Digital.

The incident occurred when Dustin's stepson, Tommy, told his mother to "chill". As a response, Dustin, a prison corrections officer, asked him to complete a workout before calmly discussing respectful communication. Tommy later apologised, and the moment ended with a hug.

Watch the video here: 

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A post shared by Katie & Dustin. Blended Family. Oregon (@raisingmaletich)

While some viewers praised the stepfather for his calm and structured response, others criticised using physical exercise as a form of punishment. Dr Dyan Hes, a paediatrician in New York, called it a "ridiculous punishment", arguing that intense exercise could be harmful for a young child and might create negative associations with physical activity.

However, educational psychologist Dr Michele Borba supported the approach, noting that the stepfather remained composed and the task seemed achievable for the boy. She expressed greater concern over the potential emotional effects of publicly sharing the video.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, the Maletich family said they do not use exercise to punish their children but to teach self-control and emotional regulation. They explained that consequences are designed to match inappropriate behaviour, helping children learn constructive outlets for frustration.

Their 13-year-old daughter, they added, sometimes chooses to walk or jog when she feels upset, finding it helps her communicate more clearly afterwards.

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Viral Tea Strainer Cleaning Hack Goes Online, Here Are More Tricks

There is hardly a kitchen in the world without a tea strainer. But let us be honest – washing one can be a real hassle. Even after applying dishwashing soap, getting it completely clean is not always easy. A kitchen hack going viral online, however, shows a surprisingly simple way to rinse a soapy strainer. In the video, a person first holds the dish soap–covered strainer under running water, but it proves tricky to rinse. Then, they place a spatula between the tap and the strainer. The spatula redirects and evenly spreads the water flow, making it much easier to wash the soap away.

Also Read: Viral Video: Indian Traveller Calls Out "Worst Lunch" Experience At Eiffel Tower Restaurant

The text attached to the post reads, “Smart cleaning trick!”

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A post shared by Jeff and Lauren (@jeffandlaurenshow)

Looks like the internet is not impressed with this hack. The comments section was flooded with satirical reactions.

A user wrote, “Doesn't your hand work just as well?”

Another one added, “Using your hand is the better option.”

“How to waste your time on the internet,” read a comment.

A person said, “Sprayer works better and faster.”

“Or just dunk into a bowl of clean water,” suggested an Instagrammer.

Also Read: Indian Woman Asks ChatGPT To Pick A Watermelon. What Happens Next Divides The Internet

If you are looking for easy ways to clean your tea strainer, here are some simple hacks you can try:

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar in a bowl. Soak your tea strainer in it for about an hour. The fizzing will help loosen the stains and residue. Rinse well with water.

2. Boiling Water

Pour boiling water over the strainer or hold it under hot running water. This will kill germs and help dissolve any stuck tea leaves. Scrub gently with a brush if needed.

3. Lemon Juice

Cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the strainer, especially on stained spots. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with water. Lemon's natural acid works well to remove build-up.

4. Toothbrush and Dish Soap

Soak the strainer in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub it gently. Rinse well afterwards.

5. Denture Tablets

Fill a bowl with warm water and drop in a denture cleaning tablet. Add your strainer and let it soak for 15–20 minutes. The bubbles will help clean it. Rinse and dry completely.

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Canadian Man Slams Indian Family For Playing Music At Beach, Sparks Debate

A Canadian man has sparked a heated debate on social media after criticising an Indian family for playing loud music at a beach. In a video shared on Instagram, the man, who goes by @truenorthlooper online, described himself as a one-man band. He claimed that the city authorities once stopped him from performing at a beach and fined him for the same, but are allowing others to "blast whatever kind of music they want". While complaining, he stopped in front of a picnic blanket with bags on it and a speaker playing Punjabi music.

"This is another example of coming down to the beach and blasting whatever kind of music you want and at whatever volume you want. These people are not even here, yet everyone within 150 feet has to listen to this. Great job, City of Barrie," the man said sarcastically.

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A post shared by 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 (@troll_canadaa_)

He went on to criticise the authorities for fining him for playing guitar at the beach. 

"Heaven forbid, I play guitar and raise money for the Barrie Food Bank. That's a no-no. But yeah, come here and blast whatever music you want, you don't even have to listen to it, go play in the water while everyone else will have to listen to it," he added.

The video was originally shared with the title "The good, the bad and the ugly reality of the City of Barrie". It resurfaced after being shared by a Canadian Instagram page. 

In the comments section, users had mixed reactions. While some agreed with him, others asked him to stop hating on other people. 

"Just confront them about it? Or request for slightly lower volume? I don't understand, is it a new trend to come and cry to the internet as a full grown man? Cmon man. Find another spot, or request them. Weeping on the internet is not it. Smh," one user wrote. 

"life is not that long to hate or jealous someone .. just enjoy everyday of your life .. live n let live," commented another. 

"Man this is just ridiculous, i think it's perfectly okay to do this. People these days be creating drama for no reason just bring the immigrants down. Last week i went to beach and english music was playing all over but guess what I didn't go pick up on anyone and minded my own gad damn business, get a life old bag," said a third user. 

"Typical Canadians always complaining about someone or something that doesn't suit them....just stay home...stop complaining just enjoy the day...let people be," wrote one user. 

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On NDTV Jai Jawan, Aamir Khan Says He Is "Religious, But It Is..."

Religion is a personal topic for Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who believes that all faiths lead to one god.

On NDTV's Independence Day special Jai Jawan, the actor-producer was asked whether he was religious or spiritual.

In his response, Aamir Khan said, "I am (religious). Religion is such a personal topic with each one of us. It's something which is very close to my heart and I respect all religions. We may have different paths but we are finally headed to the same source.

"I don't know how spiritual I am. I suppose I'd like to believe I am (spiritual). I think you have to connect to a larger consciousness. Connecting to the larger consciousness is connecting to god."

The 60-year-old actor, who was last seen in Sitaare Zameen Par, said he recently started meditating.

"I started doing meditation a few months ago... One of the forms of meditation is also when you are fully focused on something. Squash is also very meditative. All that chasing the ball...

"Aapke dimaag mein sab dhul jaata hai (Your mind becomes all clear)" said Aamir Khan, adding he practises Daaji Meditation, spiritual practice guided by Daaji (Kamlesh Patel), who is the current spiritual guide of the Heartfulness tradition.

Aamir Khan returned to Jai Jawan after featuring on the special programme, dedicated to the Indian armed forces, over two decades ago, right after the Kargil War victory.

Watch the full coverage of Jai Jawan on NDTV at 12 noon, August 15.

Also Read | NDTV Jai Jawan 2025: Aamir Khan Reveals His Pick For Bhuvan In Lagaan Remake

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US Priest Accused Of Having Affair With Teen Stripper, Paying Her Money

A 61-year-old Catholic priest in Alabama is under investigation for allegedly initiating a relationship with a 17-year-old stripper in 2009 and paying her hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep silent about it, the Guardian reported. Robert Sullivan, the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood, Alabama, has been placed on leave after being publicly accused by the woman, Heather Jones, now 33. According to Ms Jones, she met Sullivan while dancing at a strip club he regularly visited.

While tipping her, he allegedly offered $273,000 for a non-disclosure agreement in exchange for "an ongoing relationship" involving financial support for private companionship, which also included sex. Ms Jones, who was raised in foster care due to her mother's severe neglect, said in her letter to the diocese that she was hesitant but agreed due to his persistence and her vulnerable state of mind.

Days later, she allegedly received two wire transfers of $136,500 each from an attorney's office. Sullivan, posing initially as a doctor, allegedly took her shopping, dining, drinking, and to hotels in at least six Alabama cities during their relationship, which she claims continued until this year.

Ms Jones further alleged that the priest purchased a phone for her and funded her rehab treatment while she struggled with addiction and depression. She claimed that between July 18, 2024, and March 2025, a Venmo account in her name transferred nearly $120,000 to her. She explained that she felt obligated to share the allegations publicly due to Sullivan's close work with families and children at his church.

"Others may be vulnerable to the same type of manipulation and exploitation," she told the Guardian.

Sullivan has served as a priest for over 32 years and previously held the position of president at John Carroll High School for six years. 

In a letter to the diocese this week, Bishop Steven Raica, who leads the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, addressed the allegations, stating that there is insufficient evidence to warrant a criminal investigation into Sullivan's actions.

"While the Alabama Department of Human Resources determined that the allegations did not match the requirements for opening an investigation, a diocese investigation was initiated, again, according to Church law and our diocesan policies and guidelines," Mr Raica wrote.

"Our diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator has continued to be in contact with the woman who brought forth the allegations and has provided appropriate support," he added.

The Bishop also said that the allegations are being reported to the Vatican. 

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Influencer With 1.2 Million Followers Arrested In Rs 40-Crore Laundering Case

An 'entrepreneur' with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, whose bio also states that she is an actor, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Rs 40-crore money laundering case.

The case against Sandeepa Virk stems from a first information report (FIR) lodged at a police station in Mohali under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, in which she was accused of defrauding individuals by soliciting money under false pretences and through misrepresentation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out search operations on Tuesday and Wednesday at multiple locations in Delhi and Mumbai in connection with the money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to the ED, Ms Virk is accused of acquiring immovable properties through fraudulent means. She projected herself as the owner of hyboocare.com, a website claiming to sell FDA-approved beauty products. However, investigators found that the products were non-existent, the website lacked user registration features, faced persistent payment gateway failures, and had negligible social media presence.

Additionally, its WhatsApp contact number was inactive, and no transparent company details were available - pointing to a non-genuine commercial operation allegedly used as a front to launder funds.

The ED's probe also revealed Ms Virk's alleged links with Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman, a former director of the now-defunct Reliance Capital Limited. Search operations at Mr Sethuraman's residence allegedly confirmed his role in "illegal liaising work" and diversion of funds for personal gain.

The agency said that, in 2018, public funds worth approximately Rs 18 crore from Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL) were disbursed to Mr Sethuraman without due diligence and under highly irregular lending terms that allowed deferments and multiple waivers. In addition, a Rs 22-crore home loan was allegedly sanctioned by Reliance Capital Limited in violation of prudential norms. Investigators said large portions of these funds were siphoned off and remain unpaid.

In a statement to news agency PTI, Mr Sethuraman dismissed the allegations as "baseless". He also denied any connection with Ms Virk or any transactions related to her.

During the raids, the ED seized incriminating documents and recorded statements of several key individuals, including one Farrukh Ali. Ms Virk was arrested on August 12 under provisions of the PMLA and produced before a court, which sent her to ED custody until Friday.

ED officials said the potential involvement of other individuals is also being investigated.

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