Sonu Sood questioned by ED in betting app case

**Sonu Sood Questioned by ED in 1xBet Betting App Money Laundering Case**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:47 PM*

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood visited the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in central Delhi on Wednesday for questioning in connection with a money-laundering investigation related to the online betting app 1xBet. The 52-year-old actor was summoned by the agency and arrived at the ED office around noon. He is being questioned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

### Ongoing Probe into 1xBet Online Betting App

The ED’s investigation into 1xBet is part of a broader probe targeting several online betting platforms accused of cheating people out of crores and evading both direct and indirect taxes. Over the past few weeks, the agency has questioned several former cricketers, including Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, and Yuvraj Singh, among others.

### Probe into Celebrity Endorsements

The Enforcement Directorate is also examining how celebrities were approached by 1xBet for endorsements. The agency aims to uncover key contacts in India and determine the method and source of celebrity payments. It is investigating whether these payments could be classified as “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.

To aid in the investigation, the ED has requested copies of contracts as well as all email and paper documentation related to the celebrities’ dealings with 1xBet.

### About 1xBet

According to its official website, 1xBet is a globally recognized bookmaker with 18 years of experience in the betting industry. The app offers users the ability to bet on thousands of sporting events and is available in 70 languages.

The ED may soon begin attaching the assets of individuals found to have used proceeds from promotional activities linked to the case.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding investigation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/sonu-sood-summoned-by-the-ed/story

Island treks with stunning coastal views: A list

Island Treks with Stunning Coastal Views: A List

By Simran Jeet | Sep 24, 2025 | 02:15 pm

Exploring islands on foot offers a unique way to experience their natural beauty and cultural richness. Island treks allow travelers to immerse themselves in diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged coastlines. Here are some of the best island treks that promise unforgettable adventures for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking views.

1. Discovering Madeira’s Levadas

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago, is famous for its levada walks. These are irrigation channels with trails running alongside them. The levadas take you through the island’s stunning landscapes, from laurel forests to terraced fields.

One of the most popular routes is the PR1 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, offering dramatic coastal views and unique geological formations. Trekkers can enjoy moderate hikes with varying lengths and difficulty levels, making it accessible for many.

2. Exploring New Zealand’s Great Walks

New Zealand boasts several Great Walks on its islands, providing trekkers with opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island is one of the most famous treks, featuring volcanic landscapes and emerald lakes.

On the South Island, the Routeburn Track takes you through alpine scenery and native forests. These walks are well-maintained and offer huts and campsites for overnight stays, catering to multi-day trekking adventures.

3. Hiking Greece’s Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge in Crete is one of Europe’s longest canyons, stretching 16 kilometers. This trek offers stunning views as it winds through towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

The gorge opens up into the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli village, where hikers can relax after their journey. The best time to visit is between May and October when weather conditions are favorable for trekking.

4. Trekking Scotland’s Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is renowned for its rugged landscapes and dramatic scenery, making it an ideal trekking destination.

The Quiraing hike offers breathtaking views over the Trotternish Ridge, while the Fairy Pools trek lets you experience crystal-clear waters nestled beneath the Cuillin Mountains. Trails on Skye vary from easy walks to challenging scrambles, catering to all skill levels.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/island-treks-with-stunning-coastal-views-a-list/story

Asia Cup 2025: Which teams can make the final?

The 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup is heating up, with intense competition among the top teams.

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have emerged as the primary contenders, each fiercely fighting for a spot in the highly anticipated summit clash.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches and high-stakes encounters between these cricketing powerhouses. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments from the Asia Cup!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/asia-cup-2025-qualification-scenarios-for-final/story

DOF secures legislative backing for P38-B budget

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) has secured support for its 2026 budget proposal amounting to ₱38 billion from House Committee on Appropriations vice chair Bella Vanessa Suansing.

Suansing, the Sultan Kudarat Representative, recognized the DOF’s crucial role in her sponsorship speech before the House Plenary on September 23.

“The Department of Finance…

https://business.inquirer.net/548808/dof-secures-legislative-backing-for-p38-b-budget

Two US giants appoint Indian-origin CEOs as H-1B debate intensifies

In a significant development, T-Mobile and Molson Coors have appointed Indian-origin executives as their new CEOs.

This milestone highlights the growing influence and leadership of Indian-origin professionals in the global corporate landscape. Their appointments signify a promising shift towards greater diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of major multinational companies.

Stay tuned for more updates on their strategic plans and visions for the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/t-mobile-molson-coors-appoint-indian-ceos-amid-h-1b-debate/story

Delhi HC Quashes NHAI Notification On Recruiting Lawyers Based On CLAT-PG Scores

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday set aside a notification issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that made scores of the Common Law Admission Test for Post-Graduate courses (CLAT-PG) the basis for the recruitment of lawyers.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela allowed a petition challenging the NHAI’s August 11 notification. “The writ petition is allowed. Resultantly, the recruitment criteria given in the notification is quashed,” the bench stated while pronouncing its judgment. The detailed judgment is awaited.

The court’s verdict followed a plea contesting the NHAI notification which mandated the use of CLAT-PG scores for legal recruitment. On September 18, the court had stayed the notification, observing that there appeared to be “no rationale” behind the recruitment process based on CLAT-PG scores.

The petition was filed by Shannu Bahgel, a lawyer, who argued that CLAT-PG scores cannot legally form the basis for public employment. Bahgel contended that the CLAT-PG exam is designed solely to assess the merit of LLB degree holders seeking admission to master’s degree programs in law, not for selection in government jobs.

He further submitted that the purpose of recruitment under the August 11 notification was to engage legal professionals to provide services, not for candidates to pursue higher studies. “There does not appear to be any reasonable or rational nexus between the objects sought to be achieved and the basis of preparation of merit for such selection,” the petition stated.

The bench had earlier observed that the rationale behind the CLAT-PG exam was to measure merit for higher education and not for public employment purposes.

In response, the NHAI’s counsel defended the notification, stating that the authority sought to test a candidate’s legal acumen through CLAT-PG scores. The counsel argued that CLAT scores provided a reasonable benchmark for assessing candidates. He also emphasized that while the selection was primarily based on CLAT results, candidates’ experience was also taken into consideration.

The petitioner challenged the NHAI’s directive to engage 44 young professionals solely on the basis of scores obtained in CLAT 2022 and subsequent editions of the postgraduate law admissions test. He argued that restricting recruitment to candidates who appeared for CLAT-PG from 2022 onwards was arbitrary and unreasonable.

“The recruitment is restricted only to candidates who appeared in CLAT 2022 and onward PG, ignoring all other law graduates and practising advocates who are otherwise fully qualified. The criteria of restricting selection exclusively on the basis of CLAT 2022 onward (post-graduate) score is arbitrary, irrational,” the plea stated.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/delhi-hc-quashes-nhai-notification-on-recruiting-lawyers-based-on-clat-pg-scores

MP News: Relative Arrested For Raping 16-Year-Old Girl In Gwalior; Lured Her On Pretex Of Temple Visit, But Took Her To Forest

**16-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped by Distant Relative in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh**

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a distant relative in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district. The accused, Pawan Kushwaha, lured her under the pretext of visiting a temple but instead took her to a nearby forest and sexually exploited her. He also recorded obscene videos of the girl and used them to blackmail her.

According to reports, the crime took place in the Chinaur area of Bhitarwar. The incident began when Kushwaha, who is a distant relative of the victim, used to visit her house frequently. Police reports reveal that Kushwaha confessed his love for the minor and promised to marry her.

Taking advantage of the victim being alone at her sister’s house, Kushwaha allegedly sexually exploited her and recorded obscene videos. When the girl stopped meeting him, he started threatening to make the photos and videos viral.

The crime escalated further when Kushwaha arrived on his bike to visit the minor again. He lured her with the promise of a visit to the Dhumeshwar temple. However, instead of heading to the religious site, he took her to a nearby forest where he raped her once again.

Frightened by the assault and ongoing blackmail, the girl confided in her family. They promptly lodged a formal complaint against the accused at Chinaur police station.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police registered cases under the Rape and POCSO Act and launched a manhunt. Following a tip-off from an informer, authorities tracked Kushwaha to his brother-in-law’s residence in Chak Kishanpur village, where he was apprehended.

Station in-charge Shailendra Gurjar took immediate action and arrested the accused. CSP Gwalior Robin Jain stated, “The heinous crime was committed by the victim’s distant relative, whom she had known for the last two years. The girl, who stayed in a hostel, was raped twice.”

The police have assured that the accused will be dealt with strictly as per the law. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-relative-arrested-for-raping-16-year-old-girl-in-gwalior-lured-her-on-pretex-of-temple-visit-but-took-her-to-forest

Who Is Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati? Self-Styled Godman Accused Of Sexually Harassing 17 Female Students, Possessing Car With Fake Embassy Number Plate

**Self-Styled Godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati Booked for Sexual Harassment by Delhi Police**

*New Delhi:* Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled godman and member of the management committee of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, has been booked by the Delhi Police following allegations of sexual harassment made by several female students.

A complaint was filed on August 4 at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station concerning the matter. According to police sources, statements of 32 female PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) students enrolled under the EWS scholarship at the institute were recorded. Among them, 17 students alleged that Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted physical advances.

### Who Is Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati?

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Parth Sarthy, is a committee member of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management. He is currently facing multiple sexual harassment charges.

A case has been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Subsequently, 16 victims have deposed before a magistrate as part of the ongoing investigation.

The police also discovered a Volvo car with a forged diplomatic number plate – “39 UN 1” – parked in the institute’s basement. The vehicle is allegedly used by Saraswati. Authorities seized the car following the filing of another FIR on August 25.

Currently, Saraswati is absconding, prompting law enforcement to launch a manhunt to apprehend the self-styled godman.

### Previous Allegations and Cases

This is not the first time Saraswati has been embroiled in legal trouble. In 2009, a case involving fraud and molestation was registered against him in Delhi’s Defence Colony, according to reports by IANS.

In 2016, another molestation case was reportedly filed by a woman at the Vasant Kunj North police station, further adding to the allegations against him.

The police continue their investigation and efforts to bring the accused to justice. Further updates will be provided as the case develops.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/who-is-swami-chaitanyananda-saraswati-self-styled-godman-accused-of-sexually-harassing-17-female-students

Police cracking down on drunk driving during AFL grand final weekend

Victoria Police are cracking down on drunk and drug drivers over the AFL Grand Final long weekend.

As the celebrations begin, authorities are increasing patrols and checkpoints to ensure roads remain safe for all commuters. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and avoid getting behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or drugs.

Stay safe and remember: the consequences of impaired driving can be severe.

*Published on September 24, 2025, at 4:53 PM.*
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/police-cracking-down-on-drunk-driving-during-afl-grand-final-weekend-20250924-p5mxos.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

Race-by-race preview and tips for Hawkesbury on Thursday

Track: Good 4 and rail out 2m from 1100m to 450m and True the remainder.

**RACE 1**

6. Falcon Lair is a tough improver from the Annabel and Rob Archibald stable, primed to break through at only his third start. He has twice hit the line late into a place, the latest here three weeks ago when backed from $4.40 into $3.40.

8. The Pearls has had two runs back from a break for the Chris Waller yard and will relish the extra furlong.

9. Villa Castina is an improving filly and the third of the Archibald-trained runners who ran home okay late first-up at this track.

1. Tommy Thug is naturally better over further, but still a long-priced betting watch resuming off two trials for a leading stable.

**How to play it:** Falcon Lair to win.

**RACE 2**

2. Perfect Justice is a well-bred four-year-old who can return off a 19-week spell with a bang for the John Sargent yard. Given two progressive Randwick trials, winning the latest over 1050m, this looks a lovely starting trip for a galloper who can be very competitive beyond 2000m in late spring. He didn’t handle heavy ground when tackling a Group 2 as a three-year-old in the autumn.

1. Strawberry Impact is a talented home tracker bursting to win a second race second-up. Came from last to beat all bar the winner here 19 days ago, and naturally, the extra furlong is a big plus.

3. Tambeloa is a lightly raced and talented colt resuming off a quiet trial. Big gap to the rest, headed by 7. Yes I Win who swept home to claim an average maiden on debut at Canberra despite being friendless in betting.

**How to play it:** Perfect Justice to win.

**RACE 3**

5. I Am Adonis is an exciting colt switching states off a 20-week break for just his second start. He debuted in late autumn at Caulfield when failing to run home in a Saturday two-year-old race after not getting things to suit. Given plenty of time since, winkers go on here, and fitted with a dominant trial win. Just needs to find cover from an awkward draw to be the one to beat.

6. Invincible Phantom is a big watch resuming from the inside draw off two trials for the Bjorn Baker stable.

9. Young Mister Grace is a colt by Anders from the local Brad Widdup yard and has been readied with two easy trials.

10. Billabong is an emerging filly who reloads 13 days after failing to hit the line in heavy going at Kembla on debut, and can improve on much firmer ground, with a significant jockey change.

Big gap to the rest headed by honest local 1. Everybody Rise second-up who can add value into trifecta and first four plays.

**How to play it:** I Am Adonis to win.

**RACE 4**

5. Miss Joy is a four-year-old mare trained on the course and represents terrific value at big odds on debut wearing blinkers. She has been taken along slowly with two recent trials, the latest good through the line at Wyong over 1000m. Drawn to get a handy enough run, and will be strong late being by Group 3 mile winner Proisir.

3. Greyt Thinker is an improver drawn to be in the finish second-up, and likely to jump favourite.

7. Hard Jakka had no luck on debut at Wyong before failing to hit the line in deeper maiden company at Canterbury.

1. Corpartner Pegasus, a four-year-old by Castelvecchio, on debut at home well into double figure odds, and fellow home tracker 9. Pawa who can improve off a fair country debut; both are capable of running into the minor money; while stablemate of the top selection 12. Bondi Blossom heads the rest.

**How to play it:** Miss Joy each way.

**RACE 5**

6. Extravagant Choice is a tough and underrated six-year-old well-placed to strike second-up over a bit further. He hit the line hard into a place when resuming in a handy country BM 66 under a big weight, and while this is tougher, the extra furlong and bigger track are plusses. Gets a huge 8.5kg weight drop after the jockeys claim.

1. Show County is a progressive and local dry tracker who will be hard to stop from an ideal draw 25 days after a tough BM 64 win at Wyong.

4. Tavalo is a sparingly raced mare who disappointed first-up in an Open Federal at Canberra, but fitter now, she can improve sharply on firmer ground.

5. Cape Byron is a similar improver second-up over more ground; while 2. Duke of Camden is the best of the rest and can figure in the minor money.

**How to play it:** Extravagant Choice to win.

**RACE 6**

9. Call Me Magnifique is a talented four-year-old who swept home for a dominant CL1 win second-up at Wyong 26 days ago. Bit tougher here, but drawn to get early cover off speed, and further boosted with the early favourite being preferred at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

6. Omnic is a third-up improver from a softer draw over more ground.

4. Monty Be Quick is over the odds fourth-up from the inside draw, while 8. Affermato fourth-up is a minor money contender.

**How to play it:** Call Me Magnifique to win.

**RACE 7**

9. Nepo Baby is a smart filly who can take the step up from maiden success and make it two from two to announce her career, and cap a big day for the Archibald stable. Gave nothing else a chance from the front on debut at Scone over the same distance, and a stronger claiming jockey takes over here. Headed for much better races, and this only a moderate line-up for the grade. Scratched from Warwick Farm on Wednesday to run here.

1. Still Alice draws to get an economical run third-up, and can run the quinella.

4. Chica Del Mar is a talented mare and market watch resuming for a shrewd Scone stable behind two trials.

Doubt anything else can win, but include both locally trained 5. Twinkling Star second-up and 6. Grande Bellezza coming off back-to-back wins in weaker country races, in wider exotics.

**How to play it:** Nepo Baby to win.

**RACE 8**

1. Battle Hymn is a lightly raced and promising four-year-old returning for his first run since late February. Has to get over from the outside barrier, but fitted with two progressive trials, and thrashed weaker country opposition on debut early this year.

5. Narcissist looms as the value second-up off a dominant maiden win here.

2. Believe In Angels also draws out, but progressive enough in this lineup to be in the finish second-up.

3. Jambalaya is dropping in grade deep into the prep.

8. Lady Shenanigans third-up off a tough win here in similar company.

10. Sumo Star improving second-up back on dry ground.

All are capable of figuring in the money.

**How to play it:** Battle Hymn to win.

### BEST BETS:

– **R6:** 9. Call Me Magnifique
– **R7:** 9. Nepo Baby

### BEST VALUE:

– **R5:** 6. Extravagant Choice

*Supplied by Racing NSW*
Full form and race replays available at [racingnsw.com.au](https://www.racingnsw.com.au).
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/racing/race-by-race-preview-and-tips-for-hawkesbury-on-thursday-20250924-p5mxm2.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed