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Big Update On EPFO Rules, Withdrawal To Become Easier For Members; Details Inside

New Delhi: The Central Government is considering simplifying the withdrawal rules of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). According to a report by Moneycontrol, the initiative aims to provide members with greater flexibility in managing their retirement funds based on their financial needs.

Two senior government officials revealed that the plan includes making it easier for EPFO members to withdraw funds for purposes such as buying a house, marriage, or education. While no fixed timeline has been announced, these changes could be implemented within a year.

### What Are the Current EPFO Rules?

Currently, EPFO members can withdraw their entire fund only upon reaching the age of 58 or if they remain unemployed for more than two months. For other purposes, several strict conditions apply:

– **Marriage:** Members can withdraw only up to 50 percent of the employee’s contribution plus interest. Additionally, the member must have completed at least 7 years of continuous service.

– **Home Purchase or Construction:** Members can withdraw up to 90 percent of their fund. The property must be registered in the name of the member, their spouse, or jointly. A minimum of 3 years of service is also required.

### What Is Likely to Change?

The government is considering allowing EPFO members to withdraw full or partial savings every 10 years. This change would grant members more control over their funds, enabling them to use their savings when genuinely needed.

### Experts Welcome the Move

Finance and legal experts have expressed support for relaxing the withdrawal rules, emphasizing that it will benefit low and middle-income workers. Easier access to their funds means they can meet urgent financial needs without resorting to loans. At present, the withdrawal process is encumbered with restrictions such as minimum years of service, withdrawal limits, frequency caps, and extensive paperwork.

### Need for a Balanced Approach

Experts also caution that while easing withdrawal rules is a positive step, it is crucial to safeguard the retirement purpose of the EPF. They advocate for a balanced policy that enables members to access their funds conveniently, without compromising their long-term retirement savings.

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By streamlining EPFO withdrawal rules, the government aims to provide better financial flexibility while ensuring the security of members’ retirement funds. Members and experts alike will be watching closely as these potential changes develop.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/big-update-on-epfo-rules-withdrawal-to-become-easier-for-members-details-inside

Flood-like situation after heavy rains in three Marathwada districts

“It was like a cloud burst in some of these areas,” a revenue official said. The two dams were almost full, and water discharge was underway from them due to continuous inflow, he added.

Javlala and Ramoda areas in the catchment of the Majalgaon dam received 160 mm and 120 mm of rainfall, respectively, since Monday night, the official reported. Similarly, the areas of Gangapur (46 mm), Paithan (92 mm), and Bhendala (52 mm) in the catchment area of the Jayakwadi dam also recorded rainfall.

As a result, water discharge from the Jayakwadi and Majalgaon dams into the Godavari river reached 1.03 lakh cusec (cubic feet per second) and 1.15 lakh cusec, respectively, on Tuesday morning.

Moreover, excess rainfall was recorded in Ghansawangi and Ambad talukas of Jalna, as well as Gevrai taluka in Beed. This led to swelling of the Godavari river and caused a flood-like situation in several villages across Chhatrapati Sambajinagar, Jalna, and Beed districts.

Heavy Rains in Solapur, Marathwada: CM Asks Water Resources Dept to Coordinate with Collectors

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the local administration to coordinate closely with the State Water Resources Department to take necessary measures in view of the heavy rainfall in Solapur district and Marathwada.

Many talukas of Solapur district and surrounding areas, along with Dharashiv, Beed, and Jalna in Marathwada, are currently experiencing heavy rainfall, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

“The CM is keeping an eye on the situation and is in constant contact with the local administration. Additionally, he has instructed the Water Resources Department to monitor the situation carefully, take necessary precautions, and maintain ongoing coordination with district collectors,” the statement added.

Fadnavis also emphasized the importance of maintaining constant coordination with officers of the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation and the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation to effectively manage the situation.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-flood-like-situation-after-heavy-rains-in-three-marathwada-districts-23595374

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks the first time in Japan that smartphone usage guidelines have been established for all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of this ordinance.

The primary goal of the policy is to ensure children get sufficient sleep while also encouraging increased communication within families. To support this, the ordinance sets specific smartphone cut-off times for minors.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM. For junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old), the recommended cut-off time is 10 PM.

By promoting healthier smartphone habits, the measure aims to foster better sleep patterns and strengthen family interactions.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks a significant first for Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines applicable to all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.

The primary goal of this ordinance is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to encourage more family communication. To support this, the measure introduces specific cut-off times for minors: elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM, while junior high school students and older (under 18 years old) are advised to cease usage by 10 PM.

By promoting healthier smartphone habits, the ordinance aims to foster better well-being and stronger family connections across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks the first time in Japan that smartphone usage guidelines will apply to all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of the ordinance.

The primary aim of this new regulation is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to promote increased communication within families. To support this goal, the ordinance establishes specific cut-off times for smartphone use among minors.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM. For junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old), the recommended cut-off time is 10 PM.

By setting these guidelines, the measure hopes to foster healthier habits and strengthen family interactions across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new ordinance, set to take effect on October 1st, marks the first of its kind in Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines for all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.

The primary goal of this measure is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep, while also encouraging increased communication within families. To support this, the ordinance outlines specific cut-off times for minors when using smartphones.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using their smartphones by 9 PM. Meanwhile, junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old) are encouraged to cease smartphone use by 10 PM.

By promoting healthier smartphone habits, this initiative aims to foster better sleep and strengthen family relationships across the community.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

Japan’s First Ordinance Limits Smartphone Use to Two Hours a Day

The new ordinance, set to take effect on October 1st, marks a first in Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines for all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.

The primary aim of this measure is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to foster increased communication within families. To support this goal, the ordinance specifies recommended smartphone cut-off times for minors.

Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM. Meanwhile, junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old) are encouraged to cease usage by 10 PM.

Through these guidelines, the ordinance seeks to promote healthier habits and strengthen family bonds across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php

FDA will advise doctors about link between autism, acetaminophen use during pregnancy, Trump says

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.”

“They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary,” he said. Trump emphasized that women should not use it during pregnancy “unless medically necessary,” such as for fever.

However, experts caution that autism is caused by multiple factors, and the science concerning the connection between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism is not settled. Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, has long been considered the only safe over-the-counter option for pain or fever relief for pregnant individuals. Other common pain relief options like ibuprofen or regular-dose aspirin can increase the risk of serious complications during pregnancy. Meanwhile, not treating a fever can also be dangerous for both the fetus and the pregnant person.

Trump made the announcement from the Oval Office alongside US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Trump thanked Kennedy, calling him “the man who brought this issue to the forefront of American politics, along with me.” “We understood a lot more than a lot of people who studied it,” Trump added.

Earlier this month, Tylenol maker Kenvue stated that it had engaged in a “scientific exchange” with HHS officials about the issue and urged pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medication.

“Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy,” the company said in a statement Sunday. “Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives.”

The company also noted, “The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree.”

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Has job hunting as a Black Gen Zer come with more halts and frustration than expected? You’re not alone. Unemployment rates for Black/African American youth in Philadelphia remain higher than other racial and age groups.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/fda-will-advise-doctors-about-link-between-autism-acetaminophen-use-during-pregnancy-trump-says/article_b2d1a69f-b1a3-4e84-87f0-691ec02a80f6.html

Avoid common voter ID renewal errors

By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 22, 2025, 06:51 PM

**Renewing Your Voter ID: Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls**

Renewing a voter ID can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if you’re not aware of the common pitfalls that can occur during the process. By understanding these potential errors and knowing how to avoid them, you can enjoy a much smoother renewal experience.

Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate the voter ID renewal process efficiently, minimizing the chances of mistakes or delays.

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### Tip 1: Double-Check Personal Information

One of the most frequent mistakes in voter ID renewal is submitting incorrect personal information. Before you submit your application, make sure to carefully cross-check all details such as your name, address, and date of birth. Even minor discrepancies can lead to delays or outright rejection.

Ensure that the information you provide matches your official documents, like your birth certificate or utility bills, to prevent any issues during verification.

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### Tip 2: Submit Required Documents

Missing documents are another common reason why renewal applications get rejected. Be sure to gather all necessary documents before starting the process. Typically, this includes proof of identity and proof of residence.

Since requirements can vary slightly depending on your region, check the specific document guidelines applicable to your area. Preparing everything in advance saves time and helps you avoid unnecessary complications.

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### Tip 3: Follow Application Guidelines

Different regions may have their own unique guidelines for renewing a voter ID, including submission deadlines and methods (online or in-person). Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure you comply completely.

Carefully following the instructions will help you avoid procedural errors that might delay your application.

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### Tip 4: Keep Track of Deadlines

Missing deadlines is a simple yet significant mistake many applicants make during the renewal process. To stay on top of your application, mark important dates on your calendar and set reminders if needed.

Being proactive about deadlines helps you avoid last-minute rushes and the stress associated with late submissions.

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### Tip 5: Verify Application Status Regularly

After submitting your application, be sure to check its status periodically through official election authority channels. This allows you to promptly address any issues or additional document requests that might arise during processing.

Staying updated on your application progress ensures that you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected delays or demands.

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By following these tips, you can make the voter ID renewal process smoother, quicker, and stress-free. Stay informed, stay prepared, and exercise your democratic rights with ease!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/avoid-common-voter-id-renewal-errors/story

US government approves Meta’s LLaMA for official use

**US Government Approves Meta’s LLaMA for Official Use**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 06:31 PM*

The US government has officially approved the use of Meta Platforms’ artificial intelligence (AI) system, LLaMA, as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate commercial AI tools into federal operations. Josh Gruenbaum, the General Services Administration (GSA)’s procurement lead, confirmed that LLaMA will be added to the list of approved AI tools available for use by federal agencies.

**About LLaMA**

LLaMA is a family of large language models (LLMs) developed by Meta that can process diverse types of data, including text, video, images, and audio. This versatility allows the tool to support a wide range of government applications.

In recent months, the GSA has also approved AI tools from major tech companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. These companies have committed to offering their paid AI products at discounted rates, while ensuring compliance with stringent government security standards.

**Enhancing Government Efficiency**

The GSA has confirmed that LLaMA meets all the government’s security and legal requirements. This approval enables federal agencies to experiment and utilize this free AI tool confidently and without concerns.

The inclusion of LLaMA is part of a larger initiative to boost efficiency and productivity across various government departments. Agencies will be able to leverage LLaMA for multiple tasks, such as accelerating contract reviews and swiftly resolving IT issues, ultimately streamlining operations.

As the government continues embracing advanced AI technologies, tools like LLaMA are set to play a key role in transforming public sector workflows and services.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/us-government-can-now-use-meta-s-ai-tool-llama/story