dwaipayan roy - The Latremie Post

You can now withdraw your entire PF balance anytime

**You can now withdraw your entire PF balance anytime**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 13, 2025, 07:55 pm*

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken a significant step to enhance the ease of living for its members. In a major decision, the EPFO’s Central Board of Trustees (CBT) has approved allowing members to withdraw up to 100% of their eligible Provident Fund (PF) balance. This withdrawal includes both the employee and employer contributions.

### Key Decision Announced at 238th CBT Meeting

The decision was made during the 238th meeting of the CBT held in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya. This move is set to bring greater flexibility and convenience for EPFO members in managing their PF accounts.

### Major Changes in PF Withdrawal Rules

Previously, full withdrawal from the PF account was only permitted in cases of unemployment or retirement. Under the new liberalized rules, members can now access their entire eligible PF balance, subject to certain conditions and specific categories.

In addition to this, the CBT has simplified the existing partial withdrawal provisions. Earlier, there were 13 complex rules governing partial withdrawals, which have now been consolidated into a single, streamlined rule divided into three categories:

– Essential needs (such as illness, education, and marriage)
– Housing needs
– Special circumstances

### Increased Flexibility for Education and Marriage Withdrawals

The new rules also increase the limits on withdrawals for education and marriage expenses. Withdrawals for education purposes can now be made up to 10 times, while those for marriage can be done up to 5 times.

Moreover, the minimum service requirement to be eligible for all partial withdrawals has been uniformly reduced to just 12 months. This is a significant relaxation compared to the previous norms, where members had to justify their withdrawal reasons under “Special Circumstances,” often resulting in claim rejections.

### Member Benefits: Minimum Balance and Auto-Settlement of Claims

To ensure members continue to benefit from the high interest rates offered by EPFO (currently 8.25% per annum), the CBT has introduced a new rule requiring a ‘Minimum Balance’ of 25% of contributions to be maintained in the PF account at all times. This provision helps preserve the compounding benefits and aids in building a substantial retirement corpus.

The board has also announced a move towards greater automation, eliminating the need for any documentation for partial withdrawal claims. This paves the way for 100% auto settlement of claims, making the process faster and hassle-free for members.

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This landmark decision by the EPFO is expected to bring greater financial flexibility to millions of PF members across India, enabling them to access their funds effortlessly when needed.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/epfo-members-can-now-withdraw-entire-balance/story

Toyota Corolla concept arrives as a stunning electric vehicle

**Toyota Corolla Concept Arrives as a Stunning Electric Vehicle**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 13, 2025, 05:48 PM*

Toyota has unveiled an exciting new concept car, the Corolla, during a livestream event from Japan. The vehicle was showcased alongside other innovative models such as the six-wheeled Lexus LS minivan and the Century coupe on stilts, drawing significant attention and sparking speculation about its future as a production model.

### Electric Vehicle Hints

The concept features elements like regular side mirrors and a fuel cap mounted on the front fender, which hint at the possibility of an electric vehicle (EV) version. The design language suggests Toyota is exploring bold new directions with the Corolla, traditionally known for its conservative styling.

### Future Plans: ICE Variant Likely

Despite strong indications toward an electric variant, it seems unlikely that Toyota will phase out the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Corolla anytime soon. As the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, Toyota would be cautious about offering the Corolla exclusively as an EV. Given the company’s well-known skepticism regarding a full electric takeover, a petrol-powered version of this model remains probable.

### Speculations on Availability

Toyota has kept details about the new Corolla tightly under wraps, leaving room for speculation. One possibility is that this electric model could be launched alongside a nearly identical ICE version, much like the approach taken with the new Lexus ES. Alternatively, Toyota might market this boldly designed Corolla concept in tandem with a more conventional ICE model.

### Design Evolution: A Bold New Direction

The concept car showcases unique design features such as pixelated daytime running lights, a ducktail spoiler, and a sloping beltline near the A-pillars. The noticeably short hood suggests a dedicated EV platform, although Toyota has also been teasing a new ultra-compact four-cylinder engine that could potentially fit beneath it, adding some ambiguity as to whether this concept will be electric-only.

### Looking Ahead

The full reveal of the new Corolla concept is scheduled for the 2025 Japan Mobility Show on October 29. This unveiling promises to shed more light on Toyota’s vision for the future of one of the world’s most iconic vehicles.

Stay tuned for updates as Toyota redefines the Corolla for the modern era.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/will-toyota-s-new-corolla-be-ev-only-what-we-know/story

How Tesla plans to reverse its sales decline in Europe

**How Tesla Plans to Reverse Its Sales Decline in Europe**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 13, 2025, 01:33 PM*

Tesla has launched new “Standard” versions of its popular Model Y and Model 3 cars in Europe as part of its strategy to counter declining sales in the region. These new models are priced just under €40,000 (approximately ₹41.3 lakh), making them about €5,000 (around ₹5 lakh) cheaper than the current “Premium” versions.

### Sales Decline in Europe
Tesla’s sales in Europe have plummeted by over 30%, with around 134,000 vehicles sold through August this year. This represents a significant 33% drop compared to the same period last year. The decline has been attributed to several factors, including a lack of affordable models, increasing competition from other electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, and concerns surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s political views.

### Rising Competition: BYD’s Success
Chinese automaker BYD is rapidly expanding its presence in the European EV market. The company sold nearly 96,000 vehicles in the region, marking an impressive 280% increase from last year. BYD’s rapid growth further highlights the challenges Tesla faces amid rising competition and its ongoing sales slump.

### Global Performance and Challenges
Tesla’s global sales have also taken a hit, with about 1.22 million cars sold in the first three quarters of this year—a 6% decline from the same period last year. The company’s performance has been notably affected in Europe, where competition from automakers like BYD is intensifying, and in China, where sales are also declining.

As Tesla rolls out more affordable options like the new Standard Model Y and Model 3, the company aims to regain market share and revitalize its sales momentum in Europe’s highly competitive EV landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/how-tesla-plans-to-boost-sales-in-europe/story

Why India’s electric truck makers are struggling to go local

**Why India’s Electric Truck Makers Are Struggling to Go Local**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 12, 2025, 05:21 PM*

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India’s electric truck industry is facing significant challenges in meeting the government’s localization demands. Despite efforts by leading manufacturers like Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland to produce local components and promote green logistics, they have struggled to pass the required localization tests. This slowdown is further compounded by the low market demand for electric trucks.

### Government Localization Push

The Indian government has been actively pushing e-truck manufacturers to comply with an ambitious localization plan. Recent consultations between the Union Heavy Industries Ministry and key industry players—including Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles, and Murugappa Group’s IPLTech—highlight the government’s focus on this initiative.

Under the *phased manufacturing program* (PMP), introduced in July as part of the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme, manufacturers face strict deadlines for localizing components that are currently imported, mainly from China.

### What Is the Phased Manufacturing Program?

The PMP mandates that specific e-truck components—such as HVAC systems, electric compressors for brakes, charging inlets for standard EV chargers, battery management systems, vehicle control units, and traction motors—must be progressively manufactured domestically. The initial cut-off date for importing most of these parts was September 1, 2025.

### Policy Adjustments Amid Supply Challenges

Due to disruptions in the supply of rare earth magnets from China, the government has recently relaxed its rules. It now permits manufacturers to import traction motors that incorporate these magnets from Chinese suppliers. Additionally, the PM E-Drive scheme for e-trucks and e-buses has been extended by two years to FY28, reflecting underutilization of allocated funds for these vehicle segments.

### Testing Delays and Localization Bottlenecks

Despite the government’s push, no e-truck model has successfully passed the localization test over two months since the guidelines came into effect. This delay indicates a slow transition toward using locally sourced parts. Authorities have urged manufacturers to accelerate the localization process to clearly demonstrate which components in e-trucks and e-buses are made in India.

### Growth in Local Production

Encouragingly, several Indian auto component makers have begun ramping up local production of critical parts. Companies like Sona Comstar and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Ltd are now manufacturing traction motors and trans-axles domestically. These efforts align with the government’s ₹25,938 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles and auto parts, which requires at least 50% of spare parts and raw materials to be sourced within India.

### Market Hurdles and Cost Concerns

E-truck manufacturers cite uncertainty in market demand as a key reason for the slow adoption of local components. However, the government notes that sectors such as ports, steel, and cement are keen to adopt green logistics solutions, indicating potential for growth.

Another significant challenge is the cost. Transitioning from diesel trucks to electric models is expensive for businesses, as electric trucks currently cost between 20% and 50% more than their diesel counterparts. This price gap poses a hurdle for faster adoption across industries.

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India’s electric truck sector stands at a critical juncture where government policies, manufacturing capabilities, and market realities must align to accelerate localization and promote sustainable transportation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/india-s-electric-truck-makers-are-facing-these-issues/story

Don’t need China for most rare earth needs, says Taiwan

**Taiwan Says It Doesn’t Need China for Most Rare Earth Materials**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 12, 2025, 5:19 PM*

Taiwan’s economy ministry is currently evaluating the impact of China’s recent expansion of rare earth export restrictions on its critical semiconductor industry. According to the ministry, the majority of Taiwan’s rare earth materials are sourced from Europe, the United States, and Japan. However, officials are still assessing how the latest Chinese restrictions may affect supply chains and production costs in this sector.

**China Tightens Rare Earth Export Controls**

China has recently expanded its control over rare earth exports by adding five new elements to the restricted list. The country has also increased scrutiny specifically targeting chip manufacturers and users. This move comes ahead of high-stakes talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, intensifying concerns over supply chain stability.

The Taiwanese economy ministry emphasized that “the impact on the operation of the semiconductor industry still requires further stocktaking and assessment,” highlighting the need to carefully analyze potential disruptions.

**Impact on Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry**

Taiwan is home to the world’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, which produces a majority of the advanced chips used in artificial intelligence applications globally. Any disruption in rare earth supply chains or increased costs resulting from China’s new restrictions could have significant repercussions for Taiwan’s semiconductor sector and the broader technology industry.

**China’s Defense of Export Restrictions**

Earlier today, China defended its export curbs on rare earth elements and related equipment. The Chinese government stated that the restrictions are motivated by concerns over the military applications of these metals amid what it described as “frequent military conflict.” This rationale reflects Beijing’s strategic considerations tied to national security.

As Taiwan continues to monitor the situation, industry stakeholders are closely watching the developments, given the critical role rare earth materials play in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology production.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/taiwan-assesses-impact-of-china-s-rare-earth-export-curbs/story

Claude’s technical usage in India higher than rest of world

**Claude’s Technical Usage in India Significantly Higher Than Global Average**

By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025 | 05:29 pm

Guillaume Princen, Global Head of Start-ups and Head of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Anthropic, has revealed that half of the usage of their AI tool, Claude, in India is for technical purposes. These tasks include user interface (UI) design, code debugging, and software development. This percentage is notably higher compared to the global average, where only 30% of Claude’s usage involves such technical applications.

**India: Anthropic’s Second Largest Market**

India, home to the world’s fourth-largest developer community, stands as Anthropic’s second largest market after the United States. Princen highlighted that approximately 33% of all Claude conversations globally occur in India, underscoring the scale and reach of their services within the country.

**Plans for Expansion in Bengaluru**

To strengthen its presence in India, Anthropic plans to open an office in Bengaluru by the first quarter of 2026. The new office aims to expedite the launch of key offerings tailored to one of Anthropic’s largest markets.

Princen said, “You’ll see more of us because we really want to have a local presence.” He added that the company intends to be closer to its users and will be building teams focused on community support across the board.

This expansion reflects Anthropic’s commitment to growing its footprint in India’s vibrant tech ecosystem and enhancing user engagement with Claude’s AI capabilities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/half-of-claude-s-usage-in-india-is-technical-anthropic/story

Apple set for an executive reshuffle before end of 2025

**Apple Set for Major Executive Reshuffle Ahead of 2025**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025, 02:26 PM*

Apple is gearing up for a significant executive reshuffle before the end of 2025, coinciding with the upcoming retirement of its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeff Williams. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline the company’s leadership and position Apple for future growth.

### Eddy Cue Expands Role Ahead of Health+ Launch

Eddy Cue, currently Apple’s services chief overseeing streaming and cloud services, will take on additional responsibilities leading the company’s health and fitness teams. This transition comes in light of Apple’s much-anticipated Health+ subscription service, set to launch in 2026. The AI-powered platform aims to provide personalized guidance on exercise, nutrition, and sleep, underscoring Apple’s commitment to integrating health and wellness into its ecosystem.

### Craig Federighi Takes on watchOS Oversight

Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, will also assume oversight of watchOS, adding to his current duties managing Siri and visionOS for the Vision Pro headset. This adjustment highlights Apple’s focus on enhancing software quality across its wearable devices, particularly the Apple Watch. Meanwhile, John Ternus has been granted full control over Apple Watch engineering, reinforcing Apple’s holistic approach to both hardware and software development.

### Additional Leadership Changes

Several other leadership shifts are underway. John Giannandrea, Apple’s AI chief, is slated to be replaced, while Lisa Jackson, who heads environment and government affairs, is reportedly considering retirement. Additionally, Johny Srouji, the company’s chip design lead, is evaluating his future at Apple.

These changes reflect Apple’s strategic move to realign its leadership in key areas such as wellness, wearables, and AI-driven services, setting the stage for the company’s next chapter of innovation and growth.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/apple-to-revamp-leadership-ahead-of-jeff-williams-s-retirement/story

Trump announces an extra 100% tariff on imports from China

**Trump Announces Extra 100% Tariff on Imports from China**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025 | 09:50 AM*

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on imports from China starting next month. This move follows Beijing’s recent tightening of export rules on rare earth materials, which Trump criticized as “very hostile.”

### Rising Trade Tensions

In a series of social media posts, President Trump condemned China’s tightened export controls on rare earths, accusing the country of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global market “captive.” Rare earth elements are critical in manufacturing products such as cars and smartphones, making China’s restrictions particularly impactful.

Trump also expressed uncertainty about his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was initially scheduled to address these trade issues. However, he later clarified that the meeting had not been canceled and that he still planned to attend.

### Economic Impact and Market Reactions

Trump’s announcement and comments triggered a sharp reaction in financial markets. The S&P 500 experienced a significant decline, closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

Many US companies that rely on rare earth materials have voiced strong objections to Beijing’s revised export controls, concerned about supply chain disruptions and increased costs.

### Additional Chinese Actions Against US Companies

In conjunction with export restrictions, China has initiated a monopoly investigation targeting US tech giant Qualcomm, potentially delaying its planned acquisition of another chipmaker. Despite Qualcomm being a US-based company, a substantial portion of its business operates in China.

Moreover, Beijing introduced new port fees on ships connected to the US, including those owned or operated by American firms, further escalating trade frictions.

### Diplomatic Efforts Amid Ongoing Trade Disputes

Since May, the US and China have maintained a fragile trade detente after agreeing to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods. Nonetheless, tensions remain high, with US tariffs on Chinese products still carrying an additional 30% levy compared to earlier this year.

Negotiations have continued, covering issues such as TikTok, agricultural exports, and the trade of rare earth materials. Initially, a high-level meeting between President Trump and President Xi was expected to take place in South Korea this month. However, recent developments make this meeting appear unlikely.

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Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving trade situation between the US and China.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-threatens-to-impose-100-extra-tariffs-on-chinese-imports/story

Jeep Compass Track Edition launched in India at ₹27L

**Jeep Compass Track Edition Launched in India at ₹27 Lakh**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 08, 2025, 05:26 PM*

Jeep has introduced a special edition of its popular SUV in India—the Compass Track Edition. This limited-run model is based on the top-end Compass Model S variant and comes with exclusive design elements and luxurious features. The starting price for this exclusive offering is ₹26.78 lakh (ex-showroom).

### Design: A Look Inside and Out

The Compass Track Edition emphasizes striking design and premium luxury. On the exterior, it features signature hood decals, Piano Black accents on the grille and badges, along with exclusive Track Edition badging. The SUV rides on 18-inch diamond-cut Tech Gray alloy wheels that enhance its sporty appeal.

Inside, the cabin boasts Tupelo Leatherette seats with Spruce Beige contrast stitching, Dark Espresso Smoke Chrome finishes, and embossed Jeep branding. Additional highlights include a Cortina leather-wrapped steering wheel and Piano Black inserts, elevating the overall cabin ambiance.

### Tech Features

The Compass Track Edition is equipped with a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes an Alpine sound system, a 10.25-inch digital TFT instrument cluster, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and eight-way electronically adjustable ventilated seats with memory function, ensuring comfort and connectivity on every drive.

### Performance, Engine, and Safety

Under the hood, the Compass Track Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter MultiJet II turbo-diesel engine producing 170hp and 350Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Safety is a key focus, with the model offering over 50 safety features including ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, All-speed Traction Control, and Advanced Brake Assist, ensuring a secure driving experience.

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The Jeep Compass Track Edition combines style, technology, and performance, making it a compelling choice for SUV enthusiasts looking for exclusivity and luxury on Indian roads.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/jeep-compass-track-edition-launched-price-features-specifications/story

Issues with Windows 11’s dark mode are finally being fixed

**Issues with Windows 11’s Dark Mode Are Finally Being Fixed**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:02 PM*

Microsoft is officially addressing the dark mode inconsistencies in Windows 11. The tech giant began testing these improvements in the August preview builds of the operating system, and now it is rolling out updates to enhance dark mode consistency across various File Explorer actions such as copying, moving, or deleting files and folders.

### Enhancing User Experience with Dark Mode

One of the most noticeable dark mode issues appeared when users tried to copy large files. Despite having dark mode enabled, the system would display a light mode dialog, creating a jarring and inconsistent user experience. This is set to change with the latest update from Microsoft, which also extends fixes to move and delete dialogs and other parts of the OS.

### What’s Next for Dark Mode in Windows 11?

Looking ahead, Microsoft is working toward a more consistent dark mode experience across additional elements such as progress bars, charts, confirmation and error dialogs, and prompts related to skipping, overriding, and file selection.

Dark mode was first introduced in Windows 10 back in 2016. However, it has taken several years for Microsoft to refine this feature and bring consistent dark mode support to the wider Windows ecosystem. With these latest improvements, users can expect a more seamless and visually cohesive experience moving forward.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/microsoft-fixes-dark-mode-inconsistencies-in-windows-11/story