大坂なおみが初戦突破、園部下す ジャパンOP女子テニス

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# スポーツ|大坂なおみが初戦突破、園部下す|ジャパンOP女子テニス

2025年10月13日 21:49(2025年10月13日 21:50更新)

女子テニスの木下グループ・ジャパン・オープンは13日、大阪市のモリタテニスセンターうつぼで開幕しました。

シングルス1回戦で世界ランキング16位の大坂なおみ(フリー)が、17歳の園部八奏(IMG)と対戦し、6―0、6―でストレート勝ちを収め、初戦を突破しました。

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https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1410826/

EPFO eases claim rules, allows 100 pc partial withdrawal, check details here

**EPFO Approves Liberalised Partial Withdrawal Rules to Benefit Over 70 Million Account Holders**

In a significant reform aimed at enhancing the ease of living for more than 70 million account holders, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has approved liberalised partial withdrawal rules. This landmark decision allows members to withdraw up to 100 per cent of their eligible provident fund balance, reported PTI.

The announcement came during the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting chaired by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The board resolved to simplify the existing 13 complex withdrawal rules into three clear categories:

– **Essential Needs** (such as illness, education, marriage)
– **Housing Needs**
– **Special Circumstances**

### Key Highlights of the New Withdrawal Rules

– **Full withdrawal (100%) allowed:** Both employee and employer contributions can be withdrawn entirely under specified conditions.
– **Increased withdrawal limits:** Education-related withdrawals can be made up to 10 times the previous limits, and marriage withdrawals up to 5 times, a significant jump from the earlier combined limit of 3 times.
– **Reduced minimum service requirement:** Members are now eligible for partial withdrawals after just 12 months of service.
– **Easier claims under Special Circumstances:** Members no longer need to specify reasons, reducing the chance of claim rejections.
– **Minimum balance to retain:** A minimum balance of 25 per cent must be retained in the account to ensure long-term retirement savings are protected.
– **Documentation-free processing:** The new process aims for 100 per cent auto-settlement of claims, making withdrawals faster and hassle-free.

### Revised Final Settlement Rules

The CBT also approved changes to the final settlement timelines:

– The waiting period for full EPF withdrawal has been reduced from 2 months to **12 months** after leaving an employer.
– The timeline for final pension withdrawal has been extended to **36 months** to safeguard pension benefits.

### ‘Vishwas Scheme’ Introduced to Ease Litigation

To minimize litigation, EPFO introduced the ‘Vishwas Scheme’ to resolve pending penalty cases under Section 14B. The scheme offers a flat penalty rate of 1 per cent per month, with reduced rates for shorter defaults. It covers both pending and ongoing litigations and will be operational for 6 months, extendable by another 6 months.

### Doorstep Digital Life Certificate Service for Pensioners

The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services free of charge to EPS 1995 pensioners. This initiative aims to help elderly pensioners, especially in rural areas, continue receiving their pensions smoothly without hassle.

### EPFO 3.0: A Member-Centric Digital Revamp

As part of the EPFO 3.0 digital transformation, a new member-centric digital framework was approved. Key features include:

– Integration with core banking solutions
– Adoption of cloud-native technology
– API-first architecture to enable faster, automated claims
– Payroll-linked contributions
– Multi-language self-service portals

### Investment Strategy and Digital Initiatives

Four fund managers have been selected to manage EPFO’s debt investment portfolio for a five-year term, ensuring safe and effective investment of retirement savings.

Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also launched several key digital initiatives focused on enhancing the efficiency and user-friendliness of EPFO services, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to delivering seamless experiences to members.

*With inputs from PTI*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/epfo-simplifies-13-complex-claim-rules-allows-100-per-cent-partial-withdrawal-check-complete-details-here-23598521

Broadcom will make custom AI chips for OpenAI

**Broadcom to Develop Custom AI Chips for OpenAI**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 13, 2025, 07:54 PM*

OpenAI has announced a strategic partnership with Broadcom to develop its first in-house artificial intelligence (AI) processors. This move is part of OpenAI’s plan to keep pace with the rapidly growing demand for its AI services.

Under the agreement, OpenAI will take the lead in designing these custom chips, while Broadcom will handle their development and deployment starting in the second half of 2026.

**Massive Energy Consumption**

The upcoming custom AI chips are projected to consume a total of 10 gigawatts (GW) of power. To put this into perspective, that’s enough electricity to power over eight million U.S. households — roughly five times the output of the Hoover Dam.

This deal highlights the massive investments being poured into AI chip technology across the tech industry, reflecting an ongoing race to build computing systems capable of matching or surpassing human intelligence.

**Expanding Strategic Partnerships**

This partnership follows closely on the heels of OpenAI’s recent 6GW AI chip supply agreement with AMD, which also includes an option for OpenAI to acquire a stake in the chipmaker. Additionally, NVIDIA recently announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply data-center systems with at least 10GW of capacity.

“Partnering with Broadcom is a critical step in building the infrastructure needed to unlock AI’s potential,” said Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.

**Aligning with Industry Leaders**

By teaming up with Broadcom, OpenAI aligns itself with major cloud-computing giants like Google and Amazon, both of which are developing custom AI chips to address soaring demand and reduce reliance on NVIDIA’s high-cost, limited-availability processors.

However, some similar initiatives by companies like Microsoft and Meta have faced delays or failed to match NVIDIA’s performance, highlighting the challenges in developing competitive AI hardware.

**Deployment Timeline and Technical Edge**

The deployment of these new AI chips is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. This effort will build upon OpenAI’s existing co-development and supply partnerships.

The new systems will be scaled entirely using Broadcom’s Ethernet and networking technologies, potentially giving them an edge over competitors such as Marvell Technology. Moreover, this strategy aims to challenge NVIDIA’s dominant InfiniBand networking solutions in the AI data-center market.

OpenAI’s collaboration with Broadcom marks a significant milestone in the evolving AI hardware landscape, signaling robust growth and fierce competition in the race to power next-generation artificial intelligence.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/openai-partners-with-broadcom-to-develop-custom-ai-chips/story

PVL: Bella Belen takes in many lessons from loss to PLDT

MANILA, Philippines — In a One Sports’ Ask Me Anything session on Reddit eight months ago, Bella Belen gamely answered PLDT when asked which among the PVL clubs she fancies playing for if there was no rookie draft.

Of course, Belen ended up playing for Capital1, which drafted her first overall last June.

On Monday,

https://sports.inquirer.net/644049/pvl-bella-belen-takes-in-many-lessons-from-loss-to-pldt

Amit Shah says newly implemented laws will ensure timely and simple justice

Our judicial system has developed a reputation for not delivering justice in a timely manner. However, I am confident in telling the people of Rajasthan that the three new criminal justice laws will ensure justice that is timely, accessible, and simple, highlighted Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made numerous changes to improve ease of living across the nation. Along with the implementation of these laws, there will also be a significant transformation in the ease of justice. “Through these laws, our criminal justice system will be inspired by justice rather than punishment,” Shah asserted. He added that these reforms have been effectively implemented across the country, with the Ministry of Home Affairs providing assistance and ongoing guidance to all states.

Hailing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) efforts to streamline the justice process, Amit Shah further informed that any FIR (First Information Report) filed after 2027 will be brought to justice in the Supreme Court within three years.

Highlighting the three new laws introduced by PM Narendra Modi, Shah explained, “These laws abolish 160-year-old statutes and will allow FIRs to be filed nationwide after 2027. The complete system will take another two years to be fully implemented. However, thanks to this legislation, any FIR filed after 2027 will be adjudicated by the Supreme Court within three years.”

The Union Home Minister also pointed to a significant improvement in Rajasthan’s conviction rate. “In Rajasthan, the conviction rate was previously only 42%. After implementing these three new laws just one year ago, the conviction rate has already risen to 60%. When fully implemented, the conviction rate is expected to reach up to 90%,” he noted. “These laws provide for various scientific methods that strengthen the justice process.”

Shah highlighted the government’s continued efforts to modernize India’s justice system, including the establishment of the National Forensic Science University in 2020. “We created this institution to support the smooth implementation of these laws. By gradually opening affiliated colleges across the country, we are also nurturing a new workforce of youth skilled in scientific methods,” he said.

Among the new provisions, terrorism, mob lynching, organized crime, and digital crime have been defined for the first time within our judicial system. Moreover, the three laws prescribe strict time limits at more than 29 stages of the justice process.

It is now mandatory to provide updates to victims within 90 days. A copy of the police report must be delivered to the victim within 14 days. The charge sheet must be filed within 60 to 90 days. The laws even provide for trials in absentia, ensuring that justice is not delayed.

These comprehensive reforms symbolize a new era in India’s criminal justice system, aiming to deliver swift and equitable justice to all citizens.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/amit-shah-says-newly-implemented-laws-will-ensure-timely-and-simple-justice-23598495

‘Australia series could decide future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli,’ says Ravi Shastri

**Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Playing After Australia ODIs?**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025, 07:13 PM*

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be a crucial juncture for two of Indian cricket’s greatest batting icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, ODIs remain their only active international format. Shastri asserts that their future in this format hinges on their “form, fitness, and hunger” during this high-profile series Down Under.

### Series Significance: Fitness, Hunger, and Form Are Key
Speaking at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch and in an exclusive conversation with cricket.com.au, Shastri emphasized the importance of the upcoming ODI series for Rohit and Kohli. He said,

*”That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”*

The former coach also drew parallels with Australia’s Steve Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year, highlighting how fitness and motivation are critical for longevity in the format.

### Experience Matters in Big Games
Shastri underlined the irreplaceable value of experience when it comes to high-pressure matches. He remarked,

*”But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”*

Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s recent successes, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

### Emerging Young Talent Challenging the Veterans
Alongside praising the veterans, Shastri also lauded the fresh wave of talent pushing for spots in the ODI squad. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma have shown promising potential. Shastri further appreciated India’s all-round options, mentioning Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel as key contributors.

He said, *”A lot of good young talent and a lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.”*

### Match Schedule: India vs Australia ODI Series
– **1st ODI:** October 19, Perth
– **2nd ODI:** October 23, Adelaide
– **3rd ODI:** October 25, Sydney

Following the ODI series, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29 in Canberra.

### Squad Update: Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
In a recent change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for the tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.

**India’s ODI squad for Australia tour:**
– Shubman Gill (Captain)
– Rohit Sharma
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
– Axar Patel
– KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Washington Sundar
– Kuldeep Yadav
– Harshit Rana
– Mohammed Siraj
– Arshdeep Singh
– Prasidh Krishna
– Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal

As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to see if they can prove their fitness, form, and hunger to continue representing India in ODIs, amidst fierce competition from emerging young stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-talks-about-future-of-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli/story

中国、牧師ら30人拘束 非公認のキリスト教会

2025年10月13日 20:40 更新(20:43更新)

【上海共同】中国各地で今月、政府非公認のキリスト教会「シオン教会」の牧師ら教会関係者が警察当局の取り締まりを受け、約30人が拘束されたり行方不明になったりしました。

この情報は、中国の人権問題を扱うサイト「維権網」が報じています。

※この記事は有料会員限定です。残り264文字をお読みいただくには、7日間無料トライアルまたは1日37円の読み放題プラン、もしくはさらにお得な年払いプランへのご登録が必要です。
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1410800/

How much gold can Indians own? Know the law

**How Much Gold Can Indians Own? Know the Law**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 13, 2025, 05:48 PM*

With Dhanteras and Diwali approaching, many families are considering their gold purchases. Understanding the legal aspects of gold ownership in India is essential before making any investment.

### Historical Background
The Gold Control Act of 1968 once imposed restrictions on gold ownership in India. However, this law was repealed in 1990. Since then, there are no legal limits on how much gold a person can own, provided they can prove the legitimate source of the gold through invoices or inheritance documents.

### Limits on Seizing Gold Jewelry During Raids
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued specific guidelines for income tax officials during raids on gold holdings. According to a circular dated May 11, 1994, there are limits on the quantity of gold jewelry that cannot be seized during such raids. These limits are:

– 500 grams for married women
– 250 grams for unmarried women
– 100 grams per male member of the family, regardless of marital status

These measures are intended to protect genuine personal holdings from confiscation.

### Tax Implications on Gold
The tax treatment of gold depends on its form and the holding period:

– Physical gold, Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and other digital gold products are considered capital assets.
– If sold within 12 months of purchase, the gains are treated as short-term capital gains (STCG) and taxed according to the individual’s income tax slab (ranging from 5% to 30%).
– If held for more than 12 months, the gains qualify for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax at a flat rate of 20% under the current tax regime, without the benefit of indexation.

### Conclusion
There is no restriction on the amount of gold an individual can own in India today. However, it is crucial to maintain proper documentation to prove the source of gold and to be aware of tax liabilities when selling gold assets. As the festive season nears, investors should make informed decisions regarding their gold purchases to stay compliant with the law.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/is-there-limit-on-gold-ownership-in-india/story

Telangana Police seizes 499 kgs of ganja, held two

A total of 499 kg of ganja worth Rs 2.5 crore, being transported to Rajasthan in a container lorry, was seized in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana on Monday. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case, police said.

Based on credible information, police teams conducted vehicle checks in Sujathanagar Mandal and intercepted the lorry. Upon inspection, they recovered 96 packets of ganja, Bhadradri Kothagudem Superintendent of Police B Rohit Raju said.

The contraband was loaded in Andhra Pradesh and was being transported to Jaipur in Rajasthan, the official added. A case has been registered against four accused individuals.

The prime accused, a 37-year-old man who assisted in transporting the ganja, and the lorry’s owner-cum-driver have been arrested. Two others — one who arranged the transportation and another involved in selling the ganja — are currently absconding, police said.

Further investigation is underway.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and accuracy of the text. Mid-day management/Mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/telangana-police-seizes-499-kgs-of-ganja-held-two-23598515

‘The universe had other ideas’: They bought their dream house, but it was the cat who came back to it that made it truly feel like home

**Purrfect Timing! A One-Year Homeowner and Her Feline Queen**

One year ago, this proud new homeowner was just settling in with two kids and a promise. Once the budget bounced back, they planned to adopt a cat. But the universe clearly had other plans—and didn’t want to wait.

One night, a determined feline showed up at their door, meowing as if she already had the keys. Within seconds, she’d claimed the house, leaping from counters to cabinets like a fuzzy parkour champion.

It turns out Angel (as she’s now lovingly called) had been abandoned by the previous owner and stuck around, waiting for her true family to move in.

What began as a stowaway story quickly transformed—Angel is now the queen of the castle, complete with her own bed on the cabinets and two kitten sidekicks to rule alongside her.

From stray to spoiled, this is one glow-up story for the hiss-tory books. Sometimes, you don’t choose the cat—the cat chooses you (and your mortgage).
https://cheezburger.com/42761733/the-universe-had-other-ideas-they-bought-their-dream-house-but-it-was-the-cat-who-came-back-to-it