New Delhi: As gold prices continue their upward climb, Zoho Corporation’s Co-founder and CEO, Sridhar Vembu, has raised concerns for investors. Sharing his thoughts in response to an op-ed by former IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath, Vembu cautioned that rising global debt levels pose a serious risk. He also emphasized that gold, in his view, isn’t an investment but a safeguard—an insurance against uncertain economic times.

Sridhar Vembu shared his thoughts on X, saying, “Gold is also flashing a big warning signal. I don’t think of gold as an investment, I think of it as insurance against systemic financial risk. Ultimately finance is all about trust and when debt levels reach this high, trust breaks down.”

I agree with Dr Gita Gopinath.

The US stock market is in a clear and massive bubble.

The degree of leverage in the system means that we cannot rule out a systemic event like the global financial crisis of 2008-9.

Gold is also flashing a big warning signal. I don’t think of… https://t.co/7xVPL3FXDq
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) October 18, 2025

Vembu Warns: Rising Debt Could Erode Financial Trust

Vembu emphasized that the foundation of finance lies in trust. However, he cautioned that with global debt levels reaching alarming heights, this trust is at serious risk of breaking down.

Gold Shines Bright With Record Highs Ahead of Diwali

Friday marked the fifth straight day of gains for gold in international markets, with prices climbing 1.23 per cent to 4,379.93 dollars . The rally has been strong across the globe, and in India, festive demand ahead of Diwali pushed domestic gold prices to an all-time high of Rs 1,32,953 per 10 grams. So far this year, gold has delivered a remarkable 70 percent return—far outpacing the modest 8% rise in the NSE Nifty 50 index.

Last Updated:October 20, 2025, 12:44 IST

EPFO 3.0 allows instant 75% withdrawal for unemployed, 12-month service for partial withdrawals, and more withdrawals for education and marriage.

PF Withdrawal Rules.

EPFO 3.0 Updates 2025 Latest News: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced new partial withdrawal rules under the upgraded EPFO 3.0 system, bringing more uniformity and flexibility for subscribers. The decision to amend the scheme was taken by the apex decision-making body of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the Central Board of Trustees headed by Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in a meeting held on October 13.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s new:

1. Continuous Unemployment

Under the previous rules, members could withdraw 75% of their EPF balance after one month of unemployment and the remaining 25% after two months.

Now, under EPFO 3.0, members can withdraw 75% of their balance immediately, while the full withdrawal can be made after 12 months of continuous unemployment.

2. Pension Withdrawal After Job Loss

Earlier, pension withdrawal was allowed after two months of unemployment. Under the new rules, the waiting period has been extended. Members can now withdraw their pension amount only after 36 months.

3. Lockout or Closure of Establishment

Previously, withdrawals in case of a lockout or closure were limited to not exceeding the employee’s share or up to 100% of the total share.

Now, 75% of the EPF corpus can be withdrawn, while 25% must be retained as a minimum balance.

4. Epidemic or Pandemic

Earlier, members could withdraw up to three months’ basic wages and dearness allowance (BW + DA) or 75% of their balance, whichever was lower. The new rules maintain similar conditions but align them with the new standardised service requirements.

5. Natural Calamity

Previously, withdrawals were capped at Rs 5,000 or 50% of the member’s own contribution with interest, whichever was less. Under the new framework, minimum service tenure for all partial withdrawals, including this category, is standardised to 12 months.

6. Medical Treatment (Self or Family)

Earlier, members could withdraw up to six months’ BW and DA or the employee’s share, whichever was less, and this could be done more than once. The new rules retain this structure but fall under the uniform 12-month service condition.

7. Education and Marriage

Under the old rules, EPF subscribers could withdraw up to 50% of their contribution after seven years of membership. Withdrawals were permitted three times (for education) and two times (for marriage) during their service.

Under EPFO 3.0, the frequency limit has been increased. Education withdrawals allowed up to 10 times, and marriage-related withdrawals up to 5 times during service.

8. Purchase or Construction of House / Purchase of Site

Earlier, this was allowed after 24-36 months of service, up to the total of BW + DA or the cost of construction, whichever was less, and only once.

Now, with the new standardised rule, a minimum of 12 months of service is required for all partial withdrawals.

9. Addition/ Alteration/ Improvement in House

Previously, members could withdraw up to 12 months’ BW and DA or their employee’s share, whichever was less. The same conditions continue under the new uniform system.

10. Housing Loan Repayment

Earlier, members could withdraw up to 36 months’ BW + DA or total balance or outstanding loan, whichever was less, once during their service. The new EPFO 3.0 system retains the same criteria but simplifies the process for digital requests.

11. Purchase of Dwelling House or Flat

Earlier, up to 90% of the total share with interest or cost of acquisition could be withdrawn once. The same conditions remain, with digital processing expected to make transactions smoother.

Key Highlights of EPFO 3.0 Withdrawal Framework

Uniform Service Tenure: The minimum service requirement for all partial withdrawals has now been standardised to 12 months, replacing the earlier range of 2–7 years, depending on the purpose.

Minimum Balance Rule: Members must now retain at least 25% of their EPF corpus after withdrawal.

Frequency Flexibility: The frequency for withdrawals related to education and marriage has been increased, giving members more flexibility during important life stages.

Instant Withdrawal Facility: Under the new system, members facing unemployment can access 75% of their balance immediately, providing crucial liquidity during job loss.

Mohammad Haris

Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h…Read More

Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h… Read More

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US President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that he might reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, but only if Beijing agrees “to do things” for the United States. These concessions include buying more US soybeans, halting restrictions on rare earth minerals, and other security concerns. Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, he said, “They’re paying us a lot of money, tremendous amount of money in tariffs, and they’d probably like to have it be less. We’ll work on that, but they have to give us some things too.”

These comments come after the US announced an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports to the country, effective from November 1, in response to China’s restrictions on rare earth mineral exports. This took the overall duty to a staggerring 130%.‘No longer a one-way street’ Referring to the 130% tariffs on Beijing, he said, “Right now, China’s paying a tremendous amount of money in tariffs like they’d never paid before. You know, they paid a lot during my first administration, my first term.”China is paying “an unbelievable amount of money” to the United States, Trump said, adding, “they probably can’t pay that much. And I’m okay with that.” “We can lower that, but they have to do things for us, too. It’s no longer a one-way street.” Responding to where the reduced tariffs might land, he said that it “depends. I mean, we’ll have to see what they want.” “One of the penalties we have, because they’re sending in fence and all we have a 20%, as you know, a 20% tariff on that. But they’d be paying about a 157% tariff, which is, you know, record-sending type tariff.”The US president further added that he wants to help China but expects something in return. “I don’t want them to do that. I want to help China. I’m not looking to hurt China. But they have to give us things, too.”What Trump wants in exchange for lower tariffs? In turn for lower tariffs, Trump expects China to buy America’s soybean and “stop with the fentanyl.” “Very, you know, normal things. I don’t want them to play the rare earth game with us.” He highlighted that American soybean farmers have been boycotted by China and hence a deal would not happen if Beijing fails to meet these demands. “Otherwise I’m not going to make a deal. No, I want them to buy. Our farmers have been boycotted by China as a negotiating point. I don’t want that. Our farmers are great. And in particular our soybean farmers. And I want them to start buying soybeans at least in the amount that they were buying before. And I believe they’ll be able to do that.”Fresh negotiations ahead The comments come as the US and China prepare for a new round of trade negotiations “as soon as possible,” aimed at avoiding further damaging tariffs. The announcement followed a video call between Beijing’s chief negotiator, Vice Premier He Lifeng, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. State news agency Xinhua said the talks involved “candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges.” Tensions have risen since Trump announced the additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Taking to social media platform Truth Socialm he said, “Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position… the United States of America will impose a Tariff of 100% on China, over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying.” Meanwhile, Beijing also warned of retaliation if the US proceeds. “Wilful threats of high tariffs are not the right way to get along with China,” a commerce ministry spokesperson said, according to Xinhua. Despite earlier remarks that Trump would not meet Xi Jinping at this month’s APEC summit, a meeting between the two leaders still appears possible. Treasury secretary Bessent said, “He will be meeting with Party Chair Xi in Korea – I believe that meeting will still go ahead.”