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FDA approves new Covid shots with limits on who can get them under RFK Jr.
Pfizer’s Covid vaccine Comirnaty, seen at a CVS Pharmacy in Eagle Rock, California, Sept. 14, 2023.
Irfan Khan | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the latest round of Covid vaccines in the U.S., but set new limits on who can get them.
The agency ended its broader authorization of the shots, only clearing them for people at higher risk of severe illness. That includes those 65 and up and younger adults with at least one underlying condition that puts them at higher risk.
The move could complicate access to the shots for millions of Americans, and raises questions about whether insurance plans will still cover them for healthy adults.
“The emergency use authorizations for Covid vaccines, once used to justify broad mandates on the general public during the Biden administration, are now rescinded,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a post on X.
“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense,” he said. “This framework delivers all three.”
It follows several efforts by Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, to change immunizations in the U.S. The new limited authorizations are a break from U.S. vaccine policy in previous years, which recommended an annual Covid shot for all Americans 6 months and up.
A key panel of vaccine advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must vote to recommend the Covid shots. But Kennedy earlier this year gutted that panel and named new members, some of whom are widely known vaccine critics.
In the post, Kennedy said the shots are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors. But it’s unclear how easily patients without high-risk factors will be able to get a Covid vaccine.
Kennedy said the FDA has authorized Moderna‘s shot for those 6 months and up, Pfizer‘s vaccine for people ages 5 and up, and Novavax‘s jab for those ages 12 and up, but only for those specifically at higher risk of getting severely sick from the virus.
Adults ages 65 and up are at higher risk of severe Covid, and so are younger adults who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and heart diseases, according to the CDC‘s website.
The end of the so-called emergency use authorizations means that Pfizer’s shot is no longer cleared for children ages 6 months to 4 years. It comes after Pfizer in August said it has requested that the FDA keep that authorization in place for the upcoming fall and winter season.
In a release, Pfizer confirmed that the FDA had cleared its updated Covid shot for use in adults 65 and above and those ages five through 64 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe illness. The company will begin shipping the shot immediately, and it will be available in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics nationwide “in the coming days.”
In a separate release, Moderna also confirmed that its updated Covid shot is approved for those 65 and up and people 6 months through 64 years of age who are at higher risk of severe illness. The company added that its new, next-generation Covid vaccine is approved for older adults and high-risk patients ages 12 through 64. Moderna said it expects the shots to be available in the coming days.
Shares of Pfizer and Moderna were trading slightly higher Wednesday afternoon, while Novavax shares dipped.
In May, the CDC dropped the recommendation that pregnant women and healthy children receive Covid shots. But the American Academy of Pediatrics diverged from the agency earlier this month, recommending Covid shots for children between 6 months and 2 years old.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, called the FDA’s more limited approval “deeply troubling.” She said respiratory illnesses like Covid can be “especially risky for infants and toddlers, whose airways and lungs are small and still developing.”
“Any parent who wants their child vaccinated should have access to this vaccine,” she said. “Today’s unprecedented action from HHS not only prevents this option for many families, but adds further confusion and stress for parents trying to make the best choices for their children.”
She said the AAP urges the administration to “allow these choices to remain with medical experts and families.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also advised pregnant women to get the Covid vaccine to protect themselves and their infants, who cannot be immunized until they are 6 months old.
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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.
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
October 20, 2025, 12:44 IST
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Business
Tariff war: Trump says he’s ‘not looking to hurt China’; lists key demands for trade deal – The Times of India
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.”
In 2006-07, a 1 percent withholding tax was imposed on commercial imports of gold in the country. Photo: Express News
The price of 24-karat gold per tola fell by Rs1,400 on Monday, selling at Rs444,900 compared to Rs446,300 on the previous trading day, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.
Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold decreased by Rs1,200, settling at Rs381,430 from Rs382,630.
Meanwhile, the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold dropped by Rs1,100 to Rs349,656 from Rs350,756.
In the international market, gold prices also declined by $17 per ounce, falling to $4,235 from the previous rate of $4,252.
Silver prices followed a similar trend. The price of 24-karat silver per tola declined by Rs12, reaching Rs5,261 from Rs5,273, while 10 grams of silver fell by Rs10 to Rs4,510 from Rs4,520.
International silver rates also dipped by $0.26, settling at $51.60 per ounce.
Read: Gold prices plunge in global, local markets
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $4,259.34 per ounce, as of 0514 GMT. U.S. gold futures for December delivery climbed 1.4% to $4,273 per ounce.
Spot silver rose 0.6% to $52.18 per ounce. Prices fell about 4.4% on Friday in their worst session since early April, after hitting a record high of $54.47 earlier in the day.
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