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Diverse group of CSU seniors look to close out regular season on a positive noteThe Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced a partnership with AgStar PLC to promote smart agriculture machinery and equipment via the bank’s Diribala Green Development Loan Scheme. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies, paves the way for farmers who obtain loans from the bank to purchase inter-cultivators and irrigation systems from AgStar to receive exclusive discounts and other benefits. The bank said AgStar would offer a 5% discount to the bank’s customers, as well as free advisory services for potential buyers and free installation under this agreement. Smart agriculture equipment can help farmers adapt to climate variability by providing tools for precision watering, soil management, and pest control. These practices make farms more resilient to drought, extreme weather and other climate impacts, protecting farmers’ investments and yields. Beyond just lending money, this partnership extends to training, after-sales support, and maintenance of the equipment ensuring that farmers know how to effectively use and maintain the technology, which maximises productivity and extends the equipment’s lifespan, the bank said. Commercial Bank’s Diribala Green Development Loan Scheme aims to encourage sustainable agricultural practices. It supports the purchase of smart, eco-friendly machinery, that helps farmers adopt practices that are less harmful to the environment, such as precision agriculture which uses resources more efficiently and reduces waste. The bank has also launched several other initiatives to drive the adoption of modern and smart agriculture practices in Sri Lanka to improve productivity, address manpower shortages, reduce costs, and promote sustainability and food security.
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OTTAWA — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party will not support a Liberal plan to give Canadians a GST holiday and $250 unless the government expands eligibility for the cheques, saying the rebate leaves out “the most vulnerable.” The Liberals announced a plan last week to cut the federal sales tax on a raft of items like toys and restaurant meals for two months, and to give $250 to more than 18.7 million Canadians in the spring. Speaking after a Canadian Labour Congress event in Ottawa, Singh says he’s open to passing the GST legislation, but the rebate needs to include seniors, students, people who are on disability benefits and those who were not able to work last year. Singh says he initially supported the idea because he thought the rebate cheques would go to anyone who earned under $150,000 last year. But the so-called working Canadians rebate will be sent to those who had an income, leaving out people Singh says need the help. The government intends to include the measures in the fall economic statement, which has not yet been introduced in the House of Commons. The proposed GST holiday would begin in mid-December, lasting for two months. It would remove the GST on prepared foods at grocery stores, some alcoholic drinks, children’s clothes and toys, Christmas trees, restaurant meals, books, video games and physical newspapers. A privilege debate has held up all government business in the House since late September, with the Conservatives pledging to continue a filibuster until the government hands over unredacted documents related to misspending at a green technology fund. The NDP said last week they had agreed to pause the privilege debate in order to pass the legislation to usher in the GST holiday. Singh said Tuesday that unless there are changes to the proposed legislation, he will not support pausing the debate. The Bloc Québécois is also pushing for the rebates to be sent to seniors and retirees.The world's shortest runway just 1,312ft long so difficult pilots need special training
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A total of 290 days on from his devastating Achilles injury suffered in bizarre circumstances in Super Bowl 58, Dre Greenlaw will make his long-awaited return to the practice field for the San Francisco 49ers. The absence of Greenlaw's physicality, sideline-to-sideline speed and ability in pass coverage has had a huge impact on the 49er defense this season as De'Vondre Campbell has struggled to fill the void. But Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Wednesday that Greenlaw would practice for the Niners on Wednesday, having spent the entire year to this point on the PUP list. That does not mean Greenlaw is in line to make his return to game action against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Greenlaw will likely need a longer runway before being ready to play in a game, but his presence back on the practice field can still have a huge impact for the 49ers. The former fifth-round pick is one of the emotional leaders for the team, and his presence can offer San Francisco some much-needed energy at a point in the season where the 49ers have looked worryingly lifeless. Now 5-6 after getting blown out by the Green Bay Packers in Week 12, the 49ers should not need motivation to get up for their final six games with their slim playoff hopes hanging by a thread. However, the prospect of Greenlaw getting back on the field for a portion of the stretch run gives them additional reason to try to stay in touch in the playoff race and ensure he is returning for meaningful football, rather than a team playing out the string. It's unclear how effective Greenlaw will be coming off his prolonged lay-off, or even how much practice time he will need to feel ready to play in a game. What cannot be denied, though, is that the 49ers need to stop the rot after successive defeats for Greenlaw to have a shot at having a tangible impact on their fortunes this season. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
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( MENAFN - GetNews) "prominent players in the orthopedic implants market are Stryker Corporation (US), Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (US), Johnson & Johnson MedTech (US), Smith+Nephew (UK), B. Braun (Germany)."Browse 163 market data Tables and 60 Figures spread through 259 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Orthopedic Implants Market by Product (Knee, Hip, Elbow, Ankle, Shoulder, Foot, Wrist), Material (Metals: Stainless Steel, Titanium Alloy, Cobalt Chromium, Nitinol; Polymers, Ceramics, Hybrid), End user (Hospitals, ASCs, Trauma) - Global Forecast to 2029 The global orthopedic implants market is projected to grow USD 26.47 billion in 2029 from USD 20.94 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2029. Technology improvements, rising opportunities in developing markets, increase in prevalence of orthopedic disorders, and the increasing old-age population are contributing factors to the growth of orthopedic implant market. Orthopedic disorders such osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fractures are more likely to occur in geriatric people. The need for orthopedic implants to improve mobility and quality of life with these problems has increased because of the demographic transition. Along with the market's steady growth, there has been a rise in the number of orthopedic procedures and awareness related to the benefits of orthopedic surgeries. Download PDF Brochure: Browse in-depth TOC on " Orthopedic Implants Market " 163 - Tables 60 - Figures 259 - Pages The orthopedic implants market is segmented based on type into knee implants, hip implants, shoulder implants, elbow implants, foot & ankle implants, wrist implants, and other implants - knee segment is expected to hold major share of the market in 2023. The increase in number of revision knee surgical procedures and rising prevalence of knee osteoarthritis is driving the growth of this segment. According to NHS inform more than 70,000 knee replacements are performed in England and Wales each year. In 2022, the primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty procedures performed are 3,149,042 during the time of 2012 and 2022 which is 23% growth in procedural cases (Source: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons). By material, the orthopedic implants market is segmented into metal and metal alloys, ceramics, polymers and hybrid implants. In 2023, the metal and metal alloys segment held a significant share of the market 2023. The growth in this segment is driven by high strength and resistance to wear than any other material. Many of the metal alloys are compatible to imaging methods such as X-rays and CT scan that help in postoperative monitoring further supporting the growth of the segment. Regarding end users, the orthopedic implants market is fragmented into hospitals & surgical centers and ambulatory & trauma care centers. The major share of the market was contributed by hospitals & surgical centers segment in 2023. Increasing funding opportunities and rising focus on healthcare research by private and public entities are fuelling the market's growth. Furthermore, increasing number of hospitals which are equipped with advanced surgical equipment support the growth of the segment. The orthopedic implants market is segmented by region into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In 2023, North America region accounted for the major market share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The significant share of North America in this market is attributed to the strong existence of key players, rising number of fractures, increasing medical tourism. Factors such as increasing healthcare expenditure and growing popularity for various orthopedic treatments support the market growth in this region. Request Sample Pages: The orthopedic implants market is consolidated. As of 2023, the key players operating in the global orthopedic implants market are Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (US), Stryker Corporation (US), Johnson & Johnson MedTech (US), Smith+Nephew (UK), B. Braun (Germany). In 2023, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (US), Stryker Corporation (US), Johnson & Johnson MedTech (US) held a major share of the orthopedic implants market. These players have adopted key strategies such as acquisitions, partnerships, and expansions in the last four to five years. Stryker Corporation (US): Stryker Corporation is among the leading companies in the global the company has a strong presence in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, with its brand presence in more than 75 countries across the globe market. The company has a strong presence in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, with its brand presence in more than 75 countries across the globe. The company offers orthopedic implants through other Orthopedics & Spine division segment. The company focuses on enhancing its product portfolio and continuous innovation and developing new products to sustain its leading position in the market. Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (US): Zimmer Biomet is a medical device company that develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of healthcare products. The company offers orthopedic implants through its Knees, Hips, and S.E.T segments. The company has a strong geographic presence across countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Also, the company has a wide distribution network across Benelux, Nordic, Central & Eastern Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. Zimmer Biomet has a strong brand value among orthopedic implants end users, strong R&D capabilities, and a robust product portfolio. Johnson & Johnson MedTech (US): Johnson & Johnson MedTech is another major player operating in the orthopedic implants market. The company is engaged in the R&D, manufacturing, and marketing of orthopedic implants and other healthcare products across the globe. It offers orthopedic implants under the MedTech business segment. The company is dedicated to research & innovation to forge and unveil novel offerings that optimize patient results. The company collaborated with CrossRoads Extremity Systems (US) to improve orthopedic care and MedTech devices using new ideas, hoping to give patients better health results. The company holds a significant market share in over 60 nations across diverse territories such as North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa. For more information, Inquire Now! MENAFN16122024003238003268ID1108999840 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Fox News senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on Matt Gaetz withdrawing from attorney general consideration on ‘Your World.’ "I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places," goes the song by crooner Billie Holiday. Those who toil in Congress certainly saw a lot of old friends in the old familiar places at the U.S. Capitol recently. First, there was Vice President-elect and Sen. JD Vance , R-Ohio. Vance hasn’t even been a senator for two years. Yet he’s now bound for the vice presidency at age 40. He’ll be the youngest vice president since John Breckenridge worked alongside President James Buchanan in 1857. SPRINT TO CONFIRM TRUMP NOMINEES KICKS OFF IN JANUARY But Vance hasn’t been spotted at the Capitol much since President-elect Trump drafted him as his running mate in July. Vance was at the Capitol in June for votes. Gone for Fourth of July. Then selected as running mate. Then nowhere near the Capitol for the August recess. Vance only dipped into the Capitol for a doctor’s appointment with the attending physician to Congress in September. Then there was the election. Vance didn’t parachute back to Capitol Hill right away. But he did come back last week for votes – and primarily to shuttle Mr. Trump’s cabinet nominees through a series of meetings with senators. Vance facilitated sessions between senators and defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth in his office in the Russell Senate Office Building. Other meetings were in the Strom Thurmond Room in the Senate wing of the Capitol for former Rep. and former attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. At one point, Vance also took a strange diversion to the secure suite of rooms on the House side of the Capitol used by the House Intelligence Committee. It was never clear why Vance went there, who he met with or what was discussed. Vice President-elect JD Vance, R-Ohio, left, with embattled ex-Congressman Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., last week on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) A scrum of reporters tried to track Vance’s whereabouts when he and his entourage disappeared from the Strom Thurmond Room. But the press corps stumbled upon someone else: former Trump Chief of Staff and former Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C. "I’m just leading a tour, guys," said Meadows when asked if he was there to talk with Vance or work on the transition. "This is just a private visit." OHIO CONGRESSMAN VYING TO REPLACE JD VANCE IN THE SENATE SAYS TRUMP'S AGENDA MUST BE PRIORITY ON 'DAY ONE' But Vance was soon back in the Strom Thurmond Room to talk with Gaetz. Gaetz resigned from Congress after the President-elect tapped him as his first attorney general candidate. The Florida Republican abruptly resigned from the House the next day. Vance escorted Gaetz into the Senate wing of the Capitol last week for individual forums with members of the Judiciary Committee. After his conclaves with senators, an ebullient Gaetz left the Capitol – departing via the House side. Gaetz, left, abruptly forfeited his congressional seat as soon as he was named as President Trump's pick to head the Department of Justice. In hindsight, this resignation appears to have been in haste. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) "Senators have been giving me a lot of good advice. I'm looking forward to a hearing. Folks have been very supportive. They've been saying we're going to get a fair process. So it's a great day of momentum for the Trump-Vance administration," said Gaetz. "We're going to tackle fentanyl. We’re going to ensure that we don't have the DoJ involved in censorship any more. And make sure that we get the country back on track." Gaetz withdrew from consideration 18 hours later. Gaetz announced that his nomination "was unfairly becoming a distraction." He added that "there is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle." GAETZ-GATE: NAVIGATING THE PRESIDENT-ELECT'S MOST BAFFLING CABINET PICK Colleague Alexis McAdams reported that Gaetz reached the conclusion on his own. Gaetz’s resignation letter to the House made it clear that he did "not intend" to serve in the new Congress starting in January – even though he just won re-election. So now Gaetz is a former congressman. He won’t be Attorney General and he’s a former nominee. And he won’t be a future congressman. Given the ex-congressman's current career trajectory, Gaetz's future presence on Capitol Hill will likely be limited, to say the least. (Reuters) So, chalk down Gaetz as someone who probably won’t materialize around the Capitol often in the future. Until he wants to. After all, former members are always allowed back into the building. After Gaetz bowed out of the attorney general slot, I ran over to the Senate where I followed Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to the Hart Senate Office Building, and persuaded Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., to chat with reporters by the Senate Carriage Entrance. Once back inside, a man stood in a first floor hallway near the Brumidi Corridors, checking his phone. No one else paid him any attention. I’m not even sure other reporters had any idea who the man was. HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE PLANS TO DISCUSS PROBE INTO GAETZ AFTER RESIGNATION FROM CONGRESS "Glad you aren’t around here any more on a day like this?" I asked. The man chuckled and nodded in agreement. It was former Sen. David Vitter, R-La. Fox News senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram ran into former Sen. David Vitter, R-La., on Capitol Hill recently, shortly after Matt Gaetz bowed out of contention for the AG slot. Vitter seemed content with the fact that he no longer had an obligation to report there for work on days like that. (AP Photo) But another former member also graced the Capitol that same day. Mostly to hector House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and his preparation of a report on the conduct of Gaetz. "I said, ‘f--k it. I’ll come,’" said former Rep. George Santos , R-N.Y. And there he was. THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO POTENTIALLY RELEASING THE ETHICS COMMITTEE REPORT ON GAETZ The House expelled Santos nearly a year ago, for, well, having less credibility as to who he was than Milli Vanilli. "I’m completely, completely unrestrained from talking to you guys," said Santos to the press corps. Santos was looking for Guest, the author of the House Ethics Committee report which ultimately led to the expulsion of the New York Republican. Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., was also at the Capitol in the aftermath of Gaetz's resignation. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Santos became just the sixth member ever expelled from the House. But as an expelled member, your status around the Capitol is the same as a former lawmaker who resigned, retired or lost. You are a former member. That means Santos has access to the Capitol complex. It’s a loophole that House members said they would fix after they booted Santos – but never did. "If he runs away from me, I'll go stand in front of his office and scream at him through his door," said Santos of Guest. "Have you been in touch with Gaetz at all?" asked one reporter. FORMER REP. GEORGE SANTOS PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL WIRE FRAUD, ID THEFT CASE "No. No. He's busy. He's lobbying the Senate, which he should," replied Santos. Note this was the same day Gaetz was at the Capitol meeting with senators – but just hours before he withdrew his nomination for attorney general. "What do you think of Trump's other nominees so far?" asked a reporter. Santos, who lauded the President-elect's Cabinet picks when asked, has said he's not been in contact with Gaetz as of late. ( Win McNamee/Getty Images) "Great. It's fantastic. It's transformative. It's a proverbial wrecking ball to the swamp. And they're dealing with an existential crisis. And they're grappling for their lives because the American people have served them with a existential crisis and a mandate with Donald Trump ," said Santos. "Is it fair to say you have an ax to grind as he was the one who led the charge against you?" asked a reporter of Santos about Guest. "Do you remember that my ethics report was incomplete and that there was a footnote that said we do not recommend any kind of punishment because it's not a complete report. And yet he still went and filed an expulsion resolution of errors full of misleading information that basically contradicted what was in the report?" retorted Santos. "So he's full of sh-t." THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO GAETZ'S STATUS IN THE HOUSE AND THE ETHICS COMMITTEE REPORT Reporters then pivoted to whether the House Ethics Committee should publish its report on Gaetz – even though he’s a former member. "He’s not scared," replied Santos. "I don't blame him." "Do you plan to request a pardon?" asked another reporter. Santos claims he doesn't "intend," nor is he "entertaining," talks of a potential pardon. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) "That's not a conversation I've had. I don't intend on that conversation," said Santos. "I am not entertaining that conversation." Santos also told his audience that he did "not plan on running for office again." Which means Santos may continue to surface at the Capitol, unabated, despite the ignominy of his expulsion. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Vance will certainly return to the Capitol periodically as Vice President to preside over the Senate and potentially break ties. But Gaetz, Meadows, Vitter, Santos and soon, Vance, all have the same status. They’re former members. And that means they can return to the Capitol any time they want. Chad Pergram currently serves as a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network in September 2007 and is based out of Washington, D.C.Workleap Fall Launch: Empowering HR Leaders with New Features for Employee Growth and Engagement