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News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
The Silent Risk In Menopause: Why Bone Health Needs More Attention
Last Updated: As women approach menopause, adding a bone scan to your health checkup can help you understand your bone density and the risk of osteoporosis. For many women, menopause brings a cascade of physical and emotional changes, but one of the most overlooked concerns is bone health. Osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose density and become weak, often creeps in quietly during this time. It significantly increases the risk of fractures, especially in older women. 'The risk of osteoporosis rises sharply during peri- and postmenopausal years due to a decline in oestrogen and testosterone levels," says Dr. Jyotsna R Mirlay, Consultant – OBG, Specialist in Infertility & Menopause, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram. 'These hormones play a vital role in maintaining bone strength. Their absence leaves bones more vulnerable to damage," adds Dr Mirlay. While awareness around screenings for breast, cervical, and uterine cancers has grown, conversations about bone and muscle health are still limited. 'Women and even healthcare providers often overlook bone health. But a simple DEXA scan can be a game-changer," Dr. Mirlay explains. 'It checks bone density in key areas like the spine, wrist, and hip, and also gives insight into a woman's muscle mass." Fractures due to osteoporosis aren't just painful; they're often life-altering. 'There can be no better way to ensure a healthy menopause than to treat bone and muscle tissue loss early," says Dr. Mirlay. 'It acts as insurance against fractures, which are a major cause of disability and even death in older women." Maintaining bone strength ensures mobility, independence, and quality of life as women age. Making Smart Lifestyle Choices The good news? Much of this is preventable. Dr. Mirlay recommends a two-pronged approach of nutrition and movement. 'A diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D is crucial. And exercise: especially walking, weight training, yoga, and swimming, makes a big difference," she says. 'Osteoporosis and sarcopenia result from poor lifestyle choices, worsened by menopause. Awareness in the 30s can go a long way in building consistency and preventing long-term damage." she concludes. Supplements and medical treatments can help in more advanced cases, but prevention starts much earlier. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Observer
23-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
FFO approves RO 1.2 bn projects in first year
The Future Fund Oman (FFO) has recorded strong performance in its inaugural year, approving 44 projects with a combined investment value of around RO 1.2 billion. Of this, RO 333 million was contributed by the Fund itself, while the remaining RO 885 million came from foreign investors — reflecting growing international confidence in Oman's investment climate, according to the Oxford Business Group (OBG). Established by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) with a capital allocation of RO 2 billion over five years, the Future Fund Oman is a key instrument in advancing the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The Fund is designed to stimulate economic diversification and expand the country's investment base by targeting high-potential sectors such as industry, renewable energy, ICT, agriculture, fisheries and tourism, as well as emerging sectors like e-commerce, fintech and electric vehicles. OBG's 2024 review of the Fund noted its broader mission beyond capital deployment. The Fund also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), venture capital firms and the development of a national innovation ecosystem. To that end, 90% of its capital is allocated to large-scale projects, while the remaining 10% is earmarked for SMEs and venture capital, aligning with the goals of the National Development and Generations portfolios. The report commended Oman's recent regulatory reforms aimed at making the country more attractive to international investors. Key reforms include legislation allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, the launch of the unified 'Invest Oman' digital platform to streamline licensing processes and the reduction of the list of prohibited foreign ownership activities to 123. The implementation of the Privatisation Law was also seen as a critical step, enabling the transfer of state assets to private and international investors via public offerings. These reforms have helped the Future Fund Oman channel investments into a variety of impactful projects. These include both large-scale national initiatives and ventures led by SMEs and startups. Notable examples of the Fund's international partnerships include two joint investment funds with Chinese firms. The first is the IDG Oman Fund, a $200 million initiative launched in collaboration with IDG Capital Group. The fund focuses on investments within Oman in ICT, renewable energy and electric vehicles; and seeks to attract foreign direct investment in clean technologies and advanced industries. The second partnership is with EW Partners, establishing the EWTP Oman Fund worth $250 million. This fund targets investments in ICT, renewable energy, tourism and agriculture within Oman; and aims to bring Chinese industrial companies to set up regional operations in the Sultanate of Oman, boosting local employment and supply chain capabilities. A key national project supported by the Fund is the United Solar Polysilicon Factory in the SOHAR Port and Freezone. Touted as the largest facility of its kind outside China, the plant is expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of polysilicon annually—positioning Oman to capture approximately 4.4% of the global polysilicon market, valued at $37.3 billion. In addition to large-scale projects, the Fund has also backed innovative SME and startup ventures. These include Qpay, Oman's first buy-now-pay-later platform certified nationally; Bima, a digital insurance platform; and Serb, a drone traffic management project. OBG's report also outlined the Fund's five-year road map (2024–2028), anticipating significant economic contributions from its 2024 investments. These include the creation of over 1,600 direct jobs, the acceleration of economic diversification away from oil and gas; and greater support for entrepreneurship and innovation. — ONA
Muscat Daily
21-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's transport sector advances sustainable trade, connectivity goals
Muscat – Oman's transport and logistics sector is playing a central role in the country's economic transformation under Vision 2040, supported by large-scale investment, policy development and digital integration. A new Growth Perspectives video produced by global research and advisory firm Oxford Business Group (OBG), in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), examines how infrastructure upgrades and sustainability initiatives are reinforcing Oman's role as a strategic trade and logistics hub. The video, titled Oman's transport sector seeks to drive sustainable trade, highlights the sector's contribution of 7% to GDP in 2023, with aims to surpass 10% by 2040. Backed by RO2.5bn in targeted investment from 2021 to 2025, Oman is enhancing efficiency, boosting non-oil exports and improving multimodal connectivity. Particular focus is placed on the role of the country's deepwater ports – Sohar, Duqm and Salalah – which are positioned to support industrial development, energy production and international trans-shipment. These ports, together with improved road and airport access, are enabling Oman to expand its logistics footprint regionally and globally. The video also outlines the country's efforts to advance green and digital logistics solutions in support of its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. New initiatives include incentives for electric vehicles, adoption of blockchain and e-seal technologies, and the development of green trade corridors. The Oman Logistics Centre, a directorate under MTCIT, is leading the National Logistics Strategy and overseeing the sector's digital transformation. Key projects include Customs streamlining, last-mile delivery improvements and measures to increase transparency and efficiency across the logistics value chain. H E Eng Said bin Hamoud al Ma'awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said Oman's investment in infrastructure and innovation is enabling the country to strengthen its position as a regional gateway for trade. 'The transport and logistics sector is a vital enabler of Oman Vision 2040. Through integrated planning, policy development and advanced infrastructure, we are supporting economic growth while aligning with the country's broader sustainability objectives.' Dana Carmen Agarbicean, OBG's Country Director for Oman, said the sector's performance reflects Oman's ability to align long-term strategic goals with implementation. 'Oman's logistics sector is making significant strides in infrastructure development, trade facilitation and digitalisation. These efforts are establishing a foundation for sustainable growth and enhancing the country's competitiveness as a trade and investment destination.'
Muscat Daily
02-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OBG report highlights Oman's economic transformation
Muscat – A global research and consultancy firm together with Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has appreciated the sultanate's efforts to accelerate economic diversification through targeted investment in high-impact sectors. This analysis was done by Oxford Business Group (OBG), which publishes economic intelligence on the markets of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, insurance, energy, transport, industry and telecoms. OBG together with OIA published an advisory report on the basis of their market analysis titled Oman's Strategic Vision: The Role of Future Fund Oman in Economic Transformation. The report explored how the sultanate leveraged strategic funding mechanisms and robust governance frameworks to spur economic diversification, foster sustainable growth and strengthen its appeal as a regional business and investment destination. It considered how collaborative partnerships are enhancing competitiveness and positioning Oman as a future-ready economy in line with the national development objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040. Key sectors identified in the report are green energy, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, ports and logistics, mining, fisheries and agriculture. The publication highlights the pivotal role being played by Future Fund Oman (FFO) in supporting economic transformation by backing projects that promote innovation, job creation, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and venture capital (VC) firms – which combine to underscore OIA's role as a strategic partner in unlocking the sultanate's potential. Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of OIA, shared his insights on the country's investment priorities and the pivotal role of FFO. 'Oman's investment attractiveness has improved in recent years, driven by strategic initiatives under Oman Vision 2040 which aim to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas. Sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy and tourism have been prioritised to create a more resilient and sustainable economic landscape.' Dana Agarbicean, OBG's Country Director for Oman, said the report highlights the evolving role of targeted financing in supporting diversification efforts. 'The sultanate is taking steps to ensure that funding contributes to long-term competitiveness, particularly in high-potential sectors. FFO plays a key role in this process by supporting SMEs, VC firms and start-ups that are contributing to innovation and job creation,' she noted. Oman's Strategic Vision: The Role of Future Fund Oman in Economic Transformation includes relevant case studies and an exclusive interview with the President of OIA, offering further insight into FFO's objectives, investment strategy and role in advancing Oman Vision 2040.
Mid East Info
26-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Oman's finance and leasing sector supports economic diversification under Vision 2040 - Middle East Business News and Information
Oxford Business Group's latest Growth and Perspectives video highlights the sector's role in enhancing access to capital and enabling sustainable growth Muscat, June 2025: Sultanate of Oman financial services industry continues to play a central role in supporting the country's long-term development strategy. A new Growth Perspectives video produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG) in partnership with National Finance Company, the sultanate of Oman leading finance company, explores how the finance and leasing segment is fuelling economic diversification by addressing funding gaps and facilitating investment across key sectors. The video, titled Sultanate of Oman Finance and Leasing Sector Fuelling Economic Diversification, examines the ways in which financial solutions are enabling businesses to scale up operations, create employment opportunities and contribute to national growth. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of tailored financing mechanisms in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are recognised as vital to private sector development. Under Oman Vision 2040, economic diversification and private sector participation are top priorities. The finance and leasing sector is well positioned to contribute to these objectives through the provision of capital for logistics, construction, manufacturing and other industries. Leasing arrangements for industrial equipment, working capital loans and sale-and-leaseback options are among the solutions highlighted in the video as helping to bridge the financing gap for businesses of all sizes. The interview features insights from Tariq Sulaiman Al Farsi, Chief Executive Officer of National Finance Company, who outlines the company's approach to facilitating access to finance through inclusive, innovation-driven products and services. He also discusses how the company is aligning its strategy with the broader goals of Oman Vision 2040, including support for emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital technology. 'Financial inclusion is fundamental to achieving economic diversification,' Al Farsi said. 'At National Finance, we are committed to supporting Sultanate of Oman growth by empowering entrepreneurs, enhancing access to credit and ensuring that our solutions are designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.' Dana Carmen Agarbicean, OBG's Country Director in Sultanate of Oman, noted that the country's finance and leasing sector has become an essential enabler of long-term development. 'Sultanate of Oman progress towards a more diversified economy is underpinned by robust and adaptive financial mechanisms. The sector's contribution to national priorities—particularly the growth of SMEs and strategic industries—reflects its key role in shaping a resilient and competitive business environment,' she said. This Growth Perspectives video forms part of Oxford Business Group's wider research for The Report: Sultanate of Oman 2025, the Group's forthcoming publication on the country's investment opportunities and economic developments. An in-depth interview with Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi will also appear in the report. To view the video, visit: About Oxford Business Group Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global research and advisory company with a presence in over 30 countries, spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. It is recognised internationally as a distinctive and respected provider of on-the-ground intelligence on world's fastest-growing markets, termed The Yellow Slice, in reference to OBG's corporate colour. Through its range of products – Economic News and Views; OBG CEO Surveys; OBG Events and Conferences; Global Platform, which hosts exclusive video interviews; and The Report publications – as well as its Advisory division, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sector-level developments for sound investment opportunities and business decisions. OBG provides business intelligence to its subscribers through multiple platforms, including its direct subscribers, Dow Jones Factiva subscribers, the Bloomberg Professional Services subscribers, Refinitiv's (previously Thomson Reuters) Eikon subscribers, and more.
