Latest news with #Bam
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
Somalia's stance on peace missions — interference or local ownership?
Threats to the independence of peace support missions call for clarity on their relationship with host countries. The Federal Government of Somalia has repeatedly used the 'persona non grata' principle to expel senior representatives of African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) missions, citing 'misconduct' and 'interference in internal affairs'. Somalia is also playing a more pronounced but contested role in planning, deploying and repatriating AU peace support operations (PSOs) in the country. These moves undermine missions' independence and hamper their ability to carry out mandated tasks. They also question host nations' increasing role in shaping mission strategy and operations. As the UN and AU explore the future of PSOs, the implications for existing and future peace missions must be considered. The UN and AU have long supported Somalia through peace missions to help deal with the country's protracted civil war. For almost 20 years the AU has deployed three consecutive PSOs – the latest being the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (Aussom) – with a mandate to help defeat violent extremist groups, including al-Shabaab, protect civilians and rebuild the country's governance capacity. The UN has provided special political missions to support state-building, rule of law, justice and human rights. It also authorised the AU PSOs and provided them with logistical assistance. Despite their many challenges and the persistent al-Shabaab threat, these missions have helped stabilise the country. Somalia has consolidated its government structures at federal and state levels, and an increasing number of regions have been liberated from al-Shabaab. Thousands of peacekeepers have died for the cause of peace. The 3,500 AU mission personnel killed in Somalia between 2007 and 2023 nears the total deaths of all UN peacekeeping missions in 75 years worldwide. Mission leaders walk a fine political line as they operate in Somalia. According to recent media reports, diplomatic concerns among Somali federal authorities resulted in Aussom acting head Sivuyile Bam being declared 'persona non grata'. Bam is also a deputy special representative to AU Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Neither side has issued an official statement, but Somalia reportedly accused Bam of sympathising with al-Shabaab, and the government hinted at 'misconduct' when announcing Bam's replacement. This announcement appears false since the AU Commission has yet to appoint a head and deputy head of Aussom. Anonymous AU sources told ISS Today that the AU Commission withdrew Bam from the mission before Somalia expelled him. They said the reason was his briefing to the UN Security Council in April, which highlighted Aussom's funding and capabilities challenges, and the rise in al-Shabaab attacks. Somalia has used these tactics before, when senior leaders of AU and UN missions were forced to leave the country for similar reasons. In 2022, former AU Commission chairperson special representative and head of the first two AU PSOs, ambassador Francisco Madeira, was ejected. Somalia accused Madeira of 'engaging in acts that are incompatible with his status as representative of the AU Commission'. Former AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat rejected the accusation, expressing his 'trust and confidence' in Madeira. In 2019, Somalia expelled the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy and Mission Head Nicholas Haysom, accusing him of 'interfering with the country's internal affairs.' However, other sources said he was expelled because he was defending human rights in the country. In recent years Somalia's government has increasingly contested the planning, deployment and repatriation of AU PSOs. For example, Burundi – one of the largest contributors to AU PSOs since 2008 – has said it will withdraw its forces from Somalia following disagreement with the government on the number of troops to be deployed. These decisions were not Somalia's to make. Burundi's troop contribution was planned under the AU framework, and any decisions on expert and troop numbers deployed should have been made by the AU Commission. Local and national ownership is generally recognised as key to a mission's effectiveness. In 2001, the UN endorsed the concept as a way to empower local actors and communities in the peacebuilding process. In principle though, this was not intended to compromise the strategic and operational independence of missions. Tensions between host nations and peace missions are not new and are not restricted to Somalia. When Sudan, Mali, and Kosovo expelled UN mission leaders, the UN condemned their actions because the 'doctrine of 'persona non grata' is not applicable to UN personnel'. While the legality of 'persona non grata' in the context of UN and AU peace missions is still debatable, the implications for peace missions of using this tactic are evident. At the very least, the threat of expulsion undermines the morale of mission personnel and their ability to act independently according to their mandates. Operational independence is vital to a mission's legitimacy in the eyes of host nation communities and the world. For Aussom, having an 'acting' head of mission since mid-April will limit its effectiveness. The Somali government's direct dealings with Burundi on troop contributions to Aussom not only compromise mission independence but undermine troop-contributing countries' confidence in the AU Commission's decision-making. This highlights the dilemma of state sovereignty and how to manage the principle of local ownership in peace operations. But once a country signs an agreement consenting to international support, it cedes some sovereignty in line with the mandate of UN and AU peace missions. Local ownership is important, but so too is ensuring missions' strategic and operational independence. The latest developments in Somalia call for a rethink of how these relationships are structured and managed. The UN and AU should jointly define the role of host nations to ensure the independence of existing and future peace missions as part of a larger conversation about the relationship between host countries and peace missions. DM
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhuvan Bam's new look has fans convinced he got surgery. YouTuber shares the truth behind his transformation
In the age of internet scrutiny , even a simple haircut can spiral into a full-blown investigation. That's exactly what happened with YouTuber and actor Bhuvan Bam , whose latest clean-shaven look triggered an online storm of speculation. Redditors, armed with old photos and sharp observations, began dissecting the visible changes in his face—some accusing him of going under the knife, others wondering if diet and fitness alone could bring about such a dramatic shift. The buzz started when a Reddit post shared a few photos of Bam's recent photos and his older, bearded look. The post asked if the transformation was the result of plastic surgery, mocking the idea that "diet and ageing" could explain the difference. Soon, users jumped in with theories ranging from fillers and rhinoplasty to beard removal and bulking up. While some speculated about subtle cosmetic tweaks like a more balanced jawline or smoother facial contours, others credited clean eating, hydration, gym routines, and even better sleep for the glow-up. A few admitted they wouldn't have recognised him if they passed him on the street. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ethiopia: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price! (See Price List) Luxury Jewelry | search ads Undo Posts from the bollyblindsngossip community on Reddit Bhuvan Bam reacts to the surgery controversy Amid the buzz, Bhuvan Bam himself stepped in to clear the air, confirming that while he did have a minor lip surgery recently, it had nothing to do with facial aesthetics. The procedure was to remove a painful mucocele (a type of boil), necessary due to an upcoming project. The rest of his transformation, he said, was pure discipline: one hour of cardio, one hour of strength training, and a strict diet. He cheekily added that even he was surprised at how different he looked, but reminded fans that one of the images being compared was nearly ten years old. He signed off his message with humour and warmth, thanking fans for their 'wild guesses' and reminding everyone that appearances evolve—and sometimes, it's just hard work, not surgery. Bhuvan Bam's work The YouTuber has appeared on various prominent shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, Bigg Boss 15, and The Kapil Sharma Show. He was last seen in the web series Rafta Rafta and is also the producer of the show.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhuvan Bam responds to rumours about facial surgery: ‘I underwent a lip surgery because…'
recently caught the attention of Reddit users when a post featuring his pictures sparked questions about his appearance. One user asked, 'Have Bhuvan Bam underwent any sort of Surgery?' In response, the YouTuber-turned-actor himself addressed the speculation and clarified the changes in his face. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bhuvan Bam's Clarification on His Appearance Bam said, 'Hi doston, Had a great time reading all the comments regarding my 'surgery'. I also felt the same after looking at my changed facial structure, as if I've gone under the knife. But it's just 60 minutes of cardio and one hour of strength training supported by a strict diet. It does wonders trust me. Also, the second photo is almost a decade old. So naturally people's appearance changes.' 'A few weeks ago, I underwent a lip surgery because of a painful boil also known as 'mucocele'. It had to be removed because I've been prepping up for a show and had to be in a certain look. But thank you for your opinions which are just 'andhere mein लठ ghumaana'. Take care all. Lots of Love, (sic)' he added. Truth of the Reddit Account Confirmed Many believed that it was a fake account of Bhuvan Bam, but a Redditor confirmed its authenticity, noting that the actor had hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the same profile a few years back. While Reddit is filled with celebrity gossip and debates, it's uncommon for the stars themselves to jump in and address the rumors. Bhuvan, however, continues to stand out by engaging directly with his fans on various platforms. Bhuvan Bam's Recent Work and Upcoming Projects On the work front, Bhuvan Bam's most recent appearance was in the second season of Taaza Khabar , released on Disney+ Hotstar in September 2024. Although there's no official word on his next venture yet, he has hinted at an upcoming project in a recent comment, suggesting that fans can expect something new from him soon.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Commitment To End Tobacco Must Translate To Bold Actions On The Ground
Commitment to end tobacco must translate to bold actions on the ground, said Dr Tara Singh Bam. He exhorted the new government of Indonesia to sign and ratify the global tobacco treaty (formally called the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or WHO FCTC) in the interest of the health and wellbeing of its people. FCTC is the first international legally binding corporate accountability and public health treaty of the WHO to protect people from the devastating tobacco use. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly of the WHO on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. Currently, among the countries that are part of the United Nations, except 14, all of them have ratified the FCTC. Among the 14 countries that have not yet become a part of the global tobacco treaty, 6 have signed but not ratified it, and 8 have not even signed it - including Indonesia. Dr Tara Singh Bam was addressing the delegates of 10th Indonesian Conference on Tobacco Control (ICTOH 2025) including Vice President of Indonesia, Minister of Health of Indonesia, and other dignitaries. Dr Bam is the Board Director of Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT) and serves as Asia Pacific Director (Tobacco Control), Vital Strategies. Indonesian conference was held just few days before the World No Tobacco Day 2025 and few weeks before the World Conference on Tobacco Control opens in Ireland next month. With highest male smoking rates globally in Indonesia, ratifying FCTC is an urgent priority With an Adult Smoking rate of 39%, Indonesia ranks among the top 5 countries with highest smoking rates. It also holds the dubious distinction of having 74.5% male smokers - highest in the world. It is also the only country in the Asia Pacific region that has not signed the FCTC. Dr Bam blames it on the intense influence of tobacco industry on the government. It lobbies with the government, including giving donations to political parties for their political campaigns. According to Dr Bam, in the absence of FCTC, the tobacco industry interference is all pervasive in Indonesia- at the central level, provincial level and local level. So, the first urgent thing to do is for the government to sign the FCTC in the interest of public health. Once the government ratifies the treaty, it will become mandatory for it to implement all the provisions of the treaty comprehensively, including FCTC Article 5.3, that mandates protection of public health policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry, and take steps to ensure that tobacco industry interference does not undermine the implementation of tobacco control measures and public policy. 'Signing FCTC is all about political leadership, commitment and action. What I have seen in Indonesia is commitment, but there is not enough action on the ground. Action also means that the government has to sign and ratify the treaty. The government has to be honest to its people. We now have a new government and hopefully it will take this issue seriously and ratify the treaty," he hoped. Bright tobacco products, dark deadly intentions The theme of World No Tobacco day 2025 theme is 'Bright Products. Dark Intentions. Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products'. Dark intentions indeed! Throughout its lifecycle, tobacco pollutes the planet and damages the health of all people. Globally, about 35 lakh hectares of farm land are destroyed to grow tobacco every year. Deforestation caused by tobacco farming is estimated at 2 lakh hectares annually. Sustainable food production in poor and middle-income nations is jeopardised where tobacco is grown as a commercial crop. Tobacco use is one of the biggest (and yet entirely preventable) risk factors for major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (such as heart diseases and stroke), cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and arthritis, as well as for communicable diseases like TB and COVID-19. One in six NCD deaths and 27% of TB deaths globally are attributed to tobacco use. The economic losses are staggering too. The global economic cost of tobacco use is estimated at USD 1.85 trillion annually, equivalent to approximately 1.8% of the world's GDP. These are funds that could be used by governments for education, healthcare, and social benefit schemes for the good of the common public, especially the disadvantaged communities. Burden and Impact of tobacco use in Indonesia In Indonesia too, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths, claiming over 270,000 lives annually, which is about 23.3% of the total deaths. It deepens poverty and hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Tobacco use is also the biggest risk factor for TB in Indonesia which has the 2nd highest burden of TB globally. Smoking is responsible for up to 30% of Indonesia's TB burden, or 319,000 TB cases each year. All this drains the country's exchequer by over IDR 450 trillion or approximately USD 29 billion annually. And yet, the tobacco industry continues to find new ways to dole out this poison in various forms to lure youngsters and children - by way of new nicotine products like e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco products- that are rapidly gaining ground. It is high time to focus on challenging the misleading techniques employed by the tobacco industry to make their unsafe products appealing to their victims. Silver lining Although Indonesia is yet to sign the WHO FCTC, Indonesia's Ministry of Health supports the Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT),which is a unique alliance of mayors and sub-national leaders from 122 cities of 12 countries. APCAT is dedicated to advance tobacco control, prevention and control of NCDs and TB in the region, among addressing other compelling health and development priorities. Several Indonesian cities are members of APCAT, including Bogor, Denpasar, Klungkung, Bandar Lampung, East Jakarta, Pekalongan, Malang, and Balikpapan. Local governments of these cities have been doing inspiring work on the ground for tobacco control since several years now which has demonstrated commendable public health impact. This includes implementing 100% smoke-free policy in all public and work places; banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; building policy advocacy to raise taxes and prices on tobacco, alcohol and other harmful products; safeguarding peoples' health from tobacco industry tactics; incorporating NCD prevention programmes into primary healthcare services, among others. The way forward to #endTobacco But this is not enough. Dr Bam rightly calls upon all levels of government, parliamentarians, and stakeholders to act decisively to align the local tobacco control efforts with global standards by committing to the ratification of the WHO FCTC. He acknowledges the Presidential Regulation No. 28 of 2024 (that covers a wide range of healthcare issues, including regulations on tobacco products and steps against electronic cigarettes) as a step forward in the right direction, but thinks it is not enough for the scale of the crisis the country is facing. 'It is our shared responsibility to protect public health policies from the vested interests of the tobacco companies. Both national and local governments must ensure that all tobacco control policies are developed and implemented, free from tobacco industry influence. The tools, the science, and the evidence are in our hands. What we need now is political will and courageous leadership," he said. Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service) (Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024). She also coordinates SHE & Rights initiative (Sexual health with equity & rights). Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla or read her writings here
Cosmopolitan
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Time to Scroll Through A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo's Full Relationship Timeline
If you're wondering what happens when two Olympic-level basketball players shoot their shot with each other, look no further than A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo's sweet relationship. The Las Vegas Aces and Miami Heat stars first sparked dating rumors in 2024, but seemingly confirmed their romance in February 2025. The pair keeps things relatively low-key and off social media, for the most part. That being said, we totally get if you can't get enough of these two on and off the court. Let's dive into what we know about A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo's relationship timeline, shall we? The duo have been friends for years, and have openly supported each other during their games. Along with Derek White and LeBron James, Bam supported A'ja courtside during the Women's Basketball Gold Medal match between Team France and Team USA at the Paris Olympics. Bam and other local members of the Miami Heat received a key to the city for their excellence at the Paris Olympics in a special ceremony hosted by the mayor, where A'ja was in attendance. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava even cheekily made side-eyes at the pair, who hadn't publicly confirmed their relationship at the time. 'A'ja Wilson, she won gold in women's basketball,' Cava said, per CBS News. 'I guess that has something to do with Bam and the Heat being here today.' Bam even made a comment on the ceremony later that day on social media, writing, 'Getting the 🔑 today was smooth. How's y'all Wednesday going ? 🙂' Bam (not so subtly) showed support for A'ja on social media after she broke the WNBA's single-season scoring record, writing 'U'nanimous' with an apostrophe, like her first name. Translation for my non-sports people out there: he cheekily pointed to the Aces star as a unanimous selection for WNBA's MVP that season. Moving along! Bam back at it again with the cryptic spelling. We see you. The pair was spotted out on a dinner date in L.A., per pics obtained by TMZ. Bam rocked a pair of the A'One sneakers from A'ja's collection with Nike during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. Bam sat courtside during A'ja's No. 22 jersey retirement ceremony with the South Carolina Gamecocks. She also gave him a sweet shoutout during her speech, saying, 'I wouldn't be who I am today without the love, support and sacrifices of so many people. What a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today, especially my favorite Olympian from out of town.' A'ja commented on Bam wearing her A'One sneakers during a Miami Heat game in January during an interview with People, saying, 'It was super dope. It was a moment.' She shared that he 'really wanted to be at the forefront of pushing my shoes.' 'If I have to put it out in the NBA, why not have someone like Bam Adebayo, who's just a good person all around, to kind of showcase my shoes, so I was thankful he was able to wear it,' she gushed. The Aces star also subtly confirmed her romance with Bam during Chase Freedom's Cashback Courts at NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. When asked about her Valentine's Day plans, she told People, 'My plans are here at NBA All-Star. My NBA All-Star is not here.' She shared that though they didn't get to spend the holiday together, Bam was 'getting the rest he needs' during the All-Star break. 'And that's the best Valentine gift that I can truly give him, is just the rest,' she added. A'ja gave rare insight into her relationship with Bam during her Cosmo Sports cover interview, referring to him as a 'safe place' for her. 'I have an amazing boyfriend who really is my safe space. He's truly a gift. He's obviously in the same field, so we bounce off different things with one another to where it's like, no, we're not alone. He's helped me through a lot and welcomed me to be who I'm going to be. I know he's like, 'I don't know what A'ja I'm going to get today, but I'm blessed to be beside her.'' She added, 'And it's the same for me. When you can be your true self in front of someone, in front of your partner, that's the purest form of love. At any point if I ever need a voice to hear or just a hug, he's always there.' When asked if she'd ever hard launch their relationship, A'ja responded, 'I don't see a hard launch in our future, honestly. I know people are always like, 'Please!!' but I think we're really at peace with where we are, and I'm so happy with where we are.' That's all on these two for now! We'll be sure to dribble more deets over here as they come.
