The best Galaxy phones let you add a watermark to your photos, including details like the date, time, and name. Chinese smartphone makers such as Xiaomi and Oppo go a step further, offering more artistic watermark styles on their flagship devices that look far better, especially on social media. Samsung’s next One UI 8 update will seemingly add a similar watermark to the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7.
Renowned Samsung leaker @UniverseIce shared some pictures with the new photo watermark included in the latest One UI 8 release for China. Unlike the current Galaxy watermark, which stamps the device name and time on a photo, the new version adds an artistic white frame around the image, complete with details like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.
There are two variations of the watermark, one for portrait and another for landscape-oriented pictures.
Chinese Android phones offer a similar watermark style, though they also use it to highlight their partnerships with Leica, Zeiss, or Hasselblad. Plus, you can even add the watermark after taking a photo by editing it in the stock Gallery app.
Since Samsung does not have any such collaborations, its new watermark style lacks a similar branding. It’s also unclear whether Samsung will let you add the watermark after clicking a picture.
More importantly, on Vivo and Xiaomi phones, you can use the artistic watermark even in the regular camera mode. That apparently won’t be the case with Samsung, as it will seemingly limit the new watermark style to the Vivid filter.
Samsung phones will also get a new color tuning
Comparison images posted by @UniverseIce show that the new Vivid mode will boost the color and saturation to make the subject pop. Chinese Android phones already offer an alternate color tuning mode, and with this Vivid filter, Samsung seems to be replicating that approach.
While the new watermark style is attractive, many Galaxy users may not appreciate it being limited to Vivid picture mode. Samsung should roll out the new watermark style with the next big One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7, which hopefully arrives in September. It’s unclear if the company will expand this option to its older flagship Galaxy devices.
Trump’s tone on ending war likely to alarm Europeans ahead of talks — snap analysis
Jakub Krupa
In one of many posts on social media overnight, US president Donald Trump claimed that “president Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to”.
His comments are likely to alarm European leaders as they could signal growing US pressure on Ukraine to accept a deal, however imperfect or outright bad it is, as Trump is determined to secure a diplomatic success after his meeting with Vladimir Putin on Friday.
We all remember what happened during Zelenskyy’s last visit to the White House – even if US state secretary, Marco Rubio, appeared to play down apparent similarities between the two visit in his TV interview over the weekend.
But, even more worringly for Europe, Trump also added:
“Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
This position by Trump appears to violate one of the European red lines for Ukraine, saying that Ukraine must not be blocked from deciding about its future.
On Saturday, European leaders adopted a statement saying:
“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to EU and Nato.
It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.”
It’s hard to reconcile the two positions – and there will be some concern that by meeting Zelenskyy first, without the Europeans, Trump could seek to pursue this line even further before he sees a concerted push back from European partners.
One to watch.
Key events
Hungary, Ukraine clash over criticism for attack on Russian oil pipeline
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian foreign minister clashed with his Hungarian counterpart on social media this morning after Hungary accused Ukraine of an attack on a Russian oil pipeline.
Earlier this morning, Péter Szijjártó heavily criticised Ukraine for an attack on a Russian pipeline leading to Hungary, calling it “outrageous” and “unacceptable.”
The Hungarian minister said:
“Ukraine has once again attacked the oil pipeline leading to Hungary, cutting off supplies. This latest strike against our energy security is outrageous and unacceptable!
Russian deputy energy minister Pavel Sorokin informed me that experts are working to restore the transformer station essential for operating the pipeline, but for now they cannot say when deliveries will resume.
For 3.5 years Brussels and Kyiv have tried to drag Hungary into the war in Ukraine. These repeated Ukrainian attacks on our energy supply serve that same purpose.
Let me be clear: this is not our war. We have nothing to do with it, and as long as we are in charge, Hungary will stay out of it.
Finally, a reminder to Ukrainian decision-makers: electricity from Hungary plays a vital role in powering your country …”
His comments, including a thinly veiled threat against Ukraine, sparked an immediate reaction from Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, telling him to take his complaints to Moscow.
“Peter, it is Russia, not Ukraine, who began this war and refuses to end it.
Hungary has been told for years that Moscow is an unreliable partner.
Despite this, Hungary has made every effort to maintain its reliance on Russia. Even after the full-scale war began.
You can now send your complaints – and threats – to your friends in Moscow.”
Seven dead, 20 injured in Russian attack on Kharkiv
Separately, at least seven people were killed and some 20 injured in a separate attack on Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, agencies reported.
Five killed as Russia strikes residential building in Kharkiv before peace talks – video
Six children aged 6 to 17 were among 20 other people injured in the attack on Ukraine’s second largest city, Oleh Synehubov, governor of the wider Kharkiv region, wrote on Telegram.
A ballistic missile attack shattered around 1,000 windows in various buildings in the city, Synehubov said. Some residents had to be evacuated from their homes, officials said.
Rescuers clear the rubble in the destroyed apartment building after the Russian drone attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images
“Russia is a murderous war machine that Ukraine is holding back. And it must be stopped through transatlantic unity and pressure,” Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X after the attack.
17 injured in overnight Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia
The number of people injured in the Russian shelling of Zaporizhzhia has increased to 17, according to the latest update from the Ukrainian army.
Firefighters battle a fire in the aftermath of a Russian military strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in a location given as Zaporizhzhia Region, Ukraine. Photograph: State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Reuters
Its statement added:
The number of victims is being specified. The blast wave and debris damaged residential buildings and commercial premises, and a bus stop was partially destroyed. The necessary services are working at the scene.
Meanwhile, showing growing concern about how the signals coming from the US are being understood by Russia, Zelenskyy’s top aide, Andriy Yermak, posted a video of a Russian armoured vehicle carrying two flags, of Russia and the US.
“Russian propagandists show a video in which Russian military equipment goes on the assault with the flags of Russia and the US.”
He continued:
“The Russians are using the symbols of the US in their own terrorist war of aggression, marked by the killing of civilians.”
“Utter arrogance,” he added.
Trump’s tone on ending war likely to alarm Europeans ahead of talks — snap analysis
Jakub Krupa
In one of many posts on social media overnight, US president Donald Trump claimed that “president Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to”.
His comments are likely to alarm European leaders as they could signal growing US pressure on Ukraine to accept a deal, however imperfect or outright bad it is, as Trump is determined to secure a diplomatic success after his meeting with Vladimir Putin on Friday.
We all remember what happened during Zelenskyy’s last visit to the White House – even if US state secretary, Marco Rubio, appeared to play down apparent similarities between the two visit in his TV interview over the weekend.
But, even more worringly for Europe, Trump also added:
“Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
This position by Trump appears to violate one of the European red lines for Ukraine, saying that Ukraine must not be blocked from deciding about its future.
On Saturday, European leaders adopted a statement saying:
“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to EU and Nato.
It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.”
It’s hard to reconcile the two positions – and there will be some concern that by meeting Zelenskyy first, without the Europeans, Trump could seek to pursue this line even further before he sees a concerted push back from European partners.
One to watch.
Ceasefire, security guarantees to be discussed at White House, Finnish PM says
In the last few minutes, Finland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo said that a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine are the most important topics at the meeting of US president Donald Trump, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, will be among those in attendance.
Jakub Krupa
It’s Jakub Krupa here, taking over to guide you through the day as we build up to the main event in Washington this evening.
Good morning.
Asked behind the scenes at June’s G7 summit if he could explain why Donald Trump seemed to like him so much, Keir Starmer admitted he did not really know.
But whatever the reason, when it comes to Ukraine, the UK prime minister is once again hoping to exploit this somewhat curious relationship, Peter Walker writes in this analysis.
It continues:
As soon as it was announced that a string of European leaders planned to join Volodymyr Zelenskyy to back the Ukrainian president in crucial talks with Trump at the White House on Monday, it was obvious Starmer would be joining them.
The idea of Britain being some sort of bridge between US and European interests is something of a longstanding UK diplomatic cliche, and not one that always necessarily carries much meaning.
But in the case of Ukraine, Starmer has very deliberately sought to position himself as a leader who can get along with Trump while consistently stressing to him Europe’s red lines over any peace plan, and trying to sweet-talk the president into offering US security guarantees.
You can read the full analysis here:
A Ukrainian drone intercepted by Russia near the Smolensk nuclear power plant detonated after falling but did not cause significant damage to the plant, Russia’s nuclear power corporation Rosatom said on Monday.
“The damage is insignificant, there are no casualties,” Rosatom said.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Sunday it had prevented a Ukrainian drone attack on the Smolensk nuclear power plant, Reuters reports.
A Russian drone attack on a five-storey apartment block in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv early Monday killed five people and wounded more than a dozen others, Ukrainian authorities said.
The attack, which took place just before dawn, reduced part of the building to rubble and sparked fires on at least three floors, the region’s governor Oleg Synegubov said on Telegram.
Russia fired four drones at the building, he said.
Ukraine’s state emergency service posted videos showing rescuers attempting to break through the rubble to reach a trapped resident, while another showed a floor in flames, AFP reports.
“Five people were killed, including a girl aged about one-and-a-half years old,” Ukraine’s prosecution service said.
“At least 18 people were wounded and suffered acute shock, including children.”
The city near the Russian border was also hit hours earlier by a ballistic missile that wounded at least 11 people, Mayor Igor Terekhov said.
Russia also struck the southern Odesa region with drones early Monday, sparking a fire at a fuel facility, regional governor Oleg Kiper said.
Ukraine’sair force said on Monday that Russia had launched four missiles and 140 drones during an overnight attack on Ukraine, Reuters reports.
The air force downed 88 drones and recorded hits in 25 locations across six Ukrainian regions, according to the statement posted on the Telegram messaging app.
Here are some images coming to us over the wires.
Rescuers and police officers carry a man rescued from debris at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv. Photograph: Sofiia Gatilova/ReutersAn injured woman is taken to an ambulance at the site of an attack, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Photograph: UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE/AFP/Getty ImagesResidents react at the site of their apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv. Photograph: Vitalii Hnidyi/ReutersSmoke rises from damaged buildings, at the site of the Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Photograph: State Emergency Service Of Ukraine/Reuters
Ukraine’s foreign minister says Russia continues to kill civilians despite peace efforts ahead of the US and Ukrainian presidential summit.
“Russia is a murderous war machine that Ukraine is holding back. And it must be stopped through transatlantic unity and pressure,” Andrii Sybiha wrote on X on Monday after a Russian attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
Sybiha also posted a photo of the smoking damage to a building, saying:
This is a residential building in Kharkiv. This night Russia killed at least four people here, including a child, and injured many more … Moscow must stop the killing in order to advance diplomacy.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make his second visit to the White House on Monday with the daunting task of reversing the damage done to Ukraine’s security prospects by Friday’s Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.
But as Julian Borger writes in this analysis, the Ukrainian president will not be alone as he was on his first trip to the White House in February, when he was ambushed and humiliated by Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance, who sought to bully him into capitulation to Moscow’s demands.
This time the Ukrainian leader comes to Washington flanked by a dream team of European leaders, including Britain’s Keir Starmer, Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Emmanuel Macron, who combine economic and military clout with proven rapport with Trump.
Their mission will be to use their individual and combined influence to coax the president out of the pro-Russian positions he adopted after just a couple of hours under Putin’s sway in the sub-Arctic on Friday.
The full analysis is here:
Germany’s foreign minister has called for stepped-up pressure on Russia, including more aid for Ukraine, to push Moscow into concessions toward a “just and lasting peace”.
Johann Wadephul was speaking in Tokyo ahead of the summit between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders including German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“It is probably not an exaggeration to say the whole world is looking to Washington,” Reuters quotes Wadephul as saying at a press briefing on Monday alongside Japan’s foreign minister.
“Firm security guarantees are central” because “Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace agreement”, he added.
The White House has released the timings for the day’s events in Washington DC.
Donald Trump is to hold a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy at 1.15pm (5.15pm GMT) on Monday at the White House.
Trump will then participate in a multilateral meeting with European leaders visiting Washington at 3pm (7pm GMT).
Here are some of the scenes in Washington DC amid the security operation for the crucial leaders’ summit.
Security fences are unloaded on a blocked road across from the White House. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesA man walks beside a blocked road near the White House in Washington DC. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesA member of the secret service prepares to set up a security screening as flowers are loaded into a car by guest services at a hotel across from the White House. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesA secret service member near a blocked road in the White House area. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesSecurity fences are unloaded on a blocked road near the White House. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
In saying “peace must be lasting”, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said on X that must be “not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East –part of Donbas – and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack”.
“Or when Ukraine was given so called ‘security guarantees’ in 1994, but they didn’t work,” the Ukrainian president said.
Now, our soldiers have successes in Donetsk and Sumy regions. I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance.
Opening summary
Welcome to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared “Russia must end this war” as he arrived in Washington DC ahead of crucial talks with Donald Trump over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A host of European leaders will join Zelenskyy on Monday for the summit as they seek to provide a counterpoint to Vladimir Putin’s arguments following his talks with the US president on Friday.
The leaders – British prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Finnish president Alexander Stubb – cleared their diaries to fly to the US at short notice, which is seen as a measure of how alarmed they were by Friday’s Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage.
After the Alaska talks Trump reportedly endorsed the Kremlin’s plan to end the war in Ukraine, including Kyiv giving up territory that Russia has been unable to seize and no ceasefire until a final deal has been agreed.
Zelenskyy said in a post on X after arriving in Washington DC late on Sunday that he was grateful to Trump for the invitation and “we all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably”. He also said that “peace must be lasting”.
“Russia must end this war, which it itself started,” Zelenskyy said. “And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace.”
Here are some of the latest developments:
Zelenskyy met European leaders in Brussels earlier on Sunday and reiterated Ukraine’s stance on land swaps, saying on X: “Ukraine’s constitution makes it impossible to give up or trade land. Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral – Ukraine, the US, Russia. So far, Russia gives no sign this will happen, and if Russia refuses, new sanctions must follow.”
Ahead of Monday’s peace talks in the US, Emmanuel Macron said that in order to have a “lasting peace deal for Ukraine, Ukraine needs a strong army”. He added that European allies want “Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be respected” and that “Ukraine must be represented in any talks on Ukraine’s future”. The French president also said that “our goal for tomorrow’s talks is to present a united front between Ukraine and its European allies”. The Washington talks will also be attended by the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and Nato’s secretary general, Mark Rutte.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday. Photograph: AP
Zelenskyy has hailed the decision to offer security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a peace deal as he prepared to meet Trump. “Security guarantees, as a result of our joint work, must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air and at sea, and must be developed with Europe’s participation,” the Ukrainian president said.
In announcing his visit to Washington, Keir Starmer praised Trump for his “efforts to end Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine”. At the same time, the British PM reasserted Europe’s red lines, saying the “path to peace” could not be decided without Zelenskyy and that Russia should be “squeezed” with further sanctions. Starmer has deliberately sought to position himself as a leader who can get along with Trump while consistently stressing the red lines over any peace plan.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said Russia and Ukraine were both “going to have to make concessions” for there to be a peaceful resolution to the war. In interviews on Sunday Rubio said the talks in Alaska had “made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement – but there remains some big areas of disagreement”. “We’re still a long ways off,” Rubio added. “We’re not at the precipice of a peace agreement. We’re not at the edge of one. But I do think progress was made and towards one.” He declined to go into specific areas of agreement or disagreement.
Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Putin had agreed that the US and European allies could offer Ukraine a Nato-style, “Article 5-like” security guarantee as part of an eventual deal to end the war. Witkoff added that Russia had agreed to unspecified concessions on five Ukrainian regions central to the war, particularly the eastern Donetsk province. “We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as gamechanging,” he said.
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to international organisations in Vienna, said early on Monday that Russia agreed that any future peace agreement must provide security guarantees to Kyiv, but added that Russia “has equal right to expect that Moscow will also get efficient security guarantees”.
European Union council president Antonio Costa said he “welcomed the United States’ willingness to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine”. He also said: “Transatlantic unity is paramount at this moment to achieve a sustainable peace in Ukraine.”
If you’re after a decent budget phone that doesn’t set you back over $300 and ships with excellent freebies worth $99.99, now’s your chance to grab the Moto G Power (2025). Right now, this fella ships with not one or two, but four Moto Tags. That way, you can always track your keys, bag, and anything else you don’t want to lose. If you’re feeling tempted, be sure to act fast because the Motorola Store promo won’t last forever.
Moto G Power (2025) with $99.99 gifts
Right now, Motorola has paired the Moto G Power (2025) with four Moto Tags, making the smartphone way more exciting than usual. Although you don’t get a discount on the handset, the $99.99 tracking devices arrive at no extra cost, so you’re essentially saving $99.99 with your purchase!
Buy at Motorola
Moto G Power (2025): $50 off at Amazon
$50 off (17%)
Prefer a straight-up discount to free tracking devices? In that case, get the Moto G Power (2025) at Amazon. Right now, the e-commerce giant gives you a $50 discount on both colors, which is the device’s highest discount so far.
Buy at Amazon
Don’t care much for the free tracking devices? In that case, we suggest you check out Amazon’s deal on the latest Moto G Power. The e-commerce giant is currently offering the smartphone for $50 off, bringing it to its lowest price yet.Now, this Motorola phone is no Galaxy S25 Ultra rival, but it’s a perfectly suitable choice for users on a budget. It boasts a modern-looking design and a large 6.8-inch display with a reasonably sharp resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. There’s no OLED technology here, though, so you won’t be getting those gorgeous pitch blacks.
As far as performance is concerned, this puppy packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip under the hood, delivering a perfectly adequate daily experience. Some apps might take a bit longer to load, and you might notice the occasional stutter, but that’s common for Android phones in that price range.
Camera capabilities aren’t half bad either. The device features a 50MP main camera, providing usable photos during the day. That said, as you can see from the photo samples in our Moto G Power (2025) review, images look a bit jagged at times, which isn’t particularly exciting.
One big downside here is the software support. This handset only comes with one OS upgrade, which might be a dealbreaker for some users. If you’re looking for long-term reliability, this phone might not be your top pick.
But if bonus goodies are your thing, we suggest you grab the Moto G Power (2025) right now. After all, it ships with four uber-handy Moto Tags worth $99.99 at no extra cost, so it’s way more tempting than usual.
Recently, Battlefield 6’s open beta has introduced players to their intense and dynamic Siege of Cairo map, where players with strategic positioning can help them win the matches. There are various unique features of the map, and among them, the most unique features of the map are its accessible rooftops and bridges, which offer players elevated vantage points for tactical advantage. All these locations are particularly in sectors B and E of the map, and they require precise parkour skills to reach. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how players can reach these locations and get the full advantage out of them.
How to climb on rooftops of Sector B in the Cairo map
BATTLEFIELD 6 HOW TO GET ON THE ROOFTOPS ON SIEGE OF CAIRO (EASY WAY)
The Sector B’s rooftops are accessible by making a few series of calculated jumps and climbs. This begins from the red garden, which is a recognizable area with vibrant flora. These are the following steps to ascend:1. Locate the red garden: which is near Sector B, and then identify the garden with hibiscus-like flowers and a seating chair.2. Jump onto the wooden housing: Use the lifted section beside the chair to vault onto the small roof in the garden’s center.3. Go to windowsills: Face north and jump to the adjacent windowsills, spamming the jump button to trigger a gliding animation for elevation.4. Get onto the upper roof: Players then from the initial roof have to climb onto radio dishes and antennas at the southern edge, then jump east to the next rooftop.5. Explore connected rooftops: Players now can explore all other connected rooftops which will give access to broader areas, making it ideal for spotting flanking enemies ordeploying beacons.
How to reach the bridge in Sector E, Cairo Map
The bridge in Sector E offers a great view of the battlefield to the players, but players are required to have advanced parkour skills. Here is how players can reach the bridge of Sector E:1. Start from the destroyed tank, which is near a broken building, climb the tank’s nozzle, and jump south to a vertical wall.2. Travel with debris: Players have to move right along broken ledges to reach a roof with blue metal sheets.3. Climb the water tank: Use wooden planks to scale the tank, then sprint and glide to the next building. Equipping a knife improves movement speed for this jump.4. Scale the white machine: On the next rooftop, climb antennas and jump to a white building, using its ledge to reach a tall machine.5. Final move to the bridge: Players from the AC unit and antenna, should glide to the bridge’s structure to reach the dominating position.By following the above directions, players can reach the rooftops and bridges in the Cairo map, which will give them an advantage over other enemies, but players, in order to reach these locations, must have good parkour skills.
A contestant at the Air Guitar World Championships 2025 has described taking part as “a chance to be the world’s greatest rock star for one minute only”.
Piers Burnell who lives in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, said he would be “the sole UK representative” at the 29th annual event in Oulu, Finland, between 20-22 August.
He will be performing edited versions of three James Bond songs – John Barry’s 007, a Spanish version of Sheryl Crow’s Tomorrow Never Dies and Guns N’ Roses’s Live and Let Die, originally written by Paul McCartney and Wings.
Mr Burnell, who is a secondary school learning support assistant, also plays air guitar with his students which he said “is great for their confidence”.
“Imagine a real guitar and take it away and play it with enthusiasm – you can’t break it, you can’t drop it,” he said.
“Everyone can play air guitar, it’s just letting yourself go, being in the moment with the music.”
Mr Burnell also performed at the championships last year, under the name Sober Man.
“I am an advocate for those living an alcohol-free life and can enjoy the weird and wonderful without the need for alcohol,” he said.
“I travelled to Finland alone, not knowing anyone or really anything about this community, fairly nervous but absolutely loved it.”
He said this he would be performing as James Bond Double Air Seven.
He is currently learning to play the blues harmonica and said he would love to one day learn to play real guitar.
“A lot of the airheads in real life actually do play instruments, so it’s their way of kind of letting loose, and it doesn’t matter if they play a bum note because no one can hear it.”
He added that he was getting his students “enthused” about air guitar.
“A lot of them understand the humour behind it and it’s great for their confidence,” he said.
“They can play any track they want and there’s no pressure… everyone’s on your side by just by having music playing in the background.
“They enjoy it and keep spreading the [official motto of the Air Guitar World Championships] moto: ‘Make air, not war.’”
KARACHI (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) kicked off the first trading day of the new business week on a positive note, as the benchmark index witnessed a notable gain.
At the opening of Monday’s session, the KSE-100 index stood at 147,068.83 points, marking an increase of 577.20 points, or 0.39 percent, compared to the previous close.
The upbeat start comes after the market ended the last session on a bearish note, with investor sentiment subdued due to profit-taking.
Trading activity remains active across key sectors, including banking, energy, and cement, as investors look to capitalize on lower valuations from the previous session’s dip.
In previous trading session on Friday, the benchmark index shed 37.67 points, a slight negative change of 0.03 percent, closing at 146,491.63 points against.
A total of 473,601,407 shares worth Rs 32.882 billion were traded during the day.
As many as 479 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 226 of them recorded gains and 219 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 34 companies remained unchanged.
Meanwhile, share markets edged higher in Asia on Monday ahead of what is likely to be an eventful week for U.S. interest rate policy, while oil prices slipped as risks to Russian supplies seemed to fade a little.
A general risk-on mood saw indices in Japan and Taiwan make record peaks, while Chinese blue chips reached their highest in 10 months.
US President Donald Trump now seemed more aligned with Moscow on seeking a peace deal with Ukraine instead of a ceasefire first, after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders later on Monday to discuss the next steps, though actual proposals are vague as yet.
Introduction Core components of washoku Fermented foods in washoku High fiber content and gut health Functional foods and nutritional value Scientific evidence and health outcomes Sustainability and global appeal Challenges and adaptations Conclusion References Further reading
This article explores the traditional Japanese dietary pattern known as washoku, highlighting its cultural roots, nutritional benefits, and sustainable principles. It reviews scientific findings that link washoku to improved gut health, lower cardiovascular risk, and longevity.
Key fermented ingredients in washoku include miso, a type of fermented soybean paste, natto, which consists of soybeans fermented with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto, soy sauce, and tsukemono, which includes various pickled vegetables.4
Clinical studies have reported that the regular consumption of natto and miso can increase helpful gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium while reducing the proliferation of potentially harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae. This leads to the increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which further support gut health to reduce inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier.6
Unlike its unfermented predecessor, natto is a uniquely rich source of nattokinase, an enzyme with potent fibrinolytic activity. Nattokinase also contains high levels of vitamin K2, a nutrient that regulates calcium deposition to support bone and cardiovascular health.6
The Art of Washoku: The Soul of Japanese Cuisine – The Art of Kaiseki
High fiber content and gut health
The washoku dietary pattern encourages the consumption of vegetables, mushrooms, legumes, and seaweeds, thereby providing a complex mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers. This high fiber intake is strongly associated with improved metabolic health, including better glycemic control and lipid profiles.2, 3
Seaweed, a rarity in most other global diets, contains unique polysaccharides like alginates, fucoidans, and laminarins, which are structurally distinct from terrestrial plant fibers. These compounds serve as prebiotics, thereby further supporting microbial diversity and function in the gastrointestinal tract.7
Frequent seaweed consumption has been associated with a stronger immune system and greater resilience against chronic diseases. This contrasts with many prevalent Western diets, in which fiber intake is lower but also typically derived from a more limited range of cereal-based sources.7
Functional foods and nutritional value
In addition to its holistic macronutrient and fiber profile, washoku promotes the regular and non-sporadic consumption of foods containing potent bioactive compounds. Functional foods like green tea, seaweed, and soy products are integral to washoku and synergize with its macronutrient and fiber components.3,5,8
Japanese green tea is a primary source of catechins, which are polyphenolic compounds with historical anti-inflammatory effects. Matcha tea, a green tea powder processed from shade-grown tea leaves, is also rich in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin with validated cardiovascular health benefits and the potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers.8
All seaweeds are known sources of unique fibers and essential minerals like iodine, which are critical for gut microbiological health and thyroid function. Brown seaweeds like kombu and wakame contain fucoidans, which are sulfated polysaccharides that exhibit anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.3
Soy products like tofu, edamame, and miso are rich in isoflavones like genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. These phytoestrogens have been associated with vascular health, including enhanced endothelial function and lower blood pressure. Epidemiological studies conducted in Japanese cohort populations support these effects, as higher soy consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events.5
The health benefits of washoku are likely cumulative, and the interactive effects of these various bioactives consumed together. The extensive dietary matrix within this dietary pattern provides a constant supply of complementary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomolecules that protect against the cellular damage that underlies many chronic diseases.
Scientific evidence and health outcomes
Japan consistently ranks among countries with the highest life expectancy, an outcome increasingly attributed to modifiable behaviors, including diet. Previous meta-analyses and systematic reviews have found that higher washoku diet adherence could reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and heart disease (HD) mortality by 17%, 20%, and 19%, respectively.5, 8
Sustainability and global appeal
The principles of washoku are aligned with modern frameworks for sustainable eating, such as that exemplified by the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet.Specifically, both diets recommend a primarily plant-based diet with modest consumption of animal products to ensure both human health and environmental sustainability.9
Washoku emphasizes seasonal, minimally processed, and local produce, which reduces food miles. The low reliance of this dietary pattern on red meat also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, with its high intake of fish and plant-based proteins offering a more sustainable protein profile than red meat.3
The Japanese concept of ‘mottainai’ encourages the use of all parts of an ingredient, which further contributes to a low-waste food system.2
Image Credit: Lucegrafiar / Shutterstock.com
Challenges and adaptations
Within Japan, traditional meals are increasingly displaced by Western-style, single-platter convenience foods, particularly among younger generations. This is presumably due to the substantial time and labor investments required for washoku preparation, alongside changing taste preferences and increasing availability of Western fast food.2
Internationally, the unavailability and significant cost of authentic washoku cuisine, as well as a lack of cultural familiarity with preparation techniques, similarly present adoption challenges.Thus, successful global adaptation of washoku will depend on abstracting and integrating its core principles of balance, diversity, seasonality, and umami into more convenient meal formats like ‘washoku-inspired’ grain bowls or simplified one-pot meals.1,2,3
Conclusion
Washoku is a comprehensive cultural and nutritional system whose global relevance is increasingly supported by scientific evidence and aligns with modern health and sustainability frameworks.
The designation of washoku as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage underscores its value as a social practice that fosters a connection with nature and community.
While challenges to its global adoption remain, the underlying philosophy of washoku provides a flexible and dependable framework for building healthier and more sustainable dietary patterns for future generations.
References
UNESCO. (2013). Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year. Intangible Cultural Heritage.https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/washoku-traditional-dietary-cultures-of-the-japanese-notably-for-the-celebration-of-new-year-00869. Accessed on 07 August 2025.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). (2015). Washoku. Government of Japan. https://www.maff.go.jp/e/data/publish/attach/pdf/index-20.pdf. Accessed on 07 August 2025.
Gabriel, A., Ninomiya, K., & Uneyama, H. (2018). The Role of the Japanese Traditional Diet in Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Patterns around the World. Nutrients10(2); 173. DOI: 10.3390/nu10020173, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/2/173
Miyake, H., Kashino, I., Nanri, A., & Mizoue, T. (2023). Development of the Scores for Traditional and Modified Japanese Diets. Nutrients, 15(14), 3146. DOI: 10.3390/nu15143146, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/14/3146
Tsugane, S. (2020). Why has Japan become the world’s most long-lived country: insights from a food and nutrition perspective. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(6), 921–928. DOI: 10.1038/s41430-020-0677-5, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-020-0677-5
Chan, E. W. C., Wong, S. K., Kezuka, M., et al. (2021). Natto and miso: an overview on their preparation, bioactive components and health-promoting effects. Food Research5(3), 446-452. DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.5(3).587, https://www.myfoodresearch.com/uploads/8/4/8/5/84855864/_52__fr-2020-587_chan_1.pdf
Kawamura, T., Higuchi, M., Ito, T., et al. (2024). Healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with slower biological aging in older men: WASEDA’S health study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1373806, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1373806/full
Shirota, M., Watanabe, N., Suzuki, M., & Kobori, M. (2022). Japanese-Style Diet and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Nutrients, 14(10), 2008. DOI: 10.3390/nu14102008, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/10/2008
Nomura, M., Yamaguchi, M., Inada, Y., & Nishi, N. (2023). Current dietary intake of the Japanese population in reference to the planetary health diet-preliminary assessment. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1116105, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1116105/full
A garden designed to support and celebrate people with neurodiversity will create a “pocket of peace” in the city, its designer has said.
The ADHD Foundation Garden, in the grounds of University of Liverpool, is described as “a calming, sensory-rich space to pause, reflect, and connect with nature”.
The garden is designed to explore “new perspectives on neurodiversity”.
“This is more than just a beautiful green space – it’s a symbol of inclusion,” University of Liverpool vice-chancellor Professor Tim Jones said.
The garden, near to the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre and Brett Building on Oxford Street, has been created in partnership with the ADHD Foundation charity.
It features a curved bench, steel-meshed umbrella sculptures, and a winding pathway with plants chosen for their calming effect.
Prof Jones said the garden “offers a quiet place for reflection and escape, and it celebrates both the incredible diversity of plant life and the unique strengths of neurodivergent minds”.
Originally exhibited at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where it earned a Silver-Gilt Medal, it is now a permanent fixture at the university campus.
Designer Katy Terry said the garden was inspired by her own ADHD diagnosis.
“It’s been enlightening to discover and explore how my mind, like many others, works differently,” she said.
“I hope this space provides neurodiverse individuals with a moment of calm and the freedom to be themselves.”
She said the university space was “the perfect legacy location” and would “serve students and visitors with a pocket of peace”.
Dr Lindsey Roberts, acting CEO of the ADHD Foundation, said: “We’re proud to share this garden with the University of Liverpool and the wider community, which reflects the diversity of both plants and people, encouraging the public to embrace difference as something vital and beautiful.”
Visit any electronics store today, and what will greet you are usually dozens of bright, enticing TVs, each promising to deliver the best visuals for your favorite movies and shows. What truly makes one stand apart from another? What are the most important features that prospective TV buyers in Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) should be looking for?
It is easy to be stumped in today’s crowded TV market. Yet, we might find some answers from a recent Samsung study of 2,400 TV buyers’ preferences in the SEAO region. The survey notes that consumers intending to buy a new TV consistently highlight three crucial aspects: Unparalleled screen quality, deeply immersive sound, and seamless connectivity that places the TV at the heart of modern living.
This customer-centric focus is how Samsung has remained the world’s leading TV manufacturer for an unprecedented 19 consecutive years; not just by understanding these user desires, but also in delivering the innovation to match.
Screen quality: The picture matters most
Seeing is believing, and this is especially true for televisions. Among all key buying factors, a clear 59% of TV buyers in the SEAO region choose a TV’s picture quality and display technology as the most important consideration when purchasing a TV.
▲ A timeline of Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology.
For those seeking the pinnacle of visual experiences in the living room, Samsung’s top-end Neo QLED 8K and Neo QLED TVs provide class-leading picture quality, driven by flagship Quantum Dot innovation, thus delivering among the highest levels of color accuracy and brightness available. Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology represents a significant leap forward due to several breakthroughs:
Rich Quantum Dot Content: Samsung ensures that its Quantum Dot displays contain a high concentration of quantum dots. This is crucial, as the amount of quantum dot material defines the TV’s ability to deliver a vivid, rich picture with the exceptional color expression characteristic of this technology. Reinforcing Samsung’s technological leadership, its QLED TVs received the ‘Real Quantum Dot Display’ certification from TÜV Rheinland in May 2025, officially validating Samsung QLED TVs as true quantum dot displays.
Enhanced Efficiency and Color: Samsung QLED TVs eliminate the need for a separate phosphor layer, a design choice that enhances light and energy efficiency while simultaneously delivering more vibrant and purer colors.
Commitment to Sustainability and Safety: A landmark achievement was Samsung’s development of the world’s first no-cadmium Quantum Dot material in 2014, successfully commercializing the technology the following year. This pioneering work in no-cadmium technology has been a core part of Samsung’s Quantum Dot story, ensuring breathtaking visuals without relying on hazardous materials, thus providing a safer viewing environment for consumers. Our efforts align with the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive[1], which aims at restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. As of March 2025, this no-cadmium effort was certified by the global certification institute Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).
These advancements, stemming from over a decade of research and investment, ensure that Samsung’s Quantum Dot TVs provide not only spectacular color and brightness but also do so responsibly.
Sound: Immerse me in the action
Just as important as stunning visuals are the audio quality that envelops the viewer, transforming the act of watching TV into an immersive experience. In the Samsung study, consumers pointed to the importance of sound quality in TV’s built-in speakers, with two in five considering it as a key buying factor. Today’s new TVs must offer immersive entertainment, whether you are catching the explosive action in a Hollywood blockbuster, or trying to discern the subtle dialogue between characters in a drama series.
▲ High quality audio is critical to ensuring an even more immersive TV experience.
Sound is more crucial to the entertainment experience today, and the latest developments in surround sound technology by Samsung are achieving exactly that. Samsung’s premium Neo QLED TVs feature new top-channel speakers that deliver a next-level Dolby Atmos experience that will immerse viewers inside the action with multi-dimensional sound. This creates a soundscape where audio moves with on-screen action, adding incredible realism.
To ensure dialogue remains clear and not drowned out, Samsung’s Active Voice Amplifier Pro offers AI-powered voice enhancements to make sure viewers hear clear crisp and intelligible dialogue. The technology analyzes background sounds, voice clarity, and ambient noise, and isolates voices from TV sound.
Adding another layer of auditory immersion is Object Tracking Sound (OTS). With this technology, Samsung TVs rely on AI-powered action tracking to deliver vividly realistic 3D sound through multi-channel built-in speakers or supported add-on soundbars, placing viewers right in the middle of their favorite content.
For a more personal experience, pairing Samsung TVs with Galaxy Buds enables 360 Audio mode[2], offering spatial 3D sound with enhanced head tracking for truly immersive listening.
Connectedness: Your TV at the center of simplified living
Beyond picture and audio, specifications play a significant role in TV purchase decisions. Within this category, smart features and functions stand out, with 22% of TV buyers in SEAO deeming them important. This is unsurprising, as the TV is increasingly serving as a central hub for the connected home, used for everything from sharing photos from a phone to controlling smart home devices.
At the core of this connected experience on Samsung TVs is the Tizen operating system, recently updated to reflect the new One UI Tizen[3] update. It links various devices effortlessly through a common software experience, where diverse connected devices can collectively learn from usage behaviors to make interactions seamless.
▲ Access useful information throughout the day with Daily Board, which is customizable with widgets such as Weather, Home Status, Energy, Notes, Tips, and more!
The Daily Board[4] app , available on the new Samsung Vision AI and AI TVs, allows users to approach the screen (even when off) or use voice commands like “Hi Bixby” to activate and check useful information like the status of connected smart devices, play music on Spotify and even apply new wallpapers.
Crucially, Samsung provides seven years of updates for the Tizen software for free. This commitment ensures that your Samsung TV stays current with the latest features, apps, and security updates, offering new experiences throughout its lifetime and future-proofing your investment.
Go with the market leader
TV buyers today are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the right screen for their living room, bedroom, or study. In this crowded space, Samsung has stayed ahead of the competition through constant innovation and deep commitment to meeting customer needs. Our latest Neo QLED and QLED TVs, for example, with their superior image and sound quality and advanced connected experiences, are a direct response to what consumers tell us they desire.
This customer-centric approach is the cornerstone of Samsung’s success and the reason it has been the world’s leading TV manufacturer for 19 straight years. In fact, there might not be any hidden secret after all – it is simply about understanding what customers truly want and delivering innovation that enriches their every day.
For more information about Samsung TVs and sound devices, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/.
[1] The EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive restricts the use of cadmium in electronic equipment to 100 ppm or 0.01% by weight in homogeneous materials.
[2]Galaxy Buds 360 audio (Galaxy Buds 2 Pro / 2 / Pro / Live)
[3]Content and services may vary by region and are subject to change without notice. Agreement to Smart Hub Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy is required before use. Some content and services require registration and subscription. Requires Samsung account. Tizen OS upgrades are available for up to 7 years from the product’s release year starting in 2023. Availability, features, contents, apps and services are subject to change without notice and may vary by product, model or region. The upgrade does not cover hardware related performance, features or durability. Requires internet connection. Data charges may apply.
[4]Supported widgets vary by region. Listen to the music of mobile Spotify app with connecting to TV.
