On December 25, 2024, Bluesky, the platform experiencing growth due to the exodus from X (formerly Twitter), unveiled its new feature, Trending Topics. The announcement came complete with festive cheer, stating, "Merry Christmas from us to you 🎄🎁💙 We launched Trending Topics today, and you can find it by tapping the search icon on the bottom bar of the app or the right sidebar on desktop." This new feature is expected to become useful for breaking news and real-time discussions, akin to the once-popular functionalities of Twitter.
Trending Topics will allow users to engage with the newest conversations happening across the platform. Notably, according to Bluesky, this is merely the first version of the feature. The developers plan to iterate on its functionality based on user feedback, providing the ability to disable the feature and muting specific words to maintain user comfort. At present, the feature is available only in English, but it is likely to expand to accommodate various languages after thorough testing.
Meanwhile, the Nepali film industry is celebrating the success of its newly released song, 'Makhamali,' which has captivated audiences globally within just hours of its debut. Released on December 28, 2024, the song quickly climbed the trending charts on YouTube, achieving remarkable positions: ranked fourth on Nepal’s trending list, first place in Malta, second in Qatar, and many other notable rankings across countries with significant Nepali populations. Director Nabin Chauhan has high hopes for the film, stating, "The film would win hearts just as the song has."
‘Makhamali’ serves as the musical highlight of the upcoming movie 'Unko Sweater' (The Woolen Sweater), which is set to premiere on May 9, 2025. The song rejuvenates the beloved Nepali folk tune known as 'Kauda/Chutka' and artistically portrays the unspoken romance between the lead characters, played by actors Bipin Karki and Miruna Magar. With visuals showcasing the cultural richness of Phalelung, Panchthar, the film has commenced building anticipation among viewers through its vibrant music and artistic representation.
The catchy track is performed by Sujan Chapagain and Sunita Thegim, with lyrics penned by Hark Saud and music composed by Chapagain as well. The pre-release teaser of 'Makhamali' already stirred interest, which was evidently met with heightened enthusiasm once the full song was made available. The successful reception indicates positive prospects for the feature film, the first produced under the banner of Artmandu.
Simultaneously, various viral trends are rapidly making their way across social media platforms. Real-time updates on trending news for December 28, 2024, include peculiar and captivating stories such as the spectacle of a groom's father renting a plane to shower cash over his bride’s house in Pakistan, which has gone viral. This adventurous display of wealth has caught the attention of news platforms and social media users alike.
Other snippets of viral buzz include humorous and bewildering comments made by individuals about expensive luxury items, reflecting the absurdity of modern consumerism. One notable mention involved a Mumbai woman who received a mini bag priced at ₹27 lakh, destined solely to ‘carry her lipstick.’ The juxtaposition of such extravagant purchases against the reality of broader economic concerns sparks discussions among users about the dynamics of wealth and its public displays.
Overall, the interconnectedness of trending topics and viral experiences across social media platforms continues to shape public discourse and influence real-time conversations. The emergence of Bluesky's Trending Topics feature alongside the viral success of 'Makhamali' and absurd news stories demonstrates the ever-evolving narrative of online engagement.
