The week in rewind – here’s everything you missed (or couldn’t stop talking about)
1. What We Know So Far About the Deadly Thailand Train Derailment
A devastating train accident in northeastern Thailand has left at least 25 people dead and dozens injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train on Wednesday morning.
The crash occurred in the Sikhio area of Nakhon Ratchasima province, around 230 kilometres from Bangkok, as a train travelling from the capital to Ubon Ratchathani passed beneath an elevated construction site. The crane, which was being used to build a high-speed rail line, suddenly gave way and struck three train carriages, forcing the train off the tracks and triggering a brief fire.
Officials said there were 195 passengers on board at the time. Most of the victims were seated in two carriages that absorbed the full impact, according to Thailand’s transport ministry. Emergency crews were quickly dispatched, and the fire was extinguished soon after the derailment.
Read more here.
2. China’s Viral App “Are You Dead Yet?” Exposes a Growing Loneliness Crisis
In a country where family, community, and collective living have long been the backbone of social life, a chillingly named new app is forcing China to confront a quieter, lonelier reality of modern urban existence. Called Sileme (死了吗)— which bluntly translates to “Are You Dead?” — the app has surged to the top of China’s App Store charts, igniting both dark humor and an urgent national conversation about solo living. At first glance, Sileme seems almost absurd in its simplicity. Once a day, users tap a green button to confirm they are alive. If they fail to check in for two consecutive days, the app automatically notifies a pre-selected emergency contact. There’s no GPS tracking, no social feed, no wellness coaching — just a stark digital pulse check.
Part of the app’s viral success lies in its provocative name. Sileme is a deliberate parody of Ele.me, China’s ubiquitous food-delivery platform whose name means “Are You Hungry?” By flipping a mundane daily question into a life-or-death check, the app taps into the kind of dark, self-aware humor that resonates deeply with China’s Gen Z and millennial users.
This generation, shaped by relentless competition, economic pressure, and social isolation, has embraced black humor as a coping mechanism. “Are You Dead?” may sound grim, but to many users, it feels uncomfortably honest.
Initially launched as a free app, Sileme quickly switched to a one-time fee of 8 yuan (about $1.15) after server demand skyrocketed — a clear indicator of how widespread the anxiety it addresses truly is. Read more about the app here!
3. Did Aik Aur Pakeezah Live Up To The Hype? Here’s What Audiences Are Saying After The First Two Episodes
Most of us, in fact the majority of us, were waiting for Aik Aur Pakeezah to finally begin. The teasers had already set certain expectations, but no one was prepared for how heavy the opening would be. From the very first episode, the drama pulls viewers into a serious and intense situation, wasting no time in setting the tone. The first two episodes are emotionally charged and tackle difficult themes, making it clear that this is not a light watch. The drama dives into the harsh reality of cyber harassment and how quickly a person’s life can change when a manipulated video goes viral, shining a spotlight on the social stigma and judgment victims face in our society.
Instead of slowly building up the story, Aik Aur Pakeezah jumps straight into the heart of the conflict. The storytelling is gripping, the mood remains intense, and the episodes leave a strong impact. Whether it is the performances or the subject matter, the opening episodes make sure viewers are fully engaged from the start. You feel the pain, you feel for Pakeezah and Faraz, and you find yourself emotionally invested in their journey right from the very beginning. This is a drama that not only entertains but also makes us think about how we treat victims, the bias in our reactions, and the real barriers people face when seeking justice in a world where digital harm can leave permanent scars.
Check out what audiences had to say about the first two episodes here!
4. Barbie Breaks Barriers – The First Autistic Doll
MATTEL releases the first Barbie with Autism. This is more than just a doll; it’s a message that diversity, inclusivity, and neurodiversity are important. It’s so encouraging to see representation making significant progress. Barbie has always been more than just a toy — she’s a mirror of the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine. With the launch of the first autistic Barbie, Mattel takes a significant step forward in showing that inclusion, neurodiversity, and representation matter. This doll isn’t just for autistic children to see themselves reflected; it’s a tool to help all kids understand, respect, and celebrate differences from an early age.
Get to know the features here.
5. BTS Is Back (Again): The Long Wait, The Loud Comeback, The World Tour
When BTS stepped back from the public eye in 2022, it felt like the end of an era. But as the past few years have proved, BTS never actually left — they simply found new ways to stay present, connected and very much alive in pop culture. The group’s hiatus was driven largely by South Korea’s mandatory military service, a reality every able-bodied Korean man must face. Instead of delaying the inevitable, BTS made a collective decision to enlist, one by one, beginning with Jin at the end of 2022. J-Hope followed in 2023, then Suga, with RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook enlisting later that year. By mid-2025, all seven members had completed their service.
Here’s everything you need to know about the BTS comeback.
6. 5 Golden Globes Moments That Stole the Show
The 2026 Golden Globes served up more than trophies — they gave us laughter, nostalgia, unexpected wins, and moments that landed big on social. Here’s what really made the night memorable.
Julia Roberts & George Clooney: Two Moments, One Wave of Nostalgia
Julia Roberts walked on stage to present Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and the room instantly stood up. No buildup, no drama — just pure love. It was one of those moments that hit straight in the 90s feels, because we all grew up on Julia. She laughed it off, joked she’d be “impossible” for a week, and reminded everyone why she’s still that girl.
Later in the night, George Clooney came out with Don Cheadle to present Best Motion Picture – Drama. When Hamnet won, the applause felt warm and deserved. Clooney didn’t need to do much — a little dry humour, that familiar calm energy — and the moment just worked
Owen Cooper Wins It For Adolescence
Owen Cooper made history with his win for Adolescence. At just 16, he became the youngest actor ever to take home a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a TV series. His win wasn’t just about the award — it was a statement, showing that talent, heart, and dedication don’t depend on age. In a night full of big stars and flashy moments, his achievement felt quietly monumental.
Catch up more here!