iWorld
Netflix hikes subscription prices in the US
KOLKATA: Netflix has hiked the prices of its subscription plans in its home market, the US. This marks the video-streaming service’s first price changes in the US since an increase rolled out early last year.
In the latest round of price hike, which has been anticipated for a while, the company has raised the standard plan by $1 to $13.99 per month. The premium plan that allows more people to watch the service on different screens simultaneously will now cost $2 more at $17.99 per month. The basic US plan remains the same at $9 per month.
"We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members,” Netflix said in a statement. “We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer more variety of TV shows and films.”
The price bump will be immediately effective for new subscribers, but will be rolled out for existing customers in phases over the next few months. The move comes amid global surge in streaming during Covid2019-fueled lockdowns in several countries.
Netflix has added 2.2 million net subscribers in the third quarter of 2020. For Q4, it has forecast 6.0 million paid net adds.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
