iWorld
Netflix raises US subscription prices again across all plans
Second hike in a year pushes premium tier to top of market pricing
NEW YORK: Netflix has raised its subscription prices in the United States once again, marking its second increase in just over a year as it looks to fund a growing slate of content and new formats.
The revised pricing, updated on 26 March, lifts costs across all tiers. The ad-supported plan now stands at $8.99 per month, up from $7.99, while the standard ad-free plan rises to $19.99 from $17.99. The premium tier, which includes 4K and spatial audio, now costs $26.99, making it the most expensive standalone streaming plan currently available.
Extra member fees have also gone up, with ad-supported add-ons increasing to $7.99 and ad-free slots to $9.99. New users will see the revised rates immediately, while existing subscribers will get a notification and a roughly 30-day window before the changes take effect.
Notably, while prices are climbing, the features across plans remain unchanged, with no additions to screens, resolution or user benefits.
The move comes after a strong growth phase for Netflix, which added nearly 20 million subscribers in 2025 despite earlier price hikes. The streamer had also explored a potential $83 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery before stepping back to focus on organic expansion.
With subscriber momentum still intact, Netflix appears confident that audiences will continue to stay tuned, even as the cost of streaming keeps edging upwards.
iWorld
Trilok drops live rock rendition of Vande Mataram with modern edge
Band reimagines patriotic classic with guitars and raw studio energy
MUMBAI: Trilok has released a new live studio rendition of Vande Mataram, offering a contemporary take on the iconic composition while preserving its original lyrical essence.
Recorded entirely live, the track leans into raw, unfiltered energy, trading polished production for authenticity. While the lyrics remain unchanged, the arrangement introduces a rock-driven soundscape, with prominent guitars and drums adding urgency and momentum to the timeless piece.
The reinterpretation strikes a balance between tradition and modernity. It retains the song’s classical foundation while giving it a sharper, more assertive tone that resonates with today’s listeners. The band’s approach reflects a broader attempt to keep cultural touchstones relevant without diluting their core identity.
Trilok has built a reputation for reworking devotional and spiritual music with a contemporary twist. Previous releases such as Achyutam Keshavam and Shiv Kailasho Ke Vasi have connected strongly with audiences, blending familiarity with innovation.
With this latest release, the band continues to explore the intersection of heritage and modern sound. The new Vande Mataram carries a sense of forward motion, echoing a larger narrative of unity in diversity, while inviting a new generation to engage with a classic in a fresh, powerful way.
