Netflix to launch test that requires subscribers to pay for users outside household

The war is now in its fourth week. Overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused the Kremlin of deliberately creating "a humanitarian catastrophe," but also appealed for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him for direct talks.The U.N.

General view of MGM Studios on October 28, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) Amazon has closed its $8.45 billion acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios as it looks to boost its streaming service offerings to compete with entertainment rivals Netflix and Disney. The move will allow Amazon to leverage MGM's catalog of more than 4,000 film titles and 17,000 TV episodes, including franchise favorites such as "James Bond," "Rocky" and "Creed," and classics such as "Thelma & Louise," "The Silence of the Lambs," "The Magnificent Seven" and "Raging Bull."  "MGM has a nearly century-long legacy of producing exceptional entertainment, and we share their commitment to delivering a broad slate of original films and television shows to a global audience," Amazon Studios and Prime Video senior vice president Mike Hopkins said in a statement. "We welcome MGM employees, creators, and talent to Prime Video and Amazon Studios, and we look forward to working together to create even more opportunities to deliver quality storytelling to our customers." The deal, which was first announced in May 2021, closed without being challenged by the Federal Trade Commission. In August, the FTC received a letter from the Strategic Organizing Center, a democratic union federation representing more than 4 million workers in the Service Employees International Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Communications Workers of America and the United Farmworkers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chinese Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong met with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof. G.L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); No conditions have been underlined for the USD 1 billion loan given by India, however, the amount will have to be paid back in installments after three years, said Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.The President is acting on a very prudent and a long-term plan, says Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on repaying the country’s loans after his entourage returned from India this afternoon. The Finance Minister returned to the country after signing agreements for a US $ 1 billion financial assistance from India. In addition to this $ 1 billion, India has already provided a $ 400 million loan, a $ 500 million loan to purchase petroleum and another $ 500 million via the Asian Clearing Union.Accordingly, the value of loans and relief facilities provided by India to overcome the current economic crisis is about US $ 2.4 billion in total. The Minister of Finance, speaking to media stated that Sri Lanka’s neighbor India has proven that it stands by Sri Lanka with this action, especially with Prime Minister Modi mentioning that all the support that Sri Lanka needs is being provided directly, both economically and socially.The Finance Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has learned of the organic farming and the interest shown by the President with regard to it, and although a shortage of nano fertilizer exists in India, they agreed to provide Sri Lanka with the required quantity.Rajapaksa also stated that India gave Sri Lanka a loan of US $ 1 billion to purchase food and other necessities for the people, especially for the upcoming Sinhala Tanil New Year, and the relevant loan has been in operation since yesterday (17).I urge all business communities to make it very transparent, giving priority to things which

Central government also asked states and UTs to send adequate numbers of samples to INSACOG to ensure timely detection of new variants while maintaining adequate testing as per the protocols for testing laid by ICMR.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Socialist Youth Union launched a massive protest march in Colombo on Friday (18) morning with the participation of thousands of its members, against many decisions made by the Sri Lankan Government, which they term as detrimental to the well being of her citizens.The protest march commenced from the Technical Junction in Maradana, and the Socialist Youth Union is attached to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna.These protestors are demanding the Sri Lankan Government end the shortage of fuel and gas, terminate the agreements that handed over the Trincomalee Oil Tank Complex to India, and the transfer of shares of the Yugadhanavi Power Plant to US-based new Fortress Energy Inc.The protest is heading towards the Fort Railway Station, in the heart of Colombo, and one of the busiest main roads in the city.

COLOMBO (News 1st); As ordinary Sri Lankans queued once again up last evening for fuel and LP gas, a social media furor erupted as videos began to emerge of a fleet of SUV’s and high-powered motorcycles speeding along a road backed by a police convoy.The Police Media Division in a Press Release issued this morning (18) noted that while “conditional permission” had been granted for a “vehicle-parade”, the police had banned the parade due to public outcry and the flouting of conditions agreed to.Police have assured that legal action would be taken if road rules were broken. The video circulating on social media shows many SUV’s had passengers dangerously hanging out of open windows.The convoy, which was flanked by a considerable police escort, was met with stiff resistance at the Kalpitiya town, where residents and religious leaders blocked the road preventing the convoy from moving ahead.“The People in this area, have no fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Senior Sri Lankan Government Official said Sri Lanka will make a documented request from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon, for assistance.He said the necessary plans will be drafted following the return of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Finance Secretary S. R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Energy Ministry said that a fuel tanker with 40,000 MT of Diesel will reach Sri Lankan shores on Sunday (20), following the singing of a US $ 1 Bn Credit Line with India.Secretary to the Energy Minister K. D.

Canada will scrap pre-arrival COVID-19 testing rule for vaccinated travellers April 1 “There’s a lot of quotes, a lot of inquiries. But physically getting people to committing to booking, especially groups, we’ve had a lot of that in the last couple of days,” Jamieson told Global News.It’s not the only factor at play.

COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday as patient numbers fell sharply.Health authorities issued the roundup a bit later than scheduled, saying the release of the daily tally had been “exceptionally delayed.”Pandemic-related hospitalizations stood at 1,034, a drop of 39. This comes after 63 people were admitted in the past day, while 102 were discharged.There were 50 intensive care cases related to the disease, a decrease of six compared with the previous day.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have decided to impose power cuts on Friday (18).Groups PQRSTUVW:2 hours from 9 AM to 5 PM1 and 1/2 hours from 5 PM to 10 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL:3 hours from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hour 40 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PMPower Cut Schedule: Click Here

COLOMBO (News 1st); The agreement with India for a credit line of USD 1 billion has been signed a shot while ago today (17), the Indian High Commission states. The USD $01 Billion loan agreement was signed to facilitate the importation of essential commodities and pharmaceuticals to Sri Lanka. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Foreign Minister of India, Dr. S.

Humza Yousaf has claimed this week is the ‘toughest’ yet for the NHS since the pandemic struck.

Gemma Collins has asked her fans for advice after revealing her dad Alan has permanent scarring in his lungs following his Covid-19 battle.The 41 year old, who recently said she dances naked in her garden as it's "so liberating", took to her Instagram stories to issue the plea with her 2.2 million followers. Sharing a snap of her dad smiling as he sat in the sun, Gemma asked her followers to get in touch if they know any tips and tricks on how to handle difficulties breathing as a result of long Covid. "If anyone knows anything about permanent scaring from long Covid please get in touch as dad bless him has permanent scaring and was wondering if there is anthing we can do to help his breathing," she wrote.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Police Special Task Forces’ SWAT teams have been praised by Dubai SWAT’s Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of Organisations Protective Security and Emergency. at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2022, organized by Dubai Police.Sri Lanka took part in the UAE SWAT Challenge for the first time.Sri Lanka Police said that two SWAT teams led by ASP Keshara Ratnaweera represented Sri Lanka at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2022, where forty-one highly-trained teams from 24 countries testes their tactical and weapon skills at Al Rowaiyah Training City in Dubai.The 3rd edition of SWAT Challenge witnessed fierce competition among 41 teams.Lt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) has decided to call off their strike following talks with the Minister of Energy on Wednesday (16) afternoon.Owners of fuel bowsers commenced a strike on Tuesday (15) night against the failure to increase their transport allowances in comparison to the increase in fuel prices,Due to this reason, Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) said about 800 Bowser vehicles will NOT operate on Wednesday (16).However, the strike was called off, following talks with the authorities.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa called on Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission has granted approval for power cuts on Wednesday (16).The power cut schedule is as follows:Groups ABCDEFGHIJKL:2 1/2 hours from 8 AM to 6 PM2 hours from 6 PM to 11 PMGroups PQRSTUVW3 hours from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM2 1/2 hours from 5.30 PM to 11 PM Power Cut Schedule: Click Here

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have decided to impose power cuts on Thursday (17).Groups PQRSTUVW:2 hours from 3 PM to 11 PMGroups ABCDEFGHIJKL: 2 hours from 9 AM to 5 PM1 hour and 15 minutes from 5 PM to 10 PMPower Cut Schedule: Click Here

Children under the age of five still can’t be vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving them vulnerable to the coronavirus. Now a new study suggests one in four symptomatic kids ends up developing “long COVID.” Jamie Mauracher reports on what some of them are enduring.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: (L-R) Daniel Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Annie Murphy and Eugene Levy of "Schitt's Creek" speak during the Pop TV segment of the 2020 Winter TCA Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 13, 2020 in Pasa MIAMI - Fans of the television show "Schitt’s Creek" may not be able to visit the fictional Canadian town but a cruise may be the next best thing."Moira’s Party Boat: Ew, Cruising!" is set to sail from Miami on March 30, stopping in Key West, Florida, and then on to Nassau, Bahamas. The cruise will return to Miami on April 3. In keeping with the theme of the hit show, events include "Bébe’s Chamber Wig Sail Away Party with Fruit Wine," "A Little Bit of Rosé Pool Party" and "Alexis’s Bar Crawl ."Pricing for cabins starts at $999.99. RELATED: 'Schitt's Creek' sweeps Emmy comedy honors; 'Succession' wins best dramaThe critically acclaimed comedy — about a shallow, filthy rich family who lose their fortune and are forced to live in a small town they bought as a joke — debuted in Canada in 2015, and soon after on Pop TV in the United States.The show ended its original run in 2020 after co-creator Dan Levy decided it was time for it to come to an end.

Sources tell Global News that Ottawa is planning to do away with pre-arrival COVID-19 testing as a travel requirement. Shallima Maharaj reports.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has started discussions with international monetary agencies and other friendly nations on its debt servicing obligations, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (16), in a televised address to the nation.“We need to clear the deficit and increase our foreign reserves,” said the President, adding that the government is in talks with various factions to implement necessary processes that would not be detrimental to Sri Lanka.‘We held talks with the International Monetary Fund yesterday (15). We hope to secure a process that would see us service our annual debt installments and sovereign bonds,” said the President adding that it was decided to further work with the IMF after studying the pros and cons of the proposed process.President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that certain decisions made by him in the past attributed to the control of import expenses, and that is why vehicle imports were suspended two years ago, and local industries were encouraged to boost production.The President said the main issue faced when controlling import expenses is the rapidly rising petroleum prices in the world market.“Over 20% of our import expenses are spent on petroleum products.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Liro Gas was unable to source the US $ 8 Million on Wednesday (16) to settle payment for a gas shipment that reached Sri Lanka.According to Litro Gas, a shipment is valued at approximately US $ 3 Million, however, due to arrears and demurrages, the supplier is seeking the US $ 8 Million from Sri Lanka.According to reports, the demurrages per day for this particular shipment is US $ 4,500/-, and Litro Gas revealed that it has payments to the tune of US $ 18 Million as demurrages to the supplier.Where did it all go wrong?If Litro Gas has opted for a long-term tender process, the payment for shipments could have been better managed.Notably, the long-term tender of Litro Gas lapsed on the 28th of February 2022, and even at that time, Litro Gas has not taken any measures to finalize the renewal of the long-term tender.Litro Gas has noted several reasons for the cause.– The failed attempt to introduce a full functioning Siyolit (Pvt) Ltd, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) incorporated for Sri Lanka’s gas sector– Crises that followed after reducing the weight of the domestic LP gas cylinders and distributing them to the local market– Gas related accidents that were reported from across Sri LankaWhat is the situation at the moment?Although the long-term tender awarded to a foreign supplier has expired, Litro Gas Lanka continues to purchase gas from the same company.When a supply agreement is signed, the supplier usually agrees to supply at least 10 percent more or less of the total consignment.Is gas being imported under this agreement?Higher costs can’t be prevented when spot purchases are made for gas.Last year, the chairman of Litro Gas criticized the supplier and blamed a mafia behind the transaction.Is a

A new observational follow-up study in six European countries published in The Lancet Public Health links severe COVID-19 to long-term depression and anxiety.

Unity, a popular engine for creating games, has shared that the pandemic has brought “long-lived and sustainable” changes to the games industry, with a record number of people creating and playing games.The Unity Gaming Report 2022 uses data from over 230,000 developers who create games using Unity, and is a comprehensive look at the world’s gaming habits over the last year.In the latest report, Unity claimed that “far from a “pandemic spike” the changes in the games industry appear to be long-lived and sustainable,” and added that “in 2021, the number of people playing games is at far higher levels than they were pre-COVID and the industry has continued to step up to feed the demand”.Unity stated that the number of games made via its engine rose by 93 per cent in 2021, with a 31 per cent bump in new creators.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (16) afternoon at the Indian Parliamentary Complex.The Finance Minister had thanked the Indian Prime Minister for the financial assistance India is providing to Sri Lanka.Further, PM Modi was invited by the Sri Lankan Minister to attend the much-awaited BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation be hosted by Sri Lanka on 30th March.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government has published an extraordinary gazette revising the prices of 60 medicinal drugs with effect from Tuesday (15).

COVID-19 climbed slightly Tuesday as the province reported 1,001 people were in the province’s hospitals with the disease.Of that number, 70 are receiving care in the ICU.That’s compared to 986 people in hospital with COVID-19 on Monday with 73 in the ICU. ‘Year of the condo’: Waning pandemic could see migration back to big cities Over the past 24 hours, an additional four coronavirus deaths were reported to Alberta Health, bringing the province’s death toll to 4,025.Over the same period of time, 1,831 COVID-19 tests were performed and 459 new lab-confirmed cases were reported.

Good evening and welcome to today's Daily Record's headline briefing.

Ontario government plans to provide $673 million to long-term care homes this year to help “hire and retain staff” across the province.The government issued a press release on Tuesday, saying the money would help to hire and retain up to 10,000 staff members across the province and will lead to “more direct care for residents.”“This is part of the province’s $4.9 billion commitment to hire more than 27,000 long-term care staff over four years and ensure that residents receive on average four hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.” Many Ontario long-term care homes keeping COVID vaccine mandates as province lifts policy According to the release, before the provincial investments, residents were receiving “an average of only two hours and 45 minutes of direct care from nurses and personal support workers.”The government says the next funding increase will push the daily average in the province to three hours and 15 minutes per resident, every day by the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year.Included in the funding is also $106.76 million for homes to increase the direct care provided by allied health care professionals who the government says are “key to ensuring quality care for residents (such as physiotherapists and social workers) by 10 per cent by the end of the fiscal year.”The provincial government said the $4.9 billion will be delivered over four years:According to the release, the province’s plan to provide residents with four hours of direct care will be enshrined into law via the Fixing Long Term Care Act 2021, which received royal assent in Dec. 2021.

International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a continued call to action for gender equality, companies often share stories of female employees or other testimonials in a show of support for the movement. But this year, a Twitter bot created by a couple in the U.K. sought to call out certain brands and organizations who supposedly still have stark pay disparities, despite their outward-facing messages. The Twitter account, @PayGapApp, was created by Francesca Lawson and her partner, Ali Fensome, "to put the gender pay gap data back into the spotlight," according to a post written by Lawson for the British newspaper Metro. "Our aim was to highlight how photos of smiling female employees and inspirational quotes conceal what’s really going on behind the scenes," Lawson wrote. FILE IMAGE - People walk in London on April 4, 2018.

Fake German heiress Anna Sorokin is led away after being sentenced in Manhattan Supreme Court May 9, 2019, following her conviction on multiple counts of grand larceny and theft of services. (TIMOTHY A.

New Delhi (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda sought ways and means of further enhancing cooperation with India in the power and renewable energy sector, when he met the Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy of India Shri Raj Kumar Singh in New Delhi.Minister Singh, recalling the age-old close relations between India and Sri Lanka, extended a warm welcome to High Commissioner Moragoda.The Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy of India and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka discussed a range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation in the power and renewable energy sector.The discussion focused on the ways and means to deepen and broaden the long-term strategic cooperation in the sector as well as short and medium- term projects to enhance interactions between the two nations.In this context, the progress of the projects under the Line of Credit of USD 100 million extended by India in June 2021 was reviewed.This Line of Credit, extended through the Exim Bank of India finance various projects in the solar energy sector in Sri Lanka including those announced during the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held in March 2018, such as rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for households and government buildings.Further, the proposed Sampur solar power plant, for which the agreement was inked just last week between the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) of India and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), was also discussed by the Minister of Power and the High Commissioner.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa leading a protest opposite the President’s Office in Colombo on Tuesday (15) said that the government that promised relief, has only brought about the burden to the people.Sajith Premadasa was clear in his message to the government “Go home or allow the people to decide at a Presidential Election.”“The government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa must leave if they cannot do what they were elected to do, and let us carry on with governance,” he told the protestors.“We cannot bear this suffering anymore,” Premadasa told a gathering of thousands of protestors in Colombo, adding that the Rajapaksa Government, the Rajapaksa Family are responsible for the suffering and the time is now to send them home.“We are here to tell the government that ruined this country, to go home,” he said.Heavy security was experienced around the President’s Office when the protest was taking place, with protestors also making attempts to break through the police cordon to make their way into the premises.He said the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government will bring back the Sri Lankan identity that was lost as a result of the actions of the present government.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told the protestors that it is time to be prepared to save the country from the brink of destruction.“Thousands have come here with no fear of bullets, tear gas, bombs, water cannons, and even baton charges,” he said in a message aimed at the government.Commenting on the fuel crisis, Premadasa said that three middle-eastern governments have promised to supply fuel for two years with no up-front payment to a Samagi Jana Balavegaya led government.He said

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s main opposition faction, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya blocked the road opposite the Presidential Secretariat venting their anger against the government that has increased the prices of many goods.The SJB says that the government has increased the cost of living to an unbearable level..Protestors from many parts of the country marched to Colombo and stationed themselves opposite the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (15) evening demanding the President bring down the prices of goods.The protest movement was led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Omicron variant BA.2 or what scientists are calling 'Omicron Stealth Variant' wreaks havoc in China, as the largest outbreak in two years occur, top executives of anti-Covid vaccine makers- Pfizer and Moderna are split on the requirement of a fourth Covid shot.

Washington state for two nights and a day, unable to find a rapid test for COVID-19.April Lewis and her partner Martin Clingwall were returning from a seven-week stay in Palm Springs and hoping to cross the border into B.C. on Saturday.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission said that scheduled power cuts for 15th March will be the same as that of Monday (14).Power Cuts for Tuesday (15):Groups PQRSTUVW: 2 hrs from 9 AM to 5 PM 1 hr from 5 PM to 9 PM.Groups ABCDEFGH: 2 1/2 hrs from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hr & 15 min from 6 PM to 11 PM

Global’s Keith Baldrey has more on when the federal government could ease some of the cross border travel requirements like rapid antigen testing.

Fake German heiress Anna Sorokin is led away after being sentenced in Manhattan Supreme Court May 9, 2019 following her conviction on multiple counts of grand larceny and theft of services. (Photo by TIMOTHY A.

advanced by one hour on Sunday, marking the beginning of daylight saving time – a tradition regulated by the Uniform Time Act of 1966.Under federal law, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.But that hour of daylight gained in the evening doesn't just miraculously appear with the changing of the clocks. Instead, we're simply moving that hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.Now, instead of the sun coming up between 6 and 7 a.m. and setting around 6 to 7 p.m., it doesn't rise until between 7 and 8 a.m., but it's up much later in the evening until about 7 to 8 p.m.That means many of us are waking up in the dark this week, but the trade-off is that we can eat our dinner in the daylight.FILE - Alarm clocks are showing 2 o'clock and 3 o'clock.

A notorious landlord with a lengthy criminal history was shot Sunday night and died in hospital. Lisa MacGregor reports from the southwest Edmonton home where 59-year-old Abdullah Shah, who was also known as Carmen Pervez, was gunned down.

home.General Motors and Ford this week announced pilot programs with California's Pacific Gas & Electric Company that will study the use of electric vehicles as backup power sources during blackouts and for energy storage that can help stabilize the grid.Upcoming electric models from both automakers are being developed with bi-directional power capability that allows them to send power from the vehicle's battery back into a home's electrical system.2022 Ford F-150 Lightning In particular, the large battery packs used in electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV will have energy storage capacities as high as 130 kWH to 200 kWh, which could power an average home for several days when fully charged.Ford already sells a bi-directional charger called the Ford Charge Station Pro for $1,310, about double the price of a standard home charger, before fees for installation or any electrical system upgrades that are needed to support it.Ford CEO Jim Farley told the CERAWeek conference in Houston on Thursday that he doesn't expect Tesla to offer similar capability as it sells solar panels and a Powerwall home backup battery system alongside its electric cars."We don't think Tesla will do this because they have an energy business to protect."2024 Silverado EV RST (Chevrolet)During Tesla's Battery Day event in 2020, CEO Elon Musk discounted the appeal of bi-directionally, also known as vehicle-to-grid, saying the automaker's original Roadster model was equipped with it and no one used it."Vehicle-to-grid sounds good, but I think actually has a much lower utility than people think," Musk said."And it’s obviously very problematic if you get to morning and your car, instead of being charged, it

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka’s finance minister held talks with a top International Monetary Fund (IMF) official on Monday, two sources said, as the island nation seeks help to deal with its plunging reserves, a sliding currency, and surging inflation, according to Reuters.It was reported that IMF’s Asia Pacific Director had led a delegation to Sri Lanka.It was earlier reported that a Senior Official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will pay a visit to Sri Lanka on Monday (14) and Tuesday (15) to brief Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the IMF assessment of the current economic crisis.