GECs
Google, Bing join hands to eliminate illicit searches
MUMABI: While the availability of information online has turned out to be a blessing for almost everybody, it is also disturbing for parents who fear their kids getting exposed to unwanted data. Coming to their rescue are two of the world’s leading search engines — Google and Bing, who will jointly handle the menace of illicit searches made by under age kids on the cyber space.
Now about 100,000 search keywords are going to be listed as illegal words. Moreover, someone searching for those keywords will not only be prohibited from viewing the search results but also be informed that his or her search is illegal. Soon, the strategy will be extended to 150 languages on global scale to make a huge difference.
According to Google CEO Eric Schmidt, child sexual exploitation can be eliminated by terminating such keyword searches.
The parent company of Bing, Microsoft has also stated that they have had zero-tolerance policy for any such material but now they are going to make it stricter.
UK’s National Crime Agency and Internet Watch Foundation will help the internet giants in this initiative.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
