Stones2Milestones (S2M)-a homegrown research-based education technology company that has been helping children to read for the last 15 years, has officially partnered with Finnish Global Education Solutions (FGES)-a member of the Education Finland program controlled by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

Kavish Gadia, Co-Founder of Stones2Milestones, along with Finlands Minister of Education, Anna-Maja Henriksson, and Risto Vahanen, Chairman of Finnish Global Education Solutions

This momentous partnership was formalised during a public signing ceremony in Bangalore, Karnataka, attended by distinguished guests such as Finlands Minister of Education Anna-Maja Henriksson, Chairman of Finnish Global Education Solutions Risto Vahanen, Co-founder of Stones2Milestones Kavish Gadia, and several other key members.

S2M and FGES are embarking on a collaborative journey set to revolutionise education worldwide. Their shared initiatives include teacher professional development, introducing the Finnish learning approach into Indian schools-with an initial focus on literacy and numeracy-and developing advanced technology solutions for global deployment. Together, they aim to reshape global ed-tech and create a brighter future for learners worldwide.

The FGES team has also expressed keen interest in adopting S2Ms flagship product, the Freadom reading app, into their educational landscape, given its proven success in enhancing English and reading skills. Undoubtedly, this partnership will serve as a catalyst for harnessing the strengths of both India and Finland.

Commenting on this groundbreaking partnership, Antti Kaskinen, CEO of Finnish Global Education Solutions, stated, “We are thrilled about this collaboration, and together, our two companies are poised to introduce groundbreaking solutions that will benefit learners worldwide. We are equally enthusiastic about launching S2Ms flagship product, the Freadom reading app, on the international stage.”

Co-founder of Stones2Milestones Kavish Gadia conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership holds the promise of leveraging the strengths of both our nations to revolutionise the global ed-tech landscape. S2Ms technological expertise and extensive reach in India will enable us to bring the best Finnish solutions to India while allowing us to jointly develop world-class technology solutions for FGES to take to the global stage.”

Helena Mkinen, K-12 Education Program Lead at Finnish Global Education Solutions, expressed, “Numeracy and literacy are fundamental skills essential for lifelong success. As an educator, I understand the pivotal role that comprehensive and pedagogically well-designed resources play in assisting schools and educators in fulfilling their mission. Our shared goal is to make the students’ learning journey enjoyable and empowering, and to encourage lifelong learning.”

In conclusion, the partnership between S2M and FGES embodies a shared commitment to unlock the potential of students worldwide. With a dedicated focus on redefining education technology and creating innovative, well-designed resources for educators, this collaboration sets the stage for a transformative global impact.

About Stones2Milestones

Stones2Milestones (S2M) is an India-based education technology company driven by the vision of helping every child find their place in the world, especially during their formative years. With over 15 years of pioneering work in K12 education, S2M has positively impacted more than a million children. S2M places a strong emphasis on English language proficiency, considering it a crucial life skill. Their flagship product, Freadom, is now utilised worldwide by over 7500+ schools. This innovative solution promotes English literacy through cutting-edge learning engineering approaches, furthering the cause of reading proficiency.

About Finnish Global Education Solutions

Finnish Global Education Solutions (FGES), headquartered in Finland, specialises in K12 education development worldwide. With a core focus on enhancing literacy and numeracy, advancing teacher professional development, and fostering dynamic learning communities, FGES has successfully implemented its solutions in numerous countries over the last eight years. As a member of the Education Finland program overseen by the Finnish National Agency for Education, FGES remains committed to global educational excellence.

YES BANK has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Accelerated Computing Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (trading as “Cloud Ace India“), a leading provider of cloud solutions. The agreement signifies a pivotal step in YES BANKs commitment at facilitating tech innovation and global digital transformation. It also emphasizes the Bank’s endeavour of using advanced cloud tech and financial expertise to assist businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. The goal is to improve customer convenience and security through cloud tech and provide tailored support to startups via YES Connect. YES Connect is a groundbreaking platform that serves as a one-stop solution for both existing and potential YES Bank customers. It empowers users to access basic banking services, and also discover a wide array of solutions offered by the Bank and its esteemed partners.

(Left to right) :

Mr. Shingo Ozawa – Marubeni India Private Limited, Mr. Sanil Chorinchath – YES BANK, Mr. Saburo Takahashi – Cloud Ace India

A fundamental element of this partnership revolves around the dedication to promote innovation through the delivery of state-of-the-art cloud solutions and financial services. By merging Cloud Aces proficiency in cloud infrastructure, backed by YES BANKs financial knowledge, the collaboration seeks to assist businesses in simplifying their processes, cutting expenses, and achieving efficient growth.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Sanjiv Roy, Country Head – Fee Based Products & Service Experience, YES BANK said, “Through relentless efforts and collaborations with burgeoning fintech players, YES BANK has been taking ahead its mantle of being the banker of choice for the startup community. Through this tie up with Cloud Ace India, we intend to offer cloud computing solutions to our customers, along with our suite of cutting edge banking solutions. This partnership aligns with the vision statement of our YES HeadStartup programme. YES HeadStartup is a programme curated for the flourishing startup ecosystem of the country. YES BANK aims to provide best-in class solutions for business and personal banking needs of the startups, founders and their employees.”

Mr. Saburo Takahashi, MD, Accelerated Computing Enterprise (Cloud Ace India), said, “We are thrilled to partner with YES Bank, a technology led bank. Together, we can provide comprehensive solutions that empower businesses to harness the full potential of cloud technology. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation across industries in India.”

The partnership between YES BANK and Cloud Ace India is anticipated to bring about numerous substantial advantages for the corporate and startup community. These benefits include access to state-of-the-art technology, improved financial service efficiency, expedited digital transformation support for startups, and enhanced data security and cost savings. YES BANK and Cloud Ace India are committed to strengthening their partnership through teamwork, knowledge exchange, and ongoing innovation. Together, they aim to create a thriving business environment for all sizes of enterprises.

About YES BANK
YES BANK is a full-service commercial bank providing a complete range of products, services, and technology-driven digital offerings, catering to retail, MSME, and corporate clients. YES BANK operates its investment banking, merchant banking, and brokerage businesses through YES SECURITIES, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. Headquartered in Mumbai, it has a Pan-India presence including an IBU at GIFT City and a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi.

For more information, please visit the Banks website at www.yesbank.in.

Follow YES BANK on Twitter @YESBANK

About Accelerated Computing Enterprise (Cloud Ace India)
Cloud Ace Group is a leading solution provider for Google Cloud and Google Workspace solutions, helping businesses adopt Google Cloud Platform™ï¸, including migration, development, integration, maintenance, and billing services and has won Google Partner of the Year awards numerous times. With over 600 Google Cloud Certifications and 12 Google Cloud Specializations, Cloud Ace provides solutions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT. Headquartered in Japan, it has offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Germany, South Africa, the USA, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines and India.

For more information, please visit Cloud Ace Indias website at c-ace.in

The second edition of the highly anticipated OTTplay Awards, 2023, took the entertainment industry by storm with a star-studded gala that set the stage for a night of unparalleled glamor and recognition. Held at the iconic Taj Lands’ End in Mumbai, the event commenced at 8:00 PM on October 29th, 2023, and brought together the best of Indias thriving OTT (Over-The-Top) entertainment industry.

Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group at OTTplay Awards, 2023

At the prestigious OTTplay Awards 2023, an array of outstanding talents took center stage. Notable among the winners was Kajol, who secured the award for Best Debutant Female in recognition of her remarkable performance in “The Trial.” The OTT Performer of the Year was Rajkumar Rao, and Aditi Rao Hydari received the Female OTT Performer of the Year award. Rana Daggubati was honored as the Most Promising Actor, while Karishma Tanna clinched the title of the Most Promising Female Actor in OTT. The coveted title of Best Film of the Year was bestowed upon “Darlings,” making it a night to remember for all involved.

OTTplay Awards, known for celebrating excellence in digital content across various genres, recognized outstanding achievements in more than 30 categories. The events unique distinction lies in its mission to honor Indias rich cultural diversity and its contribution to digital entertainment. This years edition marked a significant milestone, as it became the first-ever PAN-INDIA OTT Award, perfectly embodying the spirit of “One Nation, One OTT Award.”

Rizwan Sajan, Founder, and Chairman, Danube Group, “OTTplay Awards is more than just a partnership; its a recognition of the transformative power of digital entertainment. In a world where storytelling knows no boundaries, these awards celebrate the visionaries who redefine narratives and captivate global audiences. From the perspective of Danube Properties Dubai, we firmly believe that our support for this platform is not solely an investment in innovation; it stands as a resounding testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the very limits of what can be achieved in the realm of content creation.”

Avinash Mudaliar, CEO and Co-founder of OTTplay shared his enthusiasm about the success of the OTTplay Awards 2023, stating, “This years OTTplay Awards have truly exemplified the diversity and excellence within Indias digital entertainment space. We are honored to recognize the outstanding contributions of the industrys finest talents across a wide array of categories. Its not just an award show; its a celebration of our remarkable stories, brilliant storytellers & the ones who bring it to life. We are proud to have created the first-ever PAN-INDIA OTT Award.”

The OTTplay Awards 2023 have undoubtedly raised the bar for recognizing excellence in the Indian OTT industry. The events commitment to celebrating the unity of Indias diverse cultural landscape reflects the spirit of our times. As we look ahead, we anticipate even greater achievements and innovation in the world of digital entertainment.

About OTTplay

OTTplay is India’s first-ever smart reviews, ratings & AI driven recommendation engine, which handpicks the movies and shows that match your taste and language preferences by diving deep into the most number of OTT channels. The platform has launched 6 Monthly subscription packs, 1 Quarterly Pack & 6 Annual packs in partnership with 27 OTT platforms from India & abroad. You can choose from the exciting packs and stream content of your choice on the OTTplay premium app on IOS, App Store & JIO Store, personal computers, tablet, Android TV & Firestick.

OTTplay Premium, the bundled subscription, brings together popular Indian & International OTT platforms such as SonyLIV, ZEE5, LIONSGATE PLAY, Sun NXT, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, ShortsTV, DocuBay, Playflix, Dollywood Play, PTC Play, Hallmark Movies Now, DUST, FUSE+ and Tastemade+ etc. backed by AI-based recommendation and content discovery technology enabling viewers to browse through the clutter of OTT content with sheer ease and convenience.

Bajaj Finance has redefined financing for second-hand car purchases with its high-value used car loan of up to Rs. 77 lakh. This loan product is designed to provide financial flexibility to customers allowing them to make their dream car a reality.

Get up to Rs. 77 lakh with Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan

Whether it’s a luxury sedan or a powerful SUV, Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loans opens a world of possibilities. With this loan product, individuals can apply online and get funds without the hassle of a lengthy and cumbersome process.

Here are the key features of Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan.

High-value financing
With Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan, individuals can get up to Rs. 77 lakh to fund their second-hand car purchases. This high-value loan gives the flexibility to customers to purchase their dream car without any budget constraints.

Loan up to 100% of the car’s value
Bajaj Finance offers asset-based used car loans of up to 100% of the car’s value. This feature guarantees that the customers get the highest possible funding for their car purchases. This allows individuals to buy their dream car without putting pressure on their finances.

Three unique loan variants
Bajaj Finance offers three used car loan variants – Term Loan, Flexi Term Loan, and Flexi Hybrid Loan. If the customer chooses any of these Flexi Loan variants, a loan limit is assigned to them. Customers can withdraw funds from this approved limit as and when required. However, interest is charged only on the amount withdrawn and not the entire limit. Flexi variants also allow customers to part-prepay their loans without any additional cost. A Flexi Hybrid Loan comes with the additional feature of paying interest-only EMIs for the initial tenure.

Quick disbursal facility
With a Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan, customers get quick disbursal facility that ensures the loan amount is credited to their bank account within 48 hours* of loan approval. This allows customers to purchase their selected used car without any delay.

Minimal documentation
Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loans come with simple eligibility criteria and minimal documentation. Customers need to submit just a handful of documents to get their loan application approved. These include KYC documents, PAN card, salary slips, bank statements, and more.

Flexible repayment tenure
Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loans come with flexible repayment tenure of up to 72 months. This long tenure allows customers to repay their loans easily without putting stress on their monthly budget.

Pre-approved offers
Existing customers who meet the eligibility criteria for a used car loan can get quick access to funds with exclusive pre-approved offers. Customers can simply enter their valid mobile number and OTP to check their offer. New customers can complete the simple online application form and proceed.
Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan also provides additional facilities such as doorstep assistance to complete the loan application, which includes document collection. With its high-value loan, no hidden charges and swift disbursal of funds, Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loans provides a convenient solution for funding the purchase of a pre-owned vehicle.

*Terms and conditions apply

About Bajaj Finance Limited
Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL,’ ‘Bajaj Finance,’ or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs and commercial customers, with a significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 72.98 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/ Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing and CRISIL AAA/ Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of ‘BBB-/Stable’ and a short-term issuer credit rating of ‘A-3’ by S&P Global Ratings.

Manipal Academy of BFSI has partnered with Jana Small Finance Bank to launch the Aspiring Bankers Program, aimed to hire and train the next generation of Personal Bankers for Jana Small Finance Bank.

Ajay Kanwal MD CEO Jana Small Finance Bank, Robin Bhowmik Chief Business Officer Manipal Global Education Services, Amit Raj Bakshi CHRO Jana Small Finance Bank

The program, offered by the Manipal Academy of BFSI is aimed at identifying talent and providing intensive on-the-job training. It aims to create a robust talent pipeline for Jana Small Finance Bank, serving the diverse communities of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The program is open to individuals with a graduate degree. Candidates enrolled in this program will be trained by Manipal Academy of BFSI for various tasks on the job including, lead generation, new customer acquisition, customer relationship management, account management, and more leading to the overall revenue growth of the bank in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In addition, candidates will learn to nurture existing relations, maintain process hygiene, and enable digital modes of banking across transactions, payments, investments/loans, and shopping.

The Aspiring Bankers Program course spans three months and the fee is rupees 99,000/- + taxes. The three-month course split into, one-month training on campus and two months of on-the-job training. The candidate will receive rupees 10,000/- stipend during the one-month campus training and rupees 20,000/- for two months of on-the-job training. Post completion of the course, the candidate will join Jana Small Finance Bank as an Assistant Manager for the role of a Personal Banker. The compensation for a Personal Banker includes an annual salary of INR 3,40,000/- along with performance-based incentives. The course fee is fully refunded in two years of employment with the bank.

Amit Raj Bakshi, Chief Human Resource Officer, of Jana Small Finance Bank comments, “As we launch the Aspiring Bankers Program in collaboration with Manipal Academy of BFSI, we are taking a significant step towards nurturing and empowering the next generation of banking professionals. This program not only identifies and trains talent but also ensures that they are well-equipped to serve our customers with the highest level of expertise and dedication. We believe that by investing in these aspiring bankers, we are not just shaping their careers, but also enhancing the banking experience for our customers. At Jana Small Finance Bank, our commitment to customer-centric service remains unwavering, and this initiative is a testament to that commitment.“

Robin Bhowmik Chief Business Officer Manipal Global Education Services and Amit Raj Bakshi CHRO Jana Small Finance Bank

Robin Bhowmik, Chief Business Officer Manipal Global Education Services comments, “We are excited to work with Jana Small Finance Bank to strengthen their new workforce with today’s skills. The course is structured keeping the customer at the heart of every transaction as is the core element of all services by the bank. Digitized services learning, banking basics and on-the-job training guarantee we create banking professionals out of young graduates. Manipal’s strong people-first approach and mindset-mapped learning ensures the new employees are aligned with the company’s business goals and have a growth-oriented approach in their work.”

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Mumbai, an esteemed institution with a rich history spanning over a century, is proud to announce the inauguration of its state-of-the-art high fidelity Simulation Lab, the first-of-its-kind in Mumbai. This significant milestone underscores the institutions ongoing commitment to advancing medical training and education for healthcare practitioners and learners, fostering innovation, and ultimately enhancing clinical performance.

First High Fidelity Simulation Lab at College of Physicians and Surgeons of Mumbai (CPS Mumbai)

Established in 1912 under the visionary leadership of Surgeon Gen. Sir H. W. Stevenson, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Mumbai, commonly known as CPS Mumbai, has been at the forefront of medical education in India for the past 111 years. With its illustrious history and unwavering dedication to medical excellence, CPS Mumbai has become an esteemed institution, offering a diverse range of postgraduate medical courses and attracting aspiring healthcare professionals from across the nation.

The Simulation Lab, a testament to CPS Mumbais commitment to cutting-edge medical education, is equipped with modern technology and resources. It serves as a hub for training in various medical disciplines, through the induction of simulation manikin namely Ares (Male adult manikin), Lucina (Female adult manikin), and Arya (Paediatric manikin). The students and the medical practitioners can be trained on various medical scenarios on these simulation manikins. These innovative training modalities are designed to enhance the clinical skills and competence of medical practitioners, ensuring they are better prepared to deliver high-quality patient care.

One of the standout features of the Simulation Lab is its hospital like facility. Within this setting, the students or a medical practitioner can be supervised continuously from a glass room. In this room, students engage in hands-on training while the teachers who are monitoring their activities from behind the glass. This setup allows for a unique and realistic training experience, as students are immersed in lifelike medical scenarios, while teachers can observe and evaluate their performance. This innovative approach enhances the learning process, fostering a more practical and comprehensive understanding of clinical practice.

The launch of the Simulation Lab marks a significant step forward in medical education in India and reflects CPS Mumbais dedication to staying at the forefront of healthcare innovation. There are three rooms in the simulation lab, each equipped with a manikin. All the rooms are connected to a monitoring room as well as the debriefing room. The case scenarios presented to the students are discussed in the debriefing room, where other students can also observe their peers working with the manikin. Additionally, each manikin is controlled by software displayed on screens in the simulation lab. CPS has already initiated faculty training for conducting simulation-based seminars, training programs, and examinations. A training session for faculty took place on the 19th, 20th, and 23rd of October 2023. By providing cutting-edge resources and training opportunities, the institution continues to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the evolving challenges of the medical field and ultimately improve healthcare delivery in India.

The Simulation Labs focus on practical, real-world training, as well as its technology and resources, reinforces CPS Mumbais long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education.

For more information about CPS Mumbai and the Simulation Lab, please visit www.cpsmumbai.org.