Siemens and London Varsity's Innovative Use of River Thames to Save 258 Tons of Carbon Emissions Annually

The River Thames is one of the most iconic rivers in the world, flowing through southern England, including the heart of London. Stretching approximately 346 kilometers (215 miles), it is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom after the River Severn.

A new innovative initiative by University of East London (UEL) in partnership with Siemens Smart Infrastructure is using the river Thames' heat for projects for the University of East London's net-zero campus highlight its role in combating climate change.

The River Thames serves as a heat source due to its stable water temperature, which remains relatively constant throughout the year. This stability makes it an excellent candidate for heat exchange systems like Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs), which extracts energy from the water and turns it into heat, even when the water temperature is lower than the air temperature

Even at low temperatures, water contains thermal energy. The River Thames, being a large body of water, stores significant amounts of this energy.

Taking a significant step toward sustainability, the University of East London (UEL) is harnessing the River Thames to power its net-zero campus. In collaboration with Siemens, UEL is installing a state-of-the-art Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) at its Docklands Campus.

This innovative system will replace traditional gas boilers, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 258 tons annually.

The Innovative System

The WSHP system uses submerged pipes in a closed-loop system to extract the natural heat from the river. The heat is then transferred to a refrigerant, which amplifies it through a compression cycle.

The amplified heat is used to warm buildings, while the cooled water is returned to the river without disrupting its ecosystem.

The WSHP uses a closed-loop system to extract natural heat from the River Thames without disrupting the river's ecosystem. This project aligns with UEL's goal of achieving the lowest carbon emissions per student in the UK by 2026 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to save the university over £500,000 annually (approximately US $645,000 and  ~ INR ₹ 5.62 crore) in utility costs and has already inspired green employability programs, internships, and research opportunities. It also supports the Mayor of London's vision for a sustainable and greener city.

The new WSHP is set to be the largest fitted at any university in the UK and will power the university’s Docklands Campus Library and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability buildings, replacing existing gas boilers.

This innovative use of the river Thames not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also supports sustainability goals, as seen in projects like the University of East London's net-zero campus initiative

What technology does the Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) use?

Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHPs) utilize advanced heat exchange technology to provide efficient heating and cooling. Here's how they work:

1. Heat Exchange Process: WSHPs extract heat from a water source, such as a river, lake, or well, using a closed-loop system. This system circulates water through a heat exchanger, where heat is absorbed or released depending on the heating or cooling needs.
2. Refrigeration Cycle: The pump uses a refrigerant to amplify the heat transfer process. This cycle allows the system to efficiently move heat from the water source to the building or vice versa.
3. Energy Efficiency: By leveraging the stable thermal properties of water, WSHPs achieve higher energy efficiency compared to air-source systems, especially in colder climates.
4. Environmental Benefits: These systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering carbon emissions and contributing to sustainability.

This innovative technology is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, making it a popular choice for modern heating and cooling solutions.

Infosys to Launch Springboard, Its Digital Learning Platform, in London Borough of Southwark

Infosys has announced a collaboration with Southwark Council to launch its digital learning platform, Springboard, in the London Borough of Southwark. This initiative aims to provide residents, colleges, and schools with free access to the platform, which is designed to empower people with critical digital and employability skills.

The platform will be freely accessible to everyone, promoting digital literacy and ensuring that no one is left behind .

Infosys' Springboard will make devices and digital assets available to those who cannot afford them, fostering digitally engaged communities.

Entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses can also enhance their services through digital efforts.

The platform features content on digital learning, emerging technologies, and life skills, and is led by a team of experts invested in equipping residents with the right tools and resources to participate in society and the digital economy.

It may be recalled that this initiative follows successful deployments in Brent and Sandwell, where over 50,000 users have already benefited from over 10,000 courses offered through the Springboard platform.

Governed by Southwark Council, Southwark is located in south-central London, extending from the Thames to the suburbia of Dulwich.

Southwark Council responsible for delivering local services and maintaining the area. The council provides a range of services to residents, including housing, education, social care, environmental services, and more.

The London Borough of Southwark is a vibrant and historic area located on the south bank of the River Thames. It forms part of Inner London and is known for its rich history, diverse communities, and numerous cultural landmarks.

About Infosys Springboard, it is a flagship digital learning platform designed to empower people, communities, and society with essential digital and life skills.

The platform is available in multiple regions, including India, the USA, and now the London Borough of Southwark. Springboard is powered by Infosys Wingspan, an integrated digital learning and collaboration platform. It includes masterclasses, programming challenges, and social learning features to create an engaging learning experience.

In India, Springboard has already reached nearly 400,000 learners and 300+ educational institutions, NGOs, and support groups. In USA The platform offers dynamic computer science and maker education content for K-12 educators, students, and families, as well as upskilling opportunities for post-secondary learners.

Infosys to Establish AI Lab in London With University of Cambridge

Infosys is collaborating with the University of Cambridge to establish a new Al Lab in London. This lab aims to harness the power of Al to drive positive impact for clients, academia, and students.

The collaboration will leverage Infosys' industry expertise and Cambridge University's world-class education and research capabilities to address real-world challenges.

Additionally, Infosys unveiled its new and expanded Living Labs in London's Canary Wharf, which will serve as a hub for innovation activities. These labs will help clients accelerate their digital transformation journeys by leveraging emerging technologies like Infosys Topaz (an Al-first offering using generative Al technologies) and Infosys Cobalt (a cloud-powered solution for building robust digital architectures.

The London Living Labs and the AI Lab are housed within Infosys’ new state-of-the-art premises spread over 25,000 sq. ft. with a capacity for 200 employees. Designed using biophilic principles, the new workplace seamlessly blends adaptive and modular design and sustainable practices to create a truly modern environment offering a range of creative and collaborative spaces. The premises have also received a Gold SKA Rating, the highest standard, in recognition of the facility meeting the most rigorous sustainability criteria focusing on energy efficiency, water use, waste management, and environmental impact. The office marks an important milestone in Infosys’ journey of over 25 years in the UK.

The labs will offer interactive demonstrations, workshops, and personalized consultations to help organizations envision and implement their digital transformation strategies.

The opening of the Living Labs was marked by the presence of United Kingdom’s Minister for Digital Government and AI, Feryal Clark, University of Cambridge’s Head of Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Professor Colm-cille Caulfield, and over 100 attendees including clients and partners.

From Infosys, Sushanth Tharappan (EVP & Head-HR), Karmesh Vaswani (EVP & Global Head Retail, Consumer Goods & Logistics), and Tarang Puranik (EVP & Head of Delivery for Europe) were present.

Salesforce to Build Its 1st AI Center Building worth $4 Billion in London

Salesforce has recently announced that it has chosen London as the location for its first AI Center, which is part of a significant $4 billion investment in the UK's AI economy. The AI Center will be situated in London's Blue Fin building and aims to foster collaboration among industry experts, partners, and customers to advance AI innovation.

This move also includes a commitment to upskilling opportunities, with Salesforce Ventures investing over $200 million in UK companies like ElevenLabs, the text-to-speech and AI voice generator, and AutoGenAI, the world’s leading AI bid writing engine.

The opening of this AI Center is a strong indication of Salesforce's confidence in the UK as a global technology hub and its potential for major growth in the AI sector. The UK AI market is expected to reach over $1 trillion by 2035, and Salesforce's investment is poised to play a significant role in realizing this opportunity.

The center is set to officially open on June 18, 2024, and will support the creation of 500,000 AI-related jobs in the UK.

This strategic decision aligns with Salesforce's vision of AI as a transformative technology and their dedication to ensuring it serves as a force for good. It's a clear message to customers and partners that Salesforce is deeply committed to working closely together to harness the benefits of AI.

In addition, Salesforce continues to provide further upskilling opportunities through Trailhead, the company’s free online learning platform. To date, Trailhead has helped more than 7 million people build their skills and prepare for the future of work with AI. In the UK alone, users have earned 2.9 million badges on Trailhead from having completed learning modules and projects.

"AI has the potential to drive major growth for UK businesses – with the UK AI market predicted to reach over $1 trillion by 2035", said Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO, Salesforce UKI.

The UK's AI sector is attracting significant investment from a variety of companies. Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are continually investing in AI technologies and have a strong presence in the UK's AI market. BrainPool AI, a company that provides AI consultancy and helps clients build custom AI solutions. Graphcore has secured a substantial amount of investment and is known for developing software to power driverless vehicles.

Moreover, SFC Capital known for leading in terms of UK equity deals in AI, participating in numerous deals since 2013. Mercia Asset Management Invests outside London, often partnering with universities to support AI spinous.

These companies, among others, are contributing to the UK's position as a hub for AI innovation and development. The sector is seeing growth across various industries, including cybersecurity, healthcare automation, chatbots, and self-driving cars, reflecting the diverse applications of AI technology.

London's Science Museum Opens Adani Green Energy Gallery

The Science Museum in London has today opened a new gallery called "Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery." This free gallery explores the potential of renewable energy to address climate change, featuring contemporary and historic objects from the UK and abroad.

The gallery aims to inspire visitors to create a sustainable world and showcases transformative technology and sustainability efforts. The gallery opened on March 26, 2024, and is expected to be a significant addition to the museum, replacing the previous Atmosphere gallery.

At the centre of the gallery is Only Breath, a moving sculpture that signifies the power of nature to inspire technological change. Radiating outward from the centre are plinths which display vital low-carbon renewable energy technologies for the transition, from nuclear, hydrogen and solar to wind and tidal power, alongside remarkable historic innovations that remind us how major change is possible and that many of the technologies needed to make the low-carbon energy transition already exist.

Objects in this section include a 7m long tidal turbine blade made by Scottish renewable energy company Orbital Marine Power and the first electric taxi, the Bersey cab, hailed by Londoners in 1897.

Besides, this free gallery at the Science Museum in London features several other highlights:

• Future Planet: This section explores the changes to our climate that we are already experiencing and examines how scientists use complex computer models to glimpse the climate futures we could face, depending on the decisions we make today.
• Future Power: Focusing on the projects and technologies we could use in a low-carbon future, this area showcases historic artifacts alongside contemporary technologies such as solar mirrors and nuclear fusion reactors. It highlights the people and technologies that are transforming the way energy is supplied and used.
• Our Future: Here, children's imaginative ideas of how the world will meet its energy needs in decades to come are featured, along with experts’ responses to these ideas. Imagining the future is a powerful way of generating knowledge, stimulating innovation, and shaping decisions about how we live. 

The gallery aims to show how the past, present, and future are shaped by human imagination and innovation and explores the role of humans in deciding our energy future. It's a space that encourages visitors to think, dream, and wish for change, demonstrating how our world, economy, and personal lives can evolve for the better.

Study part of the Zero Energy Thermonuclear Assembly (ZETA), a nuclear fusion experiment from the 1950s |Image © Science Museum Group

FREE OBJECT GALLERY

TCS Opens 9,000 Sq Ft Innovation Hub Pace Port™ in London

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) has announced the opening of its new Pace Port™, a dedicated innovation hub in the heart of London that aims to drive and accelerate innovation-led growth in the United Kingdom while helping businesses bring innovation to life.

TCS Pace Port™ London is a 9,000 sq ft innovation hub that opened in early 2024 in Bishopsgate, London. The innovation hub is intended to promote business and technology collaboration with clients, academics, and startups. The hub aims to drive research and cutting-edge technology for economic growth.

Pace Ports are intended for co-innovation with clients and the larger ecosystem. They offer solutions designed with emerging technologies such as: Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML), Internet of things (IoT), and Advanced analytics.

Leveraging TCS's extensive expertise in technology-based business transformation, the London innovation hub will serve as a catalyst for the adoption of innovation-led solutions. This will include emerging technologies that will empower businesses in the UK to navigate a volatile marketplace, address evolving business needs, and drive growth. The Pace Port will focus on innovation across a cross-section of industries, government priorities and critical national infrastructure while creating an ecosystem of experiences.

London is the sixth Pace Port to open in TCS’ global Pace network as the Company also has Pace Ports in Amsterdam and Tokyo. Amsterdam's Pace Port accelerates digital transformation and helps organizations focus on their business needs. Tokyo's Pace Port provides consulting, design, and implementation of digital services for organizations inside and outside Japan.

Amit Kapur, Head of UK & Ireland at TCS commented: “UK businesses are committed to investing in technology and digital solutions to transform their business and operating models. Bringing our global network of Pace Ports to London will provide an environment that fosters collaboration, drives innovation, and helps businesses in the UK harness cutting-edge technology, collaborate and grow across industry borders into ecosystem models. Establishing the TCS Pace Port London in the heart of the city reflects TCS’s unwavering commitment to fueling innovation, catalyzing and contributing to the economic growth of the United Kingdom.”

A key emerging technology for many businesses is Artificial Intelligence (AI), and TCS is already advising businesses in the UK and Ireland on adoption strategies. In a recent TCS survey of 100+ corporates in the UK and Ireland, two-fifths (41%) of UK and Irish businesses are largely AI-driven already or well-positioned to accommodate and leverage AI's capabilities and benefits. With more than a third (37%) of UK and Irish executives predicting their workforce will interact with Generative AI daily in the next three years, the need to have a strategic approach to AI is becoming urgent. As a co-innovation hub, our London Pace Port will give businesses in the UK the right tools and expertise to create a refined digital and AI strategy and support the UK government’s vision Opens in new tab of being a front-runner in the AI race while accelerating innovation-led growth in the region.

“Enterprises across industries are looking for ways to quickly adopt AI and Gen AI to enhance their competitive differentiation. At such a time, they need a partner who has a deep understanding of this technology and the right infrastructure to help them find new use cases, experiment, and implement the best PoCs at scale to make the most of this trend,” said Marc Hardwick, Senior Research Director, TechMarketView. “TCS aims to bring its deep competence in AI along with other next-gen technologies at its new Pace Port in London. Interestingly, TCS is setting up the center to be a hub for co-innovation not only with clients but also with the larger ecosystem – academia, start-ups and technology companies. Pace Port should be a huge positive for TCS’ customers, helping them drive innovation at scale and more, more consistently.”

“Our state-of-the-art Pace Port London will foster a collaborative ecosystem through TCS’ IP, technology expertise and Co-Innovation Network (COIN™) spanning multiple disciplines including experts from the start-up, research and academia in the UK that will help co-innovate and co-create solutions for UK businesses,” said Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer, TCS. Pace Port London is the next step in our continued effort to help our clients innovate at speed and scale.

TCS’ global Pace™ innovation methodologies, Research, Intellectual Property, Co-Innovation Network, and skilled team of experts will support organizations in the region to bring innovations to life and launch new digital products and services at speed and scale. The innovation hub will help businesses in the UK explore the future, build scenarios and new propositions, improve innovation capabilities, design improved customer experiences, create new offerings, explore ecosystem business models, deliver AI and Generative AI projects, create innovation strategies, and sharpen innovation operating models.

LTIMindtree Launches and Tests Quantum-Safe VPN Link in London

LTIMindtree Launches and Tests Quantum-Safe VPN Link in London in Collaboration with Quantum Xchange & Fortinet

A market-leading initiative to secure data transmission for the approaching quantum era

LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has launched a state-of-the-art Quantum-Safe Virtual Private Network (VPN) link at its London premises. This is an exciting move towards the era of quantum-secure communications, where data transmission is protected today from the looming “harvest now, decrypt later” threat. LTIMindtree’s Quantum-Safe VPN demonstrates the practical application of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) within a live network, using quantum-based key generation and out-of-band key delivery, which is secured by Post-Quantum Cryptography algorithms that are on track for standardization by NIST, thereby bolstering the security and integrity of encrypted data.

LTIMindtree’s Quantum-Safe VPN platform is realized in close collaboration with its partners Quantum Xchange, a leader in quantum-safe communication solutions, and Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security. Quantum Xchange provides the quantum hardware and software that enable the generation, distribution, and management of quantum keys, while Fortinet’s FortiGate firewall provides the VPN functionality that integrates quantum-safe keys with standards-based VPN protocols. LTIMindtree leverages its integration and domain expertise to implement and operate the Quantum-Safe VPN link across its active network.

Aan Chauhan, Chief Technology Officer, LTIMindtree, said, “As a forward-looking partner, LTIMindtree is dedicated to anticipating and addressing the future challenges of quantum safe security. Our collaboration with Quantum Xchange and Fortinet underscores this commitment. We are committed to enhancing our expertise in quantum-safe security solutions, ensuring we offer the latest tools and approaches. This is integral to our mission of providing top-tier security for our customers in an evolving threat landscape.”

This platform offers several benefits and opportunities for its customers and stakeholders. LTIMindtree’s Quantum-Safe VPN setup, designed as a robust testbed, not only drives the development of industry-specific solutions, but also creates avenues for its customers to co-create industry aligned prototypes and pilots using this advanced infrastructure. LTIMindtree’s customers can benefit from the opportunity to experiment with quantum-safe technologies and explore their potential applications and use cases in various sectors and scenarios.

Eddy Zervigon, CEO of Quantum Xchange, said, “Joining forces with LTIMindtree for this innovative quantum-safe VPN project is the start of a forward-thinking partnership. Our quantum-based key generation and management solutions, combined with LTIMindtree’s integration expertise and Fortinet’s VPN devices, provide a robust and secure communication infrastructure that offers stronger data security today is ready for the quantum era. This collaboration underscores Quantum Xchange’s commitment to a quantum-secure future and our belief in the strength of collective innovation.”

By adopting quantum-safe communication solutions, LTIMindtree can ensure a high level of data security for its own operations and for its clients, protecting their sensitive information from the quantum threats of today and tomorrow. LTIMindtree can also provide its customers with guidance and support in their quantum-safe journey, helping them to prepare for the quantum future.

Ben Wilson, VP of Product Management at Fortinet, said, “Working alongside LTIMindtree and Quantum Xchange, we are thrilled to be able to combine the mature and field-proven VPN capabilities of our FortiGate Next-Generation firewall with our long-term commitment to innovation. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it’s important that we stay ahead of potential threats. With this partnership, we are delighted to collaborate with like-minded companies to build quantum-safe solutions for the future.”

LTIMindtree’s Quantum-Safe VPN platform is a groundbreaking initiative that showcases the feasibility and benefits of quantum-safe communication solutions in a real-world setting. LTIMindtree, in collaboration with Quantum Xchange and Fortinet, has successfully encrypted data across its active network using quantum-based key generation and out-of-band key delivery, addressing the looming “harvest now, decrypt later” threat today. The Quantum-Safe VPN platform opens new possibilities for its customers to leverage this cutting-edge infrastructure and co-create quantum-safe solutions for their specific needs and challenges. LTIMindtree, along with its partners, is committed to preparing businesses for the quantum era and ensuring their data security and privacy, with more such efforts, in the long term.

For more on LTIMindtree’s Quantum-Safe VPN platform, please click here.

Accenture Acquires The Storytellers, which Helps Biz Leaders with A Human-Centered Approach for Transformation

Accenture Acquires Creative Change Management Consultancy, The Storytellers

Global professional services company, Accenture, on Friday announced that it has acquired The Storytellers, a London-based creative management consultancy that partners with CEOs and other C-Suite leaders to develop their narratives to accelerate transformational change and boost performance in their organizations.

The acquisition will enhance Accenture’s capabilities in transformational change and further help clients with articulating and activating their vision and change strategies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Post this acquisition, The Storytellers' team of professionals will join Accenture’s Talent & Organization / Human Potential practice.

Business leaders need a mechanism to move their people from passive understanding to being compelled to take action activating their people to bridge the gap between strategy and execution — "where 70% of transformations fail", mentions The Storytellers' LinkedIn profile.

Founded in 2003, by Alison Esse and Marcus Hayes, The Storytellers has developed a unique methodology combining the art and science of storytelling to help business leaders inspire and galvanise their teams.

The 20-years old company has a proven track record of helping business leaders with a human-centred approach to activate their transformations and new business strategies. They combine deep expertise in storytelling with facilitation, skills-building, creative communications, and immersive digital and live event production, to help leaders create and deliver a compelling, action-oriented narrative that motivates their colleagues and customers.

The Storytellers has partnered with over 200 clients to co-create stories that have helped to realise the benefits of change in organizations.

"In 20 years, The Storytellers has built a formidable reputation for helping business leaders accelerate their transformation strategies to thrive in a world of fast-paced change,” said Tim Good, Accenture’s Talent & Organization / Human Potential lead, EMEA. “A compelling vision and narrative are now fundamental for driving change, and they bring deep understanding of the transformative power of a story and its role in energising people around a shared ambition. Together, with Accenture’s breadth of consulting and technology services, we will bring an innovative team to C-Suite clients to help them reinvent their business and build resilience for the future.”

Chris Spencer, CEO of The Storytellers, said, “People are demanding more human connection and authenticity from leaders as they tackle today’s pertinent issues – including the rise of AI and sustainability. Leaders need a fresh way to motivate people to take action, and bridge the gap between strategy and execution, where many transformations can fail. With Accenture’s expertise and highly respected transformational change capabilities, now is the time to take our business to the next level and join forces to deepen our impact with clients.”  

Last month, Accenture acquired Nautilus Consulting, which is also based out of London and a digital healthcare consultancy that specializes in Electronic Patient Record (EPR) solutions.

Accenture has been a very acquisitive company acquiring about 276 companies since it split off from Arthur Andersen, an American accounting firm that was once one of the "Big Five" accounting firms (along with Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers).

To remind, in August Accenture’s India unit along with global consultancy firms McKinsey and Company India LLP were selected by India's Central Bank, RBI, to develop a system using AI and ML for its supervisory and regulatory functions.

Adani Group Condemns "London" based Financial Times

In a press release on Tuesday, Adani Group said that — "There is a renewed attempt by the Financial Times and its collaborators to rehash old and baseless allegations to tarnish the name and standing of the Adani Group. This is part of their extended campaign to advance vested interests under the guise of public interest."

"Continuing their relentless campaign, the next attack is being fronted by Dan McCrum of the Financial Times, who jointly with the OCCRP put out a false narrative against the Adani Group on 31 August 2023. The OCCRP is funded by George Soros, who has openly declared his hostility against the Adani Group, " Adani Group said.

Best-known for his investigation into the Wirecard scandal between 2014 and 2020, Dan McCrum is an investigative journalist for the London-based Financial Times. McCrum is an alumnus of Durhum University (legally known as University of Durham). And notably, while FT is itself a London-based media entity with anti-India content most of the time, the Durham University is known to have a close connection with Freemason, a kind of a society associated to the British Empire. 

Adani Group further said, "Having failed earlier, the FT is making another effort to financially destabilise the Adani Group by raking up an old, baseless allegation of over-invoicing of coal imports. The FT’s proposed story is based on the DRI’s General Alert Circular No.11/2016/CI dated 30 March 2016. The FT’s brazen agenda is exposed by the fact that they have singled out the Adani Group, while the DRI’s Circular, the raison d'être for the whole story, mentions as many as 40 importers including the Adani Group companies. This list not only includes some of India’s major private power generators like Reliance Infra, JSW Steels and Essar but also the state power generating companies of Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, etc. and the NTPC and MSTC."

"It is noteworthy that, in the case of Knowledge Infrastructure, one of the 40 importers mentioned in the General Alert Circular, the DRI’s Show Cause Notice alleging over-valuation in the import of coal was quashed by the appellate tribunal (CESTAT). Further, the DRI’s appeal was dismissed as withdrawn by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 24 January 2023 with the observation that “we appreciate the stand taken by the Government in not entering into futile litigation.” Clearly, the issue of overvaluation in the import of coal was conclusively settled by India’s highest court of law."

"The FT’s proposed storyline is a clever recycling and selective misrepresentation of publicly available facts and information with a deliberate and mischievous suppression of judicial decisions to arrive at a predetermined conclusion. It shows scant respect for India’s regulatory and judicial processes and authorities. It also deliberately ignores the fact that coal procurement in India on long-term supply basis is done through an open, transparent, global bidding process thereby eliminating any possibility of price manipulation. Tariff fixation by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is an open, transparent, independent process where the tariffs are fixed after carefully evaluating all variables and in consultations with the power generator, distributor and retail consumers. So, clearly, the multiple stakeholders have multiple opportunities to look at all aspects determining the tariffs, including the import value of coal. Hence the question of over invoicing or price manipulation does not arise."

It is unfortunate that some foreign entities like the OCCRP, supported by a section of the foreign media, short-sellers and domestic collaborators, have launched a series of attacks against the Adani Group with the primary intent of dragging down its market value. In fact, these individuals and groups, bound by the common objective of damaging the Adani Group, have developed a playbook which is being executed to perfection by a well-oiled and professional machinery working in sync both within India and abroad.

It is not mere coincidence that such stories have an uncanny ability to appear just before the hearing dates of important cases in India’s courts.

Adani Group further concluded, "While we deny all such allegations, which are false and baseless, we also condemn such deliberate, and motivated attempts to destabilise the Adani Group. We are a law-abiding company which is fully compliant with all rules, regulations and disclosure requirements with full respect for the rule of law."

London Remains Among World's Leading Green Finance Hubs

Focus on sustainability could help London boost long-term post-COVID economic recovery

Mumbai: May 28, 2021 - As economies around the world look to bounce back from the impact of the global pandemic, sustainable and green finance is a key factor that could help drive economic recovery and mitigate the effects of climate change. Among the leading global financial centres driving forward the sustainability agenda is London.

According to Z/Yen’s recent Global Green Finance Index (GGFI),the UK capital has maintained its position as one of the top five Western European financial centres for green finance. While financial centres in the Asia Pacific and North American regions closely compete with those in Western Europe in the rankings this year, Western Europe continues to dominate the top 10 centres in the index.

The City of London think tank surveyed 78 financial centres around the world, accessing the depth and quality of their green finance offerings. In Western Europe, London takes third place ahead of Paris and Brussels and closely behind Amsterdam and Zurich.

The UK launched its Green Finance Strategy in 2019 to align the country’s financial flows with clean, environmentally sustainable, and resilient economic growth. Since then, the Strategy has been driving forward the mainstreaming of green finance in the UK and abroad through various investments, like the establishment of the Green Finance Institute and the£1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

About London & Partners

London & Partners is the business growth and destination agency for London. Our mission is to create economic growth that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive. We are a not- for-profit company and operate as a social enterprise, half funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and half from other sources including our portfolio of commercial ventures. For more information, visit: www.londonandpartners.com

Do Youths in London Like to Gamble? [Opinion]

People often forget that the future of their favourite pastime depends on the youth. If the “next generation”, so to speak, does not enjoy or participate in an activity, then it likely won’t survive. So, if you are an avid gambler in the city or someone who enjoys the sport, you may wonder if young people in London enjoy gambling. 

At least, do youths in London enjoy gambling enough that it will continue on? Briefly, we will discuss gambling in London in relation to the newer generations, and why there is no need to fear for the betting game.

The Internet Factor

Though London’s casinos may seem less crowded than before, they are still making plenty of money off of visiting tourists, young and old. Furthermore, just because millennials are not filling up seats in the casino does not mean they don’t gamble. Many London sportsbooks have online wagering sites. Beyond even London, anyone who knows how to use the internet can access sports betting websites like Gclub to participate in the action from their home. 

Online betting websites are consistently used, so it’s safe to say betting itself is not in any danger of disappearing.

The Legal Age

The legal gambling age in London, and the UK, is 18. Even if this means that youth are restricted from gambling until they’re legally adults, this doesn’t mean they’re not eager to try their luck when they become of age. Many young people choose to visit casinos and bars on their 18th birthday to celebrate. Gambling is a still an activity associated with youth and celebration. It may not be popular with everyone, but it has no danger of dying out due to birthdays alone.

London’s Casinos

London’s sportsbooks and casinos are frequented by millennials even now. Those in “generation Z” are still too young to visit anywhere gambling is legal. However many millennials enjoy the retro or vintage feeling that a true casino can bring. Popular locations around London all feel quite classic in their own way. Young people enjoy visiting to get that feeling of the past. While they’re there, of course they’ll participate in a wagering match or two.

A Little of Everything

Younger generations have different tastes than older ones. Luckily, though London’s gambling houses all have a classic spin, there is a little something for everyone all around the city. A 20-something can venture into an older casino, and find an updated slot machine that appeals to their taste. Dealers and players find ways to make even the most tedious-sounding games exciting. 

The appeal of anticipation when it comes to gambling cannot be understated. Younger generations can find thrill in waiting for the cards to fall just as much as any old gentleman. 

Conclusion

London’s gambling scene is alive and well. Just because it is not visible to the eye does not mean it’s not there. Online betting has increased substantially, especially among millennials, but the youths of the city still find their way to London’s most popular casinos every night. From tourists to locals, young people from across the UK will keep the city’s casinos thriving.