Author: admin

Today’s markets analysis on behalf of Zaheer Anwari – Co-Founder and CEO at The Revacy Fund

Oil prices remained volatile and moved higher today, although they continue to trade well below the peak reached earlier in the week. The market remains highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East, where elevated geopolitical tensions continue to expose energy infrastructure and shipping routes to significant risks.

Supply conditions have already tightened, as production in parts of the region has been curtailed due to limited storage capacity and difficulties in exporting crude amid shipping constraints. While some volumes have been redirected through pipelines, these alternatives could remain insufficient to fully offset the loss of maritime transport, leaving export capacity below normal levels.

At the same time, a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves by G7 countries could help ease immediate shortage concerns and stabilize prices. Additional measures, including insurance coverage for tankers and the use of military escorts, could support the resumption of shipments. If implemented effectively, these steps may limit further upside in oil and could lead to renewed downside pressure as supply fears begin to ease.

From a technical perspective, the reversal this week has brought oil prices back into a consolidation range, close to the levels observed for much of the period since 2023. Given the current conditions, caution remains prevalent regarding oil, while a clearer directional trend would typically be required before increasing allocation.

Unit 42 has identified and responsibly disclosed a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2026-0628) affecting “Gemini Live in Chrome,” Google Chrome’s AI-powered side panel.

At a high level, the issue involved a privilege escalation or “privilege jump.” Chrome extensions typically operate within defined permission boundaries. However, Unit 42 found that a malicious extension could manipulate how the Gemini web app was loaded inside Chrome’s AI side panel — a browser environment that operates with higher privileges than a standard web tab.

Because the Gemini panel is treated as a trusted browser surface, influencing what loads inside it could allow an extension-controlled payload to execute in a more powerful context than the extension itself was granted.

How it worked: Privilege Escalation via AI Side Panels

The vulnerability allowed a malicious browser extension — even one with basic host permissions — to interfere with the Gemini Live side panel. Researchers found the extension could leverage Chrome’s request-modification capabilities to intercept and alter resources associated with the Gemini web application. This issue applied only when Gemini was accessed through the side panel, not a regular browser tab.

When loaded in the side panel, Gemini runs within a more privileged browser process, tightly integrated with browser features and granted enhanced capabilities that ordinary web pages do not have.

Due to how requests and content embedding were implemented, an extension permitted to interact with the Gemini domain could intercept and modify JavaScript resources before they were rendered in the panel. In effect, attacker-controlled code could be injected into content executing inside the panel’s higher-trust environment.

The extension itself did not gain new permissions. Instead, it manipulated the content pipeline feeding a privileged component. Because that component already had elevated capabilities, the injected code effectively “rode along” into a more powerful execution context — creating the privilege jump.

A successful exploit of CVE-2026-0628 could have enabled an attacker to:

• Access local files and directories
• Capture screenshots of browsing sessions
• Activate camera and microphone capabilities without appropriate awareness
• Execute phishing attacks within the trusted Gemini interface

The attack required no additional user interaction beyond installing a malicious extension and opening the Gemini panel.

Remediation and Protection

Palo Alto Networks notified Google on Oct. 23, 2025. Google confirmed the findings and released a fix in early January 2026.

Anupam Upadhyaya, SVP, Product Management, Prisma SASE, Palo Alto Networks, said, “Today’s agentic browsers can act on your behalf — researching, reasoning and taking action without direct user input. While this can deliver meaningful productivity gains, in the absence of enterprise-grade controls these tools can take autonomous actions beyond IT oversight. By inheriting a user’s browser session and accessing screens, files, cameras and microphones, agentic browsers can expand the attack surface through prompt manipulation and weakened web isolation, creating security and accountability gaps enterprises haven’t faced before.

The research highlights a broader architectural lesson: as AI becomes embedded into core browser components, strict isolation between extension-controlled content and privileged AI surfaces is essential to preserving the browser’s security model.

New Delhi, Mar 11: Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., in collaboration with Electra EV, has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for a pioneering Electric Vehicle Charging Device designed for low-voltage EVs. This innovation addresses a critical need in India’s rapidly growing electric mobility ecosystem by enabling safe, efficient, and reliable charging for sub-200V DC EV platforms. 

The patented technology resolves a key interoperability challenge, allowing low-voltage EVs – including vehicles based on GB/T Bharat DC 001 standards – to leverage conventional high-voltage CCS2 fast-charging infrastructure. This advancement is particularly relevant for small commercial EVs, pick-up vans, and other urban mobility solutions, where reliable low-voltage charging is essential for widespread adoption.

The device incorporates advanced power management and voltage conversion capabilities, ensuring safe energy transfer, optimal charging performance, and compatibility with widely deployed fast-charging systems. By improving charger interoperability and reliability, the technology supports the growth of India’s EV ecosystem, especially in last-mile and urban mobility segments.

Arun Handa, Chief Technology Officer, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., commented:

“Securing this patent is a significant milestone in our innovation-led approach to EV charging technology. Low-voltage electric vehicles are vital to India’s mobility ecosystem, particularly in small commercial fleets. This patented device ensures safe, efficient, and reliable charging, enabling faster EV adoption through improved charging compatibility.”

This joint patent between Servotech and Electra EV highlights both companies’ commitment to driving next-generation EV solutions and accelerating India’s transition to sustainable urban mobility.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Mar 11– Africa’s mineral-rich countries are moving quickly to unlock investment, diversify production and capture more value locally. Modernized mining codes and updated regulatory frameworks are giving investors clearer rules, more certainty and access to a wider range of critical minerals. By fostering transparency and strategic alignment, these reforms are not only attracting capital but also driving the development of downstream industries and positioning Africa as a key supplier for the global energy transition.

New Laws, New Deals

Liberia is preparing to introduce a new Mining Code within the next three months, creating a National Mining Company to increase state participation in major projects and strengthen its negotiating position. Nearly 80% of the country remains geologically unexplored, offering significant opportunities across minerals and even oil and gas.

“Liberia’s geology is exceptionally rich,” said Minister of Mines and Energy, Matenokay Tingban,  in an interview with Energy Capital & Power in January. “We are seeking geomapping and exploration partners. Access to geoscientific data will allow us to negotiate stronger investment deals and develop downstream infrastructure.”

Iron ore currently dominates the country’s output – targeting 30 million tons per year by 2026 – but the new framework is expected to encourage diversification into other critical resources while facilitating partnerships for exploration and downstream processing.

Meanwhile, Namibia is finalizing a new Minerals Bill to replace its 2002 legislation, reflecting the country’s commitment to local beneficiation, inclusive participation and investment competitiveness. According to Mining Commissioner at the Ministry of Industry and Mines, Isabella Chirchir, the reforms aim “to attract capital to diversify production beyond diamonds and uranium toward strategic metals such as lithium and rare earths.”

In Central Africa, the Republic of Congo approved a draft mining code in November 2025 introducing competitive bidding, formal permitting for small-scale miners and support for in-country processing. These measures aim to increase transparency, attract investors and strengthen the domestic value chain for both traditional and strategic minerals.

Reforms Fuel Opportunity

Across the continent, countries are updating existing codes to boost investment and production. Ivory Coast is revising its mining code to support a wider range of minerals, including chromium, coltan, lithium, copper, cobalt and iron ore, complementing its existing base of 19 operating mines. Somalia is also overhauling its mining regulations to unlock frontier resources such as uranium, lithium, cobalt, gold and diamonds, reflecting growing investor interest in previously underexplored markets.

The results of such reforms are already visible. Mali, which introduced a new Mining Code in 2023, continues as Africa’s second-largest gold producer while advancing lithium projects and a new gold refinery with international partners Barrick and B2Gold. Burkina Faso, which adopted a revised code in 2024, increased gold production from roughly 57–60 tons to 94 tons in 2025, reinforcing investor confidence and its position as Africa’s fourth-largest gold producer.

Against this backdrop, African Mining Week 2026 (October 14–16, Cape Town) will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and global investors to examine these regulatory transformations and the opportunities they unlock. From exploration to downstream processing, the event highlights how modernized frameworks are turning legal certainty into tangible investment potential, connecting capital with projects poised to drive Africa’s mining sector growth.

 

Bengaluru, Mar 11th: TechnoSport, India’s fastest-growing activewear brand, today announced the appointment of Achal Sharma as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective immediately. In this strategic role, Achal will lead the company’s technology vision and execution, driving innovation across digital platforms, data science, engineering, and product capabilities to support TechnoSport’s next phase of scale.

With over 18 years of experience building and scaling high-performance technology organisations, Achal brings deep expertise in platform engineering, DevOps, and enterprise-grade digital transformation. Over the course of his career, he has held senior technology leadership roles at leading consumer and digital-first companies including Wakefit, Myntra, Mobile Premier League, and Vision11. In these roles, he has successfully led large-scale engineering teams, architected resilient technology platforms, and institutionalised modern development practices that significantly enhanced product velocity, platform reliability, and system performance.

As Chief Technology Officer at TechnoSport, Achal will lead the company’s technology vision and play a pivotal role in accelerating its next phase of digital growth. He will focus on strengthening TechnoSport’s core technology architecture while driving a comprehensive digital transformation across channels and data-led decision frameworks.

Achal will oversee the evolution of both backend and customer-facing technology systems, with a strong emphasis on building scalable, resilient, and customer-centric digital experiences. In addition, he will shape and execute the company’s long-term technology roadmap in alignment with TechnoSport’s broader strategic ambitions.

Working closely with cross-functional leaders across product, marketing, supply chain, and operations, Achal will help architect integrated technology capabilities that power seamless omnichannel experiences, enhance operational agility, and enable data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

Puspen Maity, CEO, TechnoSport, said, “Achal’s leadership will be instrumental in delivering on our strategic priorities for the next phase of TechnoSport’s growth. His depth of experience in scaling tech teams and driving innovation aligns with our vision to harness technology as a core driver of customer value and operational excellence. We are confident Achal will play a pivotal role in strengthening our digital ecosystem.”

Achal Sharma, Chief Technology Officer, TechnoSport, said, “I’m excited to join TechnoSport at a time when technology is reshaping how lifestyle and performance brands engage with consumers. I look forward to working with the team to build platforms that are reliable, future-ready, and capable of supporting TechnoSport’s ambitions across India and beyond.”

Achal’s appointment underscores TechnoSport’s focus on building long-term technology leadership as the brand continues to scale its digital footprint and strengthen its presence in India’s activewear market.

San Francisco, CA – Mar. 11, 2026 – Contrivian, a technology company providing intelligent mission-critical connectivity, has signed an agreement as an authorized reseller with Amazon Leo to deliver resilient, high-performance connectivity for state and local agencies in the United States. The agreement expands Contrivian’s multi-modal connectivity solutions to deliver reliable networking that can support mission-critical applications and services.

Contrivian combines low Earth orbit technology with its proprietary Lighthouse performance optimization technology and NorthStar lifecycle management solution to deliver intelligent, software-defined multi-constellation connectivity. This eliminates the need for failover across networking technologies as well as across satellite constellations, with no disruption to applications or end users.

“We aren’t just providing satellite connectivity. We’re enabling mission-critical applications and services on a global scale. We’re providing software-enabled connectivity that is intelligently integrated, continuously monitored, and managed as part of a unified operational model,” said Grant Kirkwood, CEO of Contrivian. “Our agreement with Amazon Leo strengthens that architecture. It reflects how resilient networks must now be designed. It adds true diversity at the satellite layer and gives our customers greater control, greater performance stability, and greater assurance when failure is not an option.” 

Contrivian engineers, orchestrates, and manages mission-critical connectivity for organizations that operate in environments where downtime carries operational, financial, or safety risk. The company integrates fiber, broadband, LTE/5G, and low Earth orbit satellite into a single, performance-driven architecture. 

“Amazon Leo is developing the world’s most advanced satellite communication network. Through this agreement with Contrivian, we will provide essential connectivity to state and local government agencies, enabling them to stay connected and share vital information, even in isolated areas or during service disruptions,” said Carolyn Cuppernull, Business Development at Amazon Leo for Government. 

Contrivian serves public sector agencies, healthcare providers, energy operators, financial institutions, and other critical industries. It designs, deploys, monitors, and supports connectivity across fixed sites, remote facilities, and mobile operations worldwide. The company continues to invest in advanced satellite orchestration capabilities as the global low Earth orbit ecosystem evolves. 

Mumbai, Mar 11: Truhome Finance Limited, formerly known as Shriram Housing Finance Limited, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise ₹3,000 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to ₹1,500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of equity shares aggregating up to ₹1,500 crore by the promoter selling shareholder, Mango Crest Investment Limited.

The net proceeds from the fresh issue are proposed to be utilised to augment the company’s capital base, support future capital requirements, and expand onward lending activities in line with business growth. The funds will also ensure compliance with regulatory capital adequacy requirements prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Deployment of proceeds is expected over the financial years ending March 31, 2027, and March 31, 2028.

Founded in 2010, Truhome Finance Limited is a retail-focused affordable housing finance company. The company was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Shriram Finance Limited before being acquired in December 2024 by global private equity firm Warburg Pincus.

The company offers a comprehensive suite of secured lending products, including housing loans, loans against property, and other related financial offerings. As of December 31, 2025, the company reported an average ticket size of ₹2.13 million and serves primarily creditworthy self-employed customers through a diversified distribution network of 216 branches across 19 states and union territories in India, covering metropolitan as well as Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III cities.

Truhome Finance maintains a well-diversified loan portfolio, with no single state accounting for more than 18% of its assets under management (AUM). Its three largest markets—Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu—collectively account for 49.70% of total AUM.

As of December 2025, the company had served over 110,000 customers, with 76.96% of AUM from self-employed borrowers and 85.32% of AUM from customers with CIBIL scores of 700 and above. Furthermore, 94.78% of loans include women as applicants or co-applicants, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusive housing finance.

With an AUM of ₹21,124.32 crore, Truhome Finance is the third-largest affordable housing finance company in India by AUM. It is also among the fastest-growing players in the sector, recording an AUM CAGR of 48.58% from FY23 to FY25, with the highest AUM per branch at ₹107.23 crore.

Housing loans account for 57.37% of AUM with an average ticket size of ₹1.91 million, loans against property contribute 39.22% with an average ticket size of ₹2.07 million, and other loans represent 3.41% of total AUM.

During the nine months ended December 2025 (9MFY26), the company disbursed ₹6,382.45 crore in loans, maintaining a disbursement CAGR of 31.14% over FY23–FY25.

Truhome Finance has maintained strong asset quality, with gross stage-3 assets at 1.60%, net stage-3 assets at 1.09%, and 30+ days past due (DPD) at 3.15% as of December 2025.

The company’s sourcing network includes over 3,000 in-house sales personnel, 6,600 connectors, and 821 Direct Selling Agents (DSAs). Borrowings are sourced from 48 lenders, including public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks, and financial institutions through term loans, external commercial borrowings (ECBs), NHB refinance, non-convertible debentures (NCDs), and securitisation.

On the financial front, Truhome Finance reported a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹333.53 crore for 9MFY26, with a return on assets (RoA) of 2.66% and a return on equity (RoE) of 11.62% (annualised). Total income increased from ₹780.49 crore in FY23 to ₹1,905.48 crore in FY25, while PAT almost doubled from ₹137.75 crore to ₹286.24 crore over the same period.

The company recently appointed former Dinesh Kumar Khara, ex-Chairman of State Bank of India, as Chairperson for a five-year term. The leadership team is headed by Subramanian Jambunathan (Ravi Subramanian), MD & CEO, who brings over three decades of experience in financial services and has been associated with the Shriram Group since 2010.

JM Financial Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited, Jefferies India Private Limited, and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are acting as book-running lead managers to the issue.

Bangalore, Mar 11: Malaysia Airlines has announced its special fares from 10th to 23rd March for travelers in India, offering exclusive all-in return fares in economy class. Bookings will be available till 23rd March 2026, with the offer valid for travel until 18th December 2026. As the Gateway to Asia and Beyond, passengers can enjoy seamless connections to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Auckland, Sydney, and more.

In addition to the special fares, the campaign will also draw attention to enhanced connectivity through new route offerings, including Firefly’s newly launched services to Cebu and Krabi. With more options for both leisure and short-haul getaways, the sale reinforces commitment to delivering greater choice, convenience, and competitive pricing for travellers during the booking period.

With the booking window available for a limited period, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead and secure their future travel plans early. Terms and conditions apply.