Deadly Gunfire Erupts Outside Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

On Tuesday, a prolonged shootout unfolded just outside the Israeli consulate building in Istanbul, resulting in the deaths of at least two assailants and leaving one attacker critically wounded, according to multiple media outlets and footage from Reuters.

Video footage captured by Reuters depicted police officers drawing their firearms and seeking cover as gunfire persisted for over ten minutes. One individual was seen covered in blood during the chaos.

Additional recordings revealed an attacker maneuvering between parked white police and security vehicles, discharging rounds from both an automatic rifle and a handgun over several minutes. Nearby streets and grassy patches bore the bodies of two deceased individuals.

Reports confirmed that two police officers sustained injuries during the incident, which took place immediately outside a tower housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s bustling financial district.

Saudi Corporations Prolong Remote Work Amid US-Iran Tensions

Several Western and Saudi-based companies operating in Riyadh have extended their work-from-home policies this week, sources familiar with the situation revealed. This move comes amid escalating concerns over a looming US ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences.

Gulf nations, which have experienced repeated Iranian attacks since the conflict’s onset on February 28, fear that any US military escalation could provoke Iran to target vital civilian and industrial infrastructure across the region.

The advisories, distributed individually via email and text messages on Monday and Tuesday, impact workplaces in Riyadh’s key business hubs, including King Abdullah Financial District, Faisaliah Tower, Business Gate, and Laysen Valley.

EU Implements Carbon Border Tax at €75.36 per Ton

The European Commission announced on Tuesday that the carbon border adjustment tariff will be set at €75.36 per ton of CO₂ emissions for the first quarter of this year. This pioneering tax targets imported goods such as steel, aluminum, and cement, aiming to curb carbon leakage starting in early 2026.

Designed as the world’s first carbon border levy, the mechanism seeks to level the playing field for European manufacturers by imposing fees on the carbon footprint embedded in imported products.

However, the Commission has agreed to temporarily suspend this levy on fertilizer imports, following concerns raised in January regarding the sector’s economic impact.

South Sudan’s President Removes Parliamentary Leadership Amid Corruption Allegations

In a significant political shakeup, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed both the speaker and deputy speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. The announcement was made public during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.

Tulio Odongi Ayahu, the chief whip of Kiir’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), read out the presidential decree removing Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and Deputy Speaker Permena Awerial Aluong from their positions.

This decision follows a recent petition by SPLM caucus members accusing Kumba of corruption related to the mismanagement of parliamentary funds, prompting calls for her removal from office.

Russia Delays Lunar Missions Amid Space Program Setbacks

Russia has postponed the launches of three planned lunar missions-Luna-28, Luna-29, and Luna-30-until between 2032 and 2036, according to statements from Sergei Chernyshev, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, reported by Interfax on Tuesday.

These delays mark a setback for Russia’s ambitious lunar exploration agenda, especially as the United States recently celebrated a landmark crewed mission orbiting the moon.

The postponements follow a series of previous delays in Russian space projects and the 2023 crash of the unmanned Luna-25 lander on the lunar surface, underscoring ongoing challenges within the Russian space program.

UK Caps Student Loan Interest Rates to Ease Graduate Debt Burden

Starting September 2026, the United Kingdom will impose a 6% cap on interest rates for millions of student loans, a move announced on Tuesday aimed at mitigating rising borrowing costs amid inflationary pressures linked to Middle East conflicts.

The student loan framework in England and Wales has faced criticism for its high interest rates and repayment terms, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledging in February to explore reforms to enhance fairness.

Currently, interest rates on Plan 2 and Plan 3 loans are tied to inflation plus an additional three percentage points, often resulting in rates exceeding 10%. The new cap will override this formula for the 2026/27 academic year, providing relief to graduates facing mounting debt.