World Today: Australian Opposition Leader Crafts Controversial Immigration Policy
World Today returns with the latest reports from around the globe over the past 24 hours. The lead story in our Monday, 16 February 2026 edition comes from Australia.
Rumours of ‘Controversial’ Immigration Policy
Stricter immigration policy is at the heart of the vision of Angus Taylor, who was newly elected as Australia’s opposition leader last week, according to findings by ABC’s Four Corners programme.
On Friday (13/02), he stated that “the door must be closed” to people who do not align with “Australian values.”
The party has not yet announced any policies, but senior sources say the Liberal Party is actively discussing a controversial approach to immigration inspired by recent British Labour Party policy.
Late last year, the British Labour Party announced it would deny visas to three African nations unless their governments cooperated with Britain’s efforts to repatriate their citizens whose visas had been cancelled.
The proposed policy, which sources say is being considered by Taylor, is part of a broader radical shift in right-wing politics in Australia.
Severe Rainfall Warning in New Zealand
New Zealand’s meteorological agency has issued warnings for heavy rain and strong winds across the northern regions.
The warnings were issued a day after flooding caused power outages, road collapses, and home evacuations.
Authorities said a man died on Sunday (15/02) after his car was submerged by floodwaters on a highway.
MetService said there was a “threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, and landslides.”
India and Pakistan Refuse Handshake at World Cup
India and Pakistan refused to shake hands before and after the most anticipated match at the T20 World Cup, which India won by 61 runs to secure their place in the Super 8.
Indian player Ishan Kishan scored 77 runs from 40 balls in a match that nearly fell through after Pakistan threatened a boycott earlier this month before reversing their decision.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands at the toss, which Pakistan won and chose to field.
The same occurred when Indian and Pakistani players refused to shake hands at last year’s Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates, amid diplomatic and military tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
Gisèle Pelicot Wishes to Visit Former Husband
Gisèle Pelicot has said she wishes to visit her former husband in prison and look directly at her abuser to obtain answers regarding other charges currently under investigation.
Gisèle became a global icon in the fight against sexual violence in 2024 during the trial of her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, and dozens of strangers who raped her while she was unconscious.
Dominique was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife and inviting others to commit sexual violence against her, as well as documenting the abuse.
Gisèle has written a memoir entitled A Hymn to Life, which is due for release on 17 February.
“I need to meet him to get answers,” Gisèle told the BBC in an interview ahead of the book’s publication.