Morning World: Executive Yuan proposes stricter e-cigarette penalties; repeat drug-impaired drivers face no-parole policy

The Executive Yuan is set to pass legislative amendments to intensify the crackdown on drugs and drug-impaired driving. Future regulations include the immediate confiscation of e-cigarettes and fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$100,000. Additionally, the parole system will be tightened: repeat offenders of safe driving violations—such as drug-impaired or drunk driving—who reoffend within five years will be ineligible for parole.

Taiwan's stock market experienced a significant drop, falling over 1,000 points as global AI enthusiasm cooled. Foreign investors sold a record-breaking NT$177.418 billion, contributing to an overall net sell-off of NT$210.238 billion by institutional investors. Meanwhile, the New Taiwan Dollar depreciated against the US dollar, closing at 31.751, reflecting a broader regional trend of capital flight.

Industrial output indices for May reached historical highs due to strong demand for AI and cloud computing components. Manufacturing indices rose by 12.68% year-on-year. Despite growth in retail and dining, automobile and motorcycle sales saw a slight decline of 0.9%, marking the fifth consecutive month of contraction, though the rate of decline has narrowed.

Southern Taiwan braces for heavy rainfall due to an approaching weather front. Concurrently, Europe is grappling with extreme heatwaves, with the UK issuing a 'Red Extreme Heat Warning' and temperatures in France and Spain reaching record levels. Experts warn that high humidity is exacerbating the health risks associated with this heatwave.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized in an interview that Taiwan’s economic prosperity is rooted in democratic governance and free-market values. She reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to self-defense and its rejection of attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to define Taiwan's identity.

Taiwanese baseball prospect Lai Chien-fan has signed with the New York Yankees, becoming the third Taiwanese player in the franchise's history. Known for his 154 km/h fastball and refined pitching mechanics, the 18-year-old is expected to join the Yankees' developmental system.