Morning World: Anti-Drug Driving Laws, Pension Increases, and International News

Following a fatal drug-impaired driving incident in New Taipei City on the 23rd, the Executive Yuan is considering increasing penalties and introducing passenger liability for drug-impaired driving. The National Police Agency is working with the Ministry of Transportation to integrate drug-impaired driving into license management and amend the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. Premier Cho Jung-tai has directed the Ministry of Justice to review laws to enhance deterrence. President Lai Ching-te announced a plan to increase National Pension benefits, ensuring that homemakers and others not covered by other insurance schemes receive at least 5,000 NTD per month. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is currently seeking legislative approval for a 23.5% increase in benefits. In international news, a shooting occurred near the White House on the 23rd; the suspect was killed, and President Trump was unharmed. Meanwhile, Trump indicated that a memorandum of understanding to end the US-Iran conflict is "largely agreed upon." In China, a coal mine explosion in Shanxi has left at least 82 dead, with allegations of initial data concealment. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation investigated former aides for financial misconduct but found no evidence, though Ma intends to pursue legal action. Former Prosecutor-General Hsing Tai-chao has retired after over 40 years of service. Environmental issues regarding human-bear conflicts in Taiwan are also gaining attention. In culture, the film "Fjord" by Cristian Mungiu won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.