Drone Defense Debate: Taiwan’s legislature approved a NT$7.6 billion drone budget as China’s threat grows, but an opposition-backed procurement law could slow acquisitions by forcing repeated annual budget talks. Nuclear Referendum Check: The Central Election Commission cleared a referendum to scrap Taiwan’s nuclear-free policy, while rejecting caning and traffic fine proposals. Hidden-Camera Crackdown: New Taipei prosecutors indicted nine over the Dr. Shine clinic chain, alleging concealed cameras filmed more than 300 victims across eight branches. Pacific Islands Forum Focus: Ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, TaiwanPlus highlighted President Whipps Jr.’s views on Taiwan’s return and Chinese pressure, as regional leaders face a tougher agenda on geopolitics and crime. Health Policy Push: President Lai chaired the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee and said “Health Coins” rewards will roll out in October to encourage healthier daily habits. Tech & Industry: Taiwan signed a public finance cooperation MoU with India, while France’s Taipei office director said Taiwan is “clearly on the map” for semiconductors and trust-based partnerships. Science & Society: Taiwan’s population is projected to nearly halve by 2075 as fertility falls and aging accelerates.