A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report reveals a concerning spike in antimicrobial-resistant infections in war-torn Ukraine. The ongoing conflict with Russia has strained healthcare systems, leading to a rise in multi-drug resistant cases, especially among trauma patients. High pre-war antimicrobial resistance rates worsened by overwhelmed hospitals highlight a severe global health threat. The study, conducted in three regional Ukrainian hospitals, exposes gaps in infection control and laboratory capacity. Urgent international support is emphasized to address the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Collaborative efforts are underway to strengthen healthcare capacity amidst the pressing need for intervention. [photo courtesy: CIDRAP/X]

Speaking Thursday in the House of Lords, the Archbishop of Canterbury criticized new UK visa rules requiring Britons earn £38,700 to bring foreign spouses or dependents, which take effect next spring. The rules aim to cut migration after it reached record highs last year. “There is a cost to be paid in terms of the negative impact this will have on married and family relationships,” the Archbishop said, arguing that “a lack of strong families undermines our whole society.” He contended the government “must not set a series of hurdles” for families. The rules have drawn criticism from some Conservatives and Labour, who say it unfairly targets Britons who fall in love with foreign partners, especially those with lower incomes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a dire state of Gaza's health system, warning it can't endure further losses of ambulances or hospital beds. Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesman, described the situation as "horrible beyond belief," emphasizing that only 14 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are operational. The ongoing conflict has devastated vast areas, displacing 80% of the population, facing severe shortages of essentials. Lindmeier pleaded for a ceasefire, citing patients bleeding on the floor and trauma wards resembling battlefields. A planned medical convoy had to be suspended due to security concerns, amplifying the urgency of humanitarian intervention in Gaza.        

In the RBI Monetary Policy Meet, Governor Shaktikanta Das announced the enhancement of UPI transaction limits, raising payments to hospitals and educational institutions from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Additionally, e-Mandates for recurring payments in mutual funds, insurance premiums, and credit card repayments now have a limit of ₹1 lakh. Governor Das emphasized that this move facilitates higher UPI payments for education and healthcare. The MPC, in its decision, kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, focusing on withdrawing accommodation to align inflation with the target while supporting growth. Real GDP growth for FY23-24 is projected at 7%.

In a poignant celebration of Armed Forces Day, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi paid tribute to Indian war heroes who fought alongside the Mukti Bahini during the 1971 liberation war. Lt Gen VM Bhuvana Krishnan, Quartermaster General of the Indian Army, attended as the chief guest, stating, "It's a testament to the strong bond between our nations." Bangladesh High Commissioner Mohammed Mustafizur Rahman expressed gratitude, saying, "India played a crucial role in our liberation," and highlighted growing defense cooperation. He thanked India as a "trusted partner" in Bangladesh's development journey. Krishnan praised Bangladesh's armed forces, noting their remarkable progress.            

India's Aditya-L1 Mission, operated by ISRO, has achieved a milestone by capturing the first-ever full-disk images of the Sun in near ultraviolet wavelengths. The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard the spacecraft revealed features like sunspots, plage, and quiet Sun regions. The images, taken in the 200-400 nm wavelength range, provide groundbreaking insights into the Sun's photosphere and chromosphere. The SUIT observations aim to study the dynamic coupling of the magnetized solar atmosphere, contributing to a better understanding of the effects of solar radiation on Earth's climate. Aditya-L1, launched on September 2, is India's first space-based observatory for solar studies.

In a gesture promoting interfaith harmony, Pakistan has issued 104 visas to Indian pilgrims for the 315th birth anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh province. The pilgrims are set to visit from December 12-23, adhering to the India-Pakistan Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines. Aizaz Khan, the charge d’affaires of the Pakistani mission, extended felicitations, emphasizing the government's effort to facilitate religious visits. The reciprocal issuance of visas supports cultural and religious exchanges between the two nations amid recent bilateral challenges.            

A disturbing incident transpired at an Aligarh police station as a woman named Ishrat was accidentally shot in the head during passport verification. Caught on camera, the mishap occurred when a policeman, inspecting a firearm, misfired while Ishrat awaited her turn. The victim, in critical condition, was swiftly taken to the hospital. The family alleges financial harassment by the officer, leading to an argument culminating in the tragic shooting. Inspector Manoj Sharma faces suspension, with a criminal case initiated. Authorities, including SSP Kalanidhi Naithani, assure a thorough investigation, vowing strict action against the accused policeman, as shocking footage circulates online.            

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, denounced the expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, declaring it a "betrayal of constitutional rights" by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee. Banerjee accused the BJP of undemocratic practices, stating, "This is a classic example of how democracy can be killed." Expressing shock at the decision, she called it a sad day for the Indian Parliament and emphasized Moitra's eventual victory. Opposition MPs criticized the hasty decision, highlighting the lack of cross-examination in the Ethics Committee's report. Banerjee pledged her party's support to Moitra and condemned the BJP's actions as vindictive.

A senior Hamas leader, who is in exile abroad, accused Israel of a "heinous crime against innocent civilians" after images circulated of Palestinian men stripped to their underwear in Gaza. Izzat El-Reshiq said the men were captured at a school being used as a shelter, urging rights groups to expose this and secure their release. Israel TV showed the footage, saying they were captured Hamas fighters. Some Palestinians recognised relatives and denied links to any group. An Israeli spokesperson said they were apprehended in Hamas strongholds. Rights groups and relatives raised concerns over humanitarian law violations. London-based Arabic outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed said its correspondent Diaa Kahlout was among those detained, heightening calls for their release.