China is grappling with a mysterious pneumonia outbreak affecting children in Beijing and Liaoning province, prompting concerns among global health experts. Pediatric hospitals are overwhelmed, leading to class suspensions. Symptoms include high fever and lung inflammation without a cough. ProMed alerts on undiagnosed pneumonia, suggesting a link to schools. Speculation points to mycoplasma pneumoniae. Despite the surge since October, no deaths are reported. The World Health Organization formally requests detailed information from China, emphasizing the unclear association with overall respiratory infections. Chinese authorities attribute the rise to post-COVID-19 measures and known pathogens, emphasizing enhanced disease surveillance. [ photo courtesy: China in pictures/X ]

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the reinstatement of e-visa services in Canada, citing a "logical consequence" amid improved conditions. Addressing the India-Canada diplomatic crisis at the Virtual G20 Leaders' Summit, Jaishankar clarified the decision's independence from the summit. He stated, "We had temporarily suspended visa issuance due to security concerns for our diplomats. As the situation improved, visa services are progressively resuming." E-visas follow the restart of physical visas in various categories. This development follows heightened tensions since September, triggered by allegations from Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leading to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and a temporary visa suspension.

The Israel Defense Forces revealed a reinforced tunnel, including living quarters, beneath Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital, branding it a Hamas 'terror complex.' Israeli officials allege Hamas used the hospital for weapons storage and command centers, claims contested by medical staff and Palestinians. The two-meter-high tunnel, accessed through the hospital grounds, was showcased with drone footage, emphasizing accusations of Hamas employing hospitals as shields. The military displayed seized weapons outside Al Shifa. Amid international criticism, Israel's Gaza campaign faces scrutiny with medical officials reporting around 13,000 deaths in the strip. The hospital has been a focal point in the conflict, with Israel stating 1,200 casualties since Hamas' October attack.

In a press conference held on November 22, Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he has instructed the Mossad to act against the heads of Hamas wherever they are. This decision follows reports that Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashaal anticipate continuing their rule in Gaza post-war. Netanyahu emphasized that there is no truce obligation regarding targeting Hamas chiefs, even those abroad. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed a stern stance, stating that all Hamas leaders are "living on borrowed time." Meanwhile, Israel's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, announced the delay of the hostage release under the Gaza truce, stating negotiations continue, and the release won't happen before Friday.

The FBI concludes the Rainbow Bridge car crash and explosion near Niagara Falls were not terrorism-related, passing the case to Niagara Falls Police for a traffic investigation. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirms no evidence of a terrorist attack, stating, "No explosive materials, no terrorism nexus." A speeding vehicle struck a U.S. border checkpoint, exploding and going airborne. The driver and passenger died; one booth agent was injured. Investigation complexities arise due to extensive damage. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas emphasizes the incident's non-terrorism nature. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau vows thorough inquiry; heightened security measures implemented at border crossings.

The final phase of the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation is underway, aiming to free 41 workers trapped for 12 days. Drilling through debris and using wide pipes, rescue teams create an escape route for the confined workers. Once the rescue pipe reaches them, a National Disaster Response Force doctor will guide their crawl through. Forty-four pipes are inserted, overcoming challenges like steel rods in the debris. Ambulances stand by outside the tunnel to transport workers to a makeshift hospital. Despite difficulties in the Himalayan region, the operation progresses, with hopes to complete in the next few hours.      

The commencement of a short-term Israel-Hamas ceasefire, allowing for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid into Gaza, is postponed until Friday, according to Israel's National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi. The deal, not in jeopardy, aims for Hamas to release 50 hostages over four days, reciprocated by Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners. President Biden anticipates the release of three Americans. If initial phases succeed, more hostages may be released, extending the pause in fighting. Israel insists the war continues until all objectives are met. A center in Doha will monitor hostage transfers, involving the Red Cross.    

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed receiving US inputs on a "nexus" involving organized criminals, terrorists, and others, during recent India-US security discussions. This follows a UK-based report that the US thwarted an assassination conspiracy against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed concern, stating India takes such inputs seriously as they impact national security. The Financial Times additionally reported a US warning to India, suggesting its involvement. The MEA, while not addressing Pannun specifically, asserted ongoing examination of the issues raised in the US inputs. Pannun, a dual American-Canadian citizen, leads the designated terrorist outfit Sikhs for Justice.

After 11 grueling days, there is renewed hope in the rescue of 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakashi, India. Cheers erupted early Wednesday as crews resumed drilling through debris to reach the men, using a specialized American auger machine. Drilling stopped last Friday after only 22 of 57 meters were cleared, due to damage and collapse fears. But officials announced Wednesday evening that with only 18 meters left to drill, reunions may soon be possible. The multi-agency operation has persisted since the November 12 tunnel collapse trapped the workers 2km inside the 4.5km passageway. The tireless efforts now appear on the cusp of a miraculous conclusion after almost two weeks.

Pakistan has formally applied for BRICS membership and is seeking Russia's backing to join the bloc in 2024 when Moscow takes over the presidency. Pakistan's ambassador to Russia expressed hopes of obtaining support from member states, especially Russia. BRICS is set to expand with the addition of six new members in 2023. While China has indicated a favorable position towards Pakistan's inclusion, India has commented only on general expansion plans. Pakistan previously alleged a BRICS member blocked its participation in the group's decisions last year. The next summit will occur in Russia in 2024, where Pakistan hopes agreement can be reached on accepting new partner states.