
Finally spoke to an agent a while ago. (26 min wait)
The agent was cordial and asked for application details to confirm identity. He then confirmed the that RPRF paid on Nov 9th has been received by CIC. On Eligibility, he said it was still in progress but from the notes, it seems that I have met eligibility (
Not sure if this means I have passed or is it still under revie or Does this mean "Recommended Pass"? 
). Neither Criminality nor Security has started.
Regarding the Visa Office, he said my application is still not transferred to a Local Office and it's still with the central office in Ottawa. (He also said that my application isn't at a stage where it gets transferred to the local VO - implying the application is still in its initial phase)
Guess I'll wait for the six-month mark which is 9 weeks away to make another inquiry. (If there's no sign of IP2/Ghost Update)