- `kubelet` now exposes latency metrics of different stages of the node startup. ([#118568](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/pull/118568), [@qiutongs](https://github.com/qiutongs))

### Documentation

if their volume source is of CSI type or they have a migrated annotation, when they are deleted, the PersistentVolume controller won't change their phase to the Failed state. With this patch, the external provisioner can remove the finalizer in the next reconcile loop. Unfortunately, if a previously existing PV has the Failed state, this patch won't take effect. Users are required to remove the finalizer manually. ([#122030](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/pull/122030), [@carlory](https:...

to pod configuration should take effect sooner.
  
  A new metric `kubelet_known_pods` has been added at ALPHA stability to report the number of pods a Kubelet is tracking in a number of internal states.  Operators may use the metrics to track an excess of pods in the orphaned state that may not be completing. ([#113145](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/pull/113145), [@smarterclayton](https://github.com/smarterclayton)) [SIG API Machinery, Auth, Cloud Provider, Node and Testing]...