ASAP in eternal time: Timelines & appointments depend more on who, not what
ASAP is a popular acronym for 'as soon as possible'. But more often than not it is used to mean 'immediately' in corporate circles. In political, bureaucratic and judicial circles, it depends on the relationship of the beneficiary and the benefactor. If the beneficiary is powerful, then ASAP means traffic lights are stopped to get to the meeting, files are passed quickly, the judgment is given at midnight. If the beneficiary is powerless, then ASAP means you wait endlessly for the appointment, the file gathers dust, and the wheels of justice grind slowly.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
India pulled the plug on IWT when Pakistanis are fighting over water
What makes this India-Pakistan standoff more dangerous than past ones
The problem of Pakistan couldn't have come at a worse time for D-St
That
Hinduism
is increasingly referred to as Sanatan Dharma or Eternal Code of Conduct reveals the value placed on eternity, a concept of time without endings, without deadlines, without full stops. Time is clearly a fluid concept, moving fast when you are happy and slow when you are sad. Timelines and timetables and appointments are a function not of what is to be done, rather who it involves.
The Puranas state that the lifespan of a human is equal to Indra's blink; the lifespan of Indra is equal to Brahma's blink; the lifespan of Brahma is equal to Vishnu's blink; the lifespan of Vishnu is equal to Shiva's blink; the lifespan of Shiva is equal to Devi's blink. This is a metaphor to draw our attention to how time has different meanings in different contexts.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Never Put Eggs In The Refrigerator. Here's Why...
Novelodge
Undo
As humans, we do not think too much about the lifespan of a mayflea (a single day), or a flea (100 days), or a cockroach (300 days). Likewise, a glass sponge that lives for 10,000 years or a turtle that lives for 200 years, may not think so much about the human sense of urgency to save the world in one lifetime, or a politician's determination to change the fate of a nation in one political term.
Those in positions of power can destroy millions of 'lesser' lives with a single decision, taken in the blink of an eye. So, the higher we rise in the ladder of power, the more power our blink has, the more sensitive we have to be to the sufferings of those who live below. Even as politicians, bureaucrats and judges play their games of time management, in temples, gods with large silver eyes stare endlessly, reminding all that their arrogant reign is infinitesimal with a denominator of infinity.
Live Events
Narad once made Vishnu wait. Narad is a Brahmin sage of Hindu mythology who claims to be Vishnu's greatest devotee. Vishnu smiles and plays tricks on Narad to demonstrate the latter's conceit. Vishnu asked him to fetch some water as he was thirsty, too parched to walk to the river. Eager to serve Vishnu, Narad promised to be back as soon as possible. At the river, Narad saw a beautiful woman and was besotted by her beauty. He asked her to be his wife. She agreed. They married. They had children. The children grew up and got married. Narad lived a happy life with wife, children and grandchildren. All on the banks of that river. Suddenly there was a flash flood. It swept Narad's home away. He tried to save his family, but they all drowned right before his eyes. Save me, he cried. A hand pulled him out. It was Vishnu's. Failing to recognise Vishnu, Narad begged his saviour to rescue his family from the flood. But then Narad realised there was no water around: no flood, no family, just a water pot in his hand. Vishnu smiled and asked in a parched voice, 'So where is my water, Narad?' Narad realised that generations had passed in his mind. All this while, Vishnu stayed thirsty.
This is what happens when we get distracted by our desires, our thirsts, our hunger and forget the desire, the hunger and thirst of those around us. Time passed quickly in Narad's happiness. But for the thirsty Vishnu, time passed very slowly.
We live in a world where different people blink differently. Judges blink differently from prisoners awaiting a bail hearing. Road contractors blink differently from those who walk, drive or live on roads. Governors blink differently depending on which political party the chief minister belongs to. We see people in the highest positions of power blink fast to help their favourites succeed. They blink slowly to ensure their rivals fail. For all talk of Neo-Vedanta, these powerful people are only obsessed with the cravings of their tribe, caste or party while Janata-Janardan (citizen), the Vishnu of democracy, remains thirsty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Inside Putin's India pivot: Why Russia is trying to woo New Delhi into alliance with China
As US President Donald Trump publicly lashes out at Vladimir Putin for dragging out the Ukraine war, Moscow is quietly retooling its Asia strategy putting India front and centre in hopes of countering growing Western influence. While Trump's frustration with Putin mounts, the Kremlin has ramped up arms deals and diplomatic outreach to New Delhi, aiming to revive the once-promising Russia-India-China (RIC) troika as a foil to the Quad. Trump's irritation with Putin has grown as the Kremlin delays a ceasefire. While Kyiv reportedly accepted Trump's earlier 30-day truce proposal, Russia refused, insisting on terms that would force Ukraine to surrender territory not even under Russian control. Trump has since offered to host peace talks, but Moscow's demands, including US recognition of Crimea, have drawn accusations from experts like former ambassador Michael McFaul, who called them 'poison pills' meant to derail diplomacy. This has forced Putin to rekindle old alliances as a means to 'fight, fight, fight' against the US influence. From arms deals to trilateral summits, Russia is intensifying efforts to woo New Delhi, hoping to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue as a counterweight to Western influence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo 'India-Russia defence deals rubbed US the wrong way' The situation became more tricky for New Delhi when US secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick delivered a forthright assessment of recent tensions in the India-US relationship, pointing to certain Indian policies that 'rubbed the US the wrong way.' These include New Delhi's continued purchase of military equipment from Russia and its participation in the BRICS grouping, which Lutnick characterised as an attempt to 'not support the dollar and dollar hegemony. ' That's a way to kind of get under the skin of not really the way to make friends and influence people in America US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 'That's not really the way to make friends and influence people in America,' Lutnick said, noting that President Trump 'calls that out directly,' and the Indian government is now 'addressing it specifically.' Despite such differences, Lutnick struck an optimistic tone, calling India's economy 'extraordinary' and praising its 'amazing' human capital and growth. He said both countries are working towards a trade agreement and that 'you should expect a the not too distant future.' Lavrov's India pitch Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking in Perm on Friday, revealed new efforts to woo India. He claimed Moscow was told India joined the Quad alliance, which includes the US, Australia and Japan, purely for economic cooperation. But Lavrov warned that the alliance is being militarised behind the scenes. 'In practice, other countries from the Quad are already trying, already insisting on organising naval and other military exercises,' Lavrov said. 'And I'm sure that our Indian friends can see this provocation clearly,' he said. Also read: 'US, other Quad countries trying to force India into military alliance rather than just trade,' claims Russia Lavrov's remarks came a day before US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement that the US is deepening its military relationship with India. Hegseth cited joint exercises like Tiger Triumph and Towson Sabre as evidence of growing strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific. He also pointed to the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network and the PIPER initiative as efforts to integrate the region's defence infrastructure. 'Rookies talk strategy, pros talk logistics,' Hegseth said, signalling the US goal of building a sustained and interconnected defence presence in Asia. He emphasised that Trump's foreign policy was 'grounded in common sense and national interest' and stressed that a resilient alliance of like-minded democracies remains America's greatest strength against Chinese ambitions. But for Russia, these moves are part of what Lavrov describes as a Western ploy to 'divide and conquer,' a phrase he says President Putin himself recently used. Lavrov warned that the rebranding of the Asia-Pacific into the 'Indo-Pacific' was designed to isolate China and undermine ASEAN. Rekindling older alliances Perhaps the most significant signal from Lavrov was Russia's renewed push for the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue. The forum, originally proposed by former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, has met over 20 times and served as a platform for cooperation in trade, finance, and foreign policy. 'Now that… an understanding has been reached between India and China on how to calm the situation on the border, it seems to me that the time has come to revive this RIC troika,' Lavrov said. He framed the grouping as a valuable mechanism that could balance out the influence of Western-led coalitions like the Quad. India's strategic tightrope However, India's position remains complex. For years, India has enjoyed a privileged status as one of Russia's largest arms importers. Moscow provided India with cutting-edge weaponry, sometimes even before it was deployed in the Russian military itself. From India's strategic viewpoint, the RIC format carries other risks. Beijing continues to occupy a key position in South Asia's strategic balance, primarily through its deepening alliance with Islamabad. India remains concerned that any trilateral cooperation would be undermined unless China reconsiders its longstanding military and nuclear support for Pakistan. Moreover, the RIC format's perceived anti-American leanings are another sticking point. With Indo-US relations having deepened under both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, especially on defence and technology cooperation, New Delhi may find it increasingly difficult to align with Russia and China in ways that could appear contrary to its current trajectory. 'Wishful thinking by Russia' Professor Rajan Kumar, from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University while speaking with the , said that Russia's push for a revived RIC format may be 'wishful thinking by Russia, and it flies away in context of the real world and the current geo-political landscape.' He agreed, however, with Foreign Minister Lavrov's warning that the West seeks to 'divide and conquer' the India–China relationship. On whether the RIC would serve as a platform for direct mediation with China, Professor Kumar noted that 'though India and China are members of several international organisations, like the BRICS and SCO, a direct mediation with China is not possible. Particularly after the Ladakh incident in 2020, after which New Delhi's trust with Beijing has disappeared.' 'India maintains strategic autonomy' Asked whether India must align with either the US or Russia, he warned that 'given the current policies of the Trump administration, India cannot depend on the United States. As a consequence of the US president's policy the world has moved towards protectionism, and in the context of defence production this has ruled out the possibility of joint production of weapons.' He further noted India's longstanding tradition of strategic autonomy, adding, 'India has always maintained the policy of strategic autonomy, and it doesn't have the policy of involving other countries in its policy of China, and India sees China as a rival country. I believe in the coming time the tensions between New Delhi and Beijing are likely to escalate.' On whether Russia taking military equipment from China during its war with Ukraine would have impact on India's defence dealings with Russia, Professor Kumar observed: 'Yes, we do have a certain degree of dependence on Russian defence equipment, as was recently seen in the India-Pakistan war, with the successful use of S-400 on the defensive front and the BrahMos missile on the offensive. But yes, we are also trying to diversify our defence, with deals from Israel and France. ' India's balancing act Professor Rajan welcomed India's efforts to boost indigenous defence production, noting that 'one good thing is that India has also ramped up its own defence production and is moving towards becoming a major defence exporter; however, when compared to other countries its defence dealings are still minuscule.' Speaking on how India's close ties with Russia can be leveraged to question China's support for Pakistan, he explained that 'India has repeatedly voiced concerns about both China and Pakistan, especially regarding Islamabad's support for terrorist groups. Yet, India cannot dictate Russian foreign policy, as Moscow is grappling with its own geopolitical constraints. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has faced isolation and sanctions from the West, compelling it to deepen ties elsewhere. India, while strengthening ties with Western democracies, notably refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia and has abstained from UN resolutions condemning Moscow. This stance reflects India's effort to balance relations rather than fully aligning with Western positions. Concurrently, India participates in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside the US, Australia, and Japan, a grouping often viewed as a strategic counterweight to China's influence.' What's the road ahead? India is poised to maintain its careful balancing act. In practice, New Delhi will likely deepen its defence ties with the US expanding logistics cooperation and joint exercises while continuing to source critical systems from Russia wherever gaps remain in its domestic industry. At the same time, India's focus on ramping up indigenous production and forging new partnerships with France and Israel suggests that Moscow's overtures, though acknowledged, will be weighed against broader economic and strategic interests. Whatever shape RIC might take, New Delhi's core priority will remain safeguarding its own strategic autonomy managing great-power competition without becoming dependent on any single capital.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Unpaid jets, unfinished planes: China's 50% discounted fighter plane sale to Pakistan; citizens ask who is benefiting?
Beijing's fast track delivery plan of 30 J-35A stealth fighter jets to Pakistan at half the price triggered a storm of backlash across Chinese social media platforms. The move, which would mark China's first export of a fifth-generation combat aircraft, is being widely criticised as financially and strategically reckless. The deal is expected to begin deliveries in August 2025. However, the decision has left many Chinese citizens baffled and angry, especially as the J-35A, also known as the FC-31, is still undergoing testing and has not even yet been inducted into China's own air force. One user, posting under the handle @Zhejiang from the Yingyang Medical School, asked, 'Pakistan has also made a lot of fake news. How can it afford to buy it? It hasn't even paid for the J-10.' The comment refers to Pakistan's pending payments for earlier J-10C fighter jets purchased from China. Another user, @CQL0530, criticised Beijing's production priorities, 'China's own production of the J-35 has not yet been built up. How can it be given to them?' Some users dispensed with any diplomacy. 'Bullshit!' wrote another user, quoted by ET. The phrase '2 more powerful printers are coming,' shared by user Cracked Rose, was interpreted by some as a reference to the government printing more money, or jets, to fund the project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo 'A charity sale', or 'strategic leverage' Beyond the jet's readiness, the announcement's timing has also drawn scrutiny. It comes just days after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, prompting Indian analysts to see the deal as China arming Pakistan amid renewed cross-border tensions. Back home, users are questioning whether the government is, in effect, subsidising a military client state with limited ability to pay. 'It is more in your interest to spend money on building and purchasing industrial equipment and infra,' one commenter wrote. The root of concern is whether China is selling a 'concept jet,' a fighter still in development, as a finished product. While the J-35 is designed to rival platforms like the US-made F-35, it lacks any combat history or proven capabilities. A shaky pitch China previously tried to market the J-10CE, another fighter jet supplied to Pakistan, as 'combat-tested', citing claims from Islamabad that it shot down Indian Rafales during Operation Sindoor. But these claims remained unverified outside Pakistani media and have been met with scepticism. Efforts to sell the J-10CE to countries like Egypt, Brazil, and Uzbekistan have so far failed. Experts point to its reliance on Russian engines, such as the RD-93 and AL-31, which are seen as outdated and increasingly risky given geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns. Reports suggest that Pakistani pilots are already undergoing training in China to fly the J-35. However, the Chinese government has not issued any official statement on the backlash or confirmed the details of the sale. While India is expected to keep a close eye on how this unfolds, many in China are simply asking, who benefits? If the deal goes ahead, Beijing might frame it as a strategic move to cement influence in the region. But for many ordinary citizens, it's beginning to look like a high-risk bet, funded by the Chinese taxpayer, on an unfinished aircraft sold to a customer with an unreliable credit record.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Carney had no options': Foreign affairs expert KP Fabian on Canada's invitation to PM Modi for G7 Summit
Foreign affairs expert KP Fabian on Sunday shared his insights on Canada's decision to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit. Speaking with ANI, he said, "Carney had no options. The others said, Listen, India must be there. It's a vital link in the supply chain and any talk of Indo-Pacific stability ." Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, the host of this year's summit, reportedly faced significant pressure from other G7 members after initially hesitating to invite Prime Minister Modi . This reluctance was largely due to domestic political backlash within Carney's own Liberal Party, triggered by a diplomatic row linked to the killing of a Khalistseparatist in British Columbia in June 2023. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo He added, "Now, of course, one should expect big demonstrations by the World Sikh Federation and others, but then it is for the government of Canada to deal with it." Fabian remarked that India, as the world's fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy, must be included in G7 discussions given its strategic importance in global trade and Indo-Pacific stability. Live Events Fabian pointed out that India has participated in the G7 Summit in the past, including five times during former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure. He added that Canada's hesitation ultimately yielded to pressure from the G7 nations, who recognised India's critical role. He further said, "Carney is walking a tightrope when it comes to Canadian values. At a press conference, he was asked whether he believes the Indian government was involved in the killing of Nijjar. He refused to answer, citing the ongoing RCMP investigation. That's quite ironic. When did this happen, and why is the RCMP taking so long to conclude the investigation? And if you recall, why did Justin Trudeau accuse India before the investigation was even complete? Canadian political leaders have shown a lot of inconsistency. In the end, Mark Carney did the right thing, though it took some time -- and that's that." The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating the incident, but no conclusions have been drawn yet. Despite these political challenges, Carney reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the G7 summit's agenda. On Friday (local time), he said that G7 countries will discuss important issues, including security and energy, emphasising that India's presence at this intergovernmental political and economic forum is essential. Carney emphasised that India, being the fifth-largest economy and the most populous country in the world, must be at the table. "Let's put the two aspects in context -- first is, we are in the role -- Canada's in the role of the G7 chair and in those discussions as agreed with our G7 colleagues, include important discussions on energy, security, on digital future, critical minerals amongst others and partnerships actually in building infrastructure in the emerging and developing world," he said. Prime Minister Modi received a call from his Canadian counterpart, who extended India's invitation to attend the G7 Summit. "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," PM Modi wrote in his post. The G7 Summit (Group of Seven) is an informal grouping of seven of the world's advanced economies and the European Union. Its members meet annually at the G7 Summit to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues, according to the G7's official website. The members of the G7 are France, the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the UK.
