The right choices for a world at the crossroads
Hindustan Times Jaipur|January 01, 2025
The year 2024 scorched and scalded but just about let the planet survive. Let us hope that the new year, despite portents of war and worsening of the climate crisis, proves different
Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Let us accept it. The sun sank last evening, disappointed. Disappointed in us, earthlings. In the way we are treating the earth and each other.

Let us accept this fact too: The sun that has risen on the new year this morning has done so, rather unsurely, in hope.

Hoping against hope about the future of Planet Earth in the custody of Man, and the future of the weak under the domination of the strong. "Planet Earth?" its ruthless custodian asks. "What in hell is that?"

"I know what the world is. I do great business with it. I know what the globe is. I circle it with my spaceships and get a hold of it. But the earth...whatever is that?" When told about the earth being the home of our homes and when reminded of the perils posed to it by something called the climate crisis, Man retorts, "Rubbish."

When gently reminded that rubbish is, in fact, what he has created and which he dumps unflaggingly into the rivers, seas, coasts, and mountain slopes, he repeats, "rubbish, rubbish." And lets the zillion times zillionth plastic bottle go bobbing into the nearest hillside or seafront.

And as to the domination of the weak by the strong, he raises a fist and says, "It is the duty of the strong to dominate the world. They are strong so that they can rule and protect the world." When gently, too gently, told that the strong are not strong because God made them so, and the weak are not weak because they are meant to be weak, he snorts, "Everyone wants me, Man, to be Superman. Now you, little imp, you get lost!"

This is the inherited legacy of 2024 deposited on the doorstep of 2025.

This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Jaipur.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Jaipur.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES JAIPURView All
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Sparks of Trouble for Coldplay Gujarat gig!

Ahead of its highly anticipated India tour, British rock band Coldplay is making headlines again!

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

DSP: I was prepared for Kissik and Oo Antava comparisons

As long as you don't let success get to your head, you are not bothered by the outcome,\" says composer Devi Sri Prasad, also known as DSP, who is pleased with the reception of his music for Pushpa 2: The Rule.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Aubrey's husband, director Jeff Baena, dies by suicide

Actor-comedian Aubrey Plaza is mourning the loss of her husband, director Jeff Baena, who died at the age of 47.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Gavaskar Upset After Not Invited To Present BGT With Border

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Sunday expressed his displeasure after not being invited to present the trophy, named after him and Allan Border, to Australia following their win over India in the high-voltage five-match rubber.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Sabalenka Warms Up For Aus Open With Brisbane Win

World number one Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed the perfect warm-up for next week's Australian Open when she downed Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova to win the Brisbane International on Sunday.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

It's frustrating but you have to respect your body: Bumrah

Laid low by a back spasm, Jasprit Bumrah was frustrated at missing out on bowling on the \"spiciest wicket of the series,\" but the premier India pacer emphasized that sometimes it becomes imperative for a player to respect his body.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Australia Knock Rudderless India Out Of WTC Final; Reclaim BGT

A listless India was knocked out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final as Australia cruised to a six-wicket victory in the fifth Test here on Sunday to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, leaving the visitors with much to deliberate in a difficult transition phase made worse by over-the-hill batting stars.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Osaka Retires With Injury From Aus Open Warm-Up

Naomi Osaka retired from the final of the Auckland Classic with an abdominal injury Sunday, a blow to the Japanese star just a week before the start of the Australian Open.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

Gauff beats Swiatek, USA down Poland in United Cup

Coco Gauff roared past Iga Swiatek to inspire team USA Sunday before Taylor Fritz sealed the United Cup title with victory over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in Sydney.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Hindustan Times Jaipur

FMCG cos expect inflation to hit volume growth in Q3

Hit by inflation, higher input costs and pricing measures, fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to see a contraction in their gross margin and a modest-to-flat operating profit in the October-December quarter.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 06, 2025