Quantum geometrodynamics with intrinsic time development is presented. Paradigm shift from full spacetime covariance to spatial diffeomorphism invariance yields a nonvanishing Hamiltonian, a resolution of the 'problem of time' and gauge-invariant temporal ordering in an ever expanding universe. Einstein's general relativity is a particular realization of a wider class of theories; and the framework prompts natural extensions and improvements with the consequent dominance of Cotton-York potential at early times when the universe was small.
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