Federalism, resurrected
The Maoist Party has revived its plan to declare autonomous federal states, which was ditched during its second phase protest program few weeks ago. The party will now divide the country into 13 provinces in December. Baburam Bhattarai said it revised its earlier decision in order to put pressure on the incumbent government to yield to the party’s demands. (The Himalayan Times)

Paper planes
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, a regulatory body that monitors aviation services in the country, has decided to purchase an aircraft worth USD 4 million even though it is not legally authorised to buy one. CAAN Director General Keshab Raj Khanal said the aircraft would be used to assist the organisation in its duty, and also for commercial purposes. Under existing laws, Nepal Airlines Corporation is the only governmental institute allowed to use aircrafts for commercial purposes. Some CAAN board members have raised an objection to the purchase but the decision has blessings from Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari. (Republica)

Talk-talk
President Ram Baran Yadav and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal met at the former’s residence yesterday to discuss ways to end the political deadlock caused by Yadav’s reinstating the army chief who was fired by the Maoist government. Yadav said a solution procured by the three big political parties would be acceptable to him. Dahal said he would push the other parties to reach a consensus. Lovely! (Kantipur)