favourites. He had pushed a hydropower agreement with India in the mid-90s. After the Maoists came overground, India developed a troubled relationship with its chairman, Prachanda. Delhi saw him as committed to establishing an authoritarian state — to counter this, it built up other communist leaders, particularly Oli, to weaken the Maoists. Sources have told HT the Ministry of External Affairs and Research and Analysis Wing funded projects in his constituency, took care of his health treatment in Delhi, and supported him in intra party battles.

But Oli was ideologically a conservative. He did not respect Nepal’s diversity. He saw no problems with the exclusionary nature of the state. He was aligned with the military and business elite which did not want federalism. He was against reservations and toldHas Burning Man sold out? The answer is yes, if you're talking about tickets. They've sold out for the first time in the event's 25-year history. Will the popularity and growth of the festival, which starts August 29 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, affect its inclusive culture and core values?

We preview the event, and find out about Burning Man's recently announced plan to help revitalize San Francisco's Central Market St. corridor.