CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered an ancient camping site dating 8500 BC in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, indicating humans were camping in the area 10, 500 years ago. The site was unearthed at 14, 000 feet above the sea level on the way from Saser La to Ladakh, an official release said.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, was established in the year 1861 is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.

Detailed explanation-3: -It maintains, conserves and preserves protected monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. It engages in the chemical protection of monuments and antiquarian remains. It performs the architectural survey of monuments. It conducts epigraphical and numismatic studies.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sir Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. He excavated several ancient archaeological sites mentioned in the Buddhist texts.