New circles of ASI
- The Ministry of Culture has announced 7 new circles of Archaeological Survey of India.
- Earlier there were 29 ASI circles across the country.
- Its Aim is facilitate and strengthen the process of preservation and registration of archaeological monuments along with registration of artefacts with self-declaration.
- New circles created in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Trichy (Tamil Nadu), Meerut, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Raiganj (West Bengal) and Rajkot (Gujarat).
- The Hampi Mini Circle (Hampi city in Karnataka) has been converted into a full-fledged circle.
- The ASI is the premier organization for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
- It is under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
- It regulates all archaeological activities as per provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
- It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
