Art & Culture Current Affairs - 2026-09-23

Background: India possesses a vast repository of ancient manuscripts that are vulnerable to environmental decay. Current Context: On September 22, 2026, the Ministry of Culture launched the 'Digital Heritage Preservation Initiative' to digitize over 50,000 rare manuscripts stored in regional libraries. This project utilizes high-resolution imaging and AI-based transcription tools to ensure long-term accessibility. Impact: This initiative will democratize access to historical knowledge for researchers and students globally, while ensuring that India's intellectual heritage is safeguarded against physical degradation and loss for future generations.

Background: Rakhigarhi, located in Haryana, is one of the largest Harappan civilization sites. Current Context: As of September 23, 2026, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported the discovery of unique terracotta seals and trade weights during the latest excavation phase. These artifacts suggest a sophisticated system of standardized weights used in inter-regional trade during the Mature Harappan period. Impact: These findings provide critical evidence regarding the economic complexity and administrative organization of the Indus Valley Civilization, further establishing Rakhigarhi as a central hub for ancient trade networks.