Geological Survey of India hosts walkathon in B'luru to mark 175 years of geoscientific contribution

Vartha Bharati | 02-03-2025 | 14:31:00 IST

Bengaluru: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) organised a Walkathon in Bengaluru on Sunday as part of its 175th-anniversary celebrations. Themed “Geoscience for a Safe World,” the event aimed to raise awareness about the role of geosciences in public safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

Around 380 participants, including GSI officials, their families, students, geoscientists, and representatives from key organisations, took part in the event. The Walkathon started from Gate No. 4 of GSI’s Vasudha Bhawan, Kumaraswamy Layout, passed through Sarakki Signal, and concluded at Gate No. 5 of Vasudha Bhawan.

Several dignitaries from the sports and scientific communities were present. R. Vijay Kumar, Deputy Director General, GSI (Karnataka & Goa Unit), welcomed guests, including Atal Awardee Bharathi B.L., former Karnataka softball and baseball player K.R. Ashok Kumar, Parvathi Ashok Kumar, Rajesh Ramachandra Nirvaneshwar, Nandaini Anandani, K.V. Krishnamurthy (Secretary, Geological Society of India), and M.G. Murugan (Scientific Officer ‘G’, Atomic Minerals Directorate).

Debkumar Bhattacharya, Deputy Director General & HoD, Remote Sensing and Aerial Surveys, delivered the inaugural address, stressing the importance of public awareness on geoscience applications. C.S. Verma, Deputy Director General, Geophysical Division, highlighted GSI’s role in mineral exploration, geohazard assessments, and geoscientific research.

Addressing the gathering, R. Vijay Kumar spoke about GSI’s contributions to India’s natural resource policies since its inception in 1851. He emphasised the significance of geoscience in infrastructure resilience, disaster risk mitigation, and sustainable urban planning.

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Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara

13-04-2026 ¦ 13-04-2026 IST

Photo: PTI

Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.

He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.

His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.

"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said

He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.

He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.

"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.

The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.

"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.

He added that even today the same procedure is followed.

Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.

"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.

Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."

Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.

He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.

"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.

Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.

On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.

The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.