Jaipur, Nov. 21 -- Union minister for coal and mines G Kishan Reddy on Thursday called for a major expansion in critical mineral exploration, adoption of advanced AI and machine-learning technologies in geoscientific research, and strengthening of India's disaster-preparedness framework. Reddy was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day international seminar titled "Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future: 175 Years of GSI", organised as part of the Geological Survey of India's (GSI) 175th Foundation Year celebrations at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur. The event brought together global geoscience leaders, including the British Geological Survey (BGS), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Geoscience Australia, along with eminent Indian institutions. Reddy lauded GSI's 175-year legacy in nation-building and scientific advancement. Stressing that India's economic and strategic future hinges on securing key minerals essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, he urged GSI and the broader geoscience community to intensify exploration of critical resources. He said that India must "embrace AI/ML-driven geoscience, enhance subsurface imaging capabilities, and adopt frontier technologies" to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. He also emphasised the need for a stronger, science-backed disaster-preparedness framework, particularly as climate-linked geological hazards increase. Speaking on the occasion, Piyush Goyal, secretary, ministry of mines, said India's accelerating economic growth demands a mineral ecosystem that is self-reliant, technologically superior and internationally competitive. Director general of GSI, Asit Saha, noted that the global geoscience landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. He emphasised the need for concept-driven investigations, advanced subsurface imaging, a sharper focus on critical minerals and stronger public-good geoscience to meet emerging national and global demands....