India would expand its deep sea mining capabilities for sub serving its critical and strategic needs of the country, particularly in areas of access to under sea rare earths materials.

Briefing newsmen after Chairing a high level meeting in Planning commission today, the Minister of State for Planning, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Mr. Ashwini Kumar said, deep sea mining capabilities are being enhanced through vessels including Sagar Nidhi to explore at a depth of 6000 mtrs from sea surface.

He said, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is also getting a vesel manufactured at Surat at a cost of 200 crore rupees. The Geological Survey of India is also acquiring a vessel at the cost of 550 crore rupees from a Korean Shipyard which is likely to be inducted by September 2013.

He said, the deep sea mining capabilites are at present the privilege of a few countries including the United States and China.

Mr. Aswini Kumar also said, a concrete action plan is being drawn out to upgrade India's super computing facilities. He said, the country is also poised for a jump in its futuristic scientific capabilities including Super Microscope, Carbon Capture and Storage, Ocean Acidification and Interstellar Chemistry.

Mr. Aswini Kumar said, the advanced super computing facilities will tremendously enhance the accuracy of Weather predictions.

On the current status of the Monsoon, he said, the Met Department has informed that that pre monsoon showers are expected in the next 4-5 days in noth west India putting at rest the fears of a dry spell. He also said, the conditions are favourable for the advancement of the monsoon.

In reply to a question on the economic situation in the country, Mr. Aswini Kumar said, under the able guidance of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a definite action plan is being implemented to regain faster economic growth. He said, the signs are already showing with the strengthening of the Rupee and improvement of sentiments in the Stock Markets.