The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has sanctioned Rs 280 crore to build proper accommodation for ammunition stored in the open areas after explosion in the ammunition depots at Bharatpur, Pathankot and Birdhwal. Defence Minister Mr Jaswant Singh said this in New Delhi. At his first press conference after taking over additional charge of Defence Minister, he said that absence of capital expenditure and neglect of storage facilities was responsible for the explosion. He, however, ruled out sabotage as reason for explosion in the Bharatpur ammunition depot.

Commenting on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) system, Mr Singh insisted that the system would be put in place after convincing the opposition. He clarified that the administrative and operational control of the three Services would remain with the Chiefs of Staff. The CDS would be in control of the strategic command and offer single point advice to the government. He also made it clear that services would be a part of decision making body in the MOD.

On the inquiries set up by the MOD to probe allegations of corruption, Mr Jaswant Singh said that Lt Gen Jain had submitted his report. It has been put up before the Army Commander. Proper action would be taken in the light of his recommendations, he added.

An engineer at fourteen? Well, yes! A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers. Son of a serving Gunner Officer, Master Aditya Vohra has done it even before taking examinations of 10th class. Despite scolding from his father for always sitting in front of computer and regular complaints from his younger sister Ela, Aditya never left his computer unoccupied. Little did they realise that Aditya was studying for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer test.

Aditya took six tests to qualify as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. He had earlier become a Microsoft Certified Professional on September 11 last year. He became a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer this year in January. His competence was tried in implementing and supporting Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0, implementing and supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server in the enterprise, networking essential and implementing and supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0. His electives were implementing with Microsoft TCP/IP on Windows NT 4.0 and implementing and supporting Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0. He is one of the youngest ever to pass the MCSE examination.

The father, Lt Col A K Vohra, identified this Bill Gates in the making only when he took him to the nearest Prometric Testing Centre to take the first test. The centre counsellor ushered the father to take the test. She was amazed when she was told that it was his son who had to take the test.

Aditya's interest in computers made him cycle for 14 kilometers in scorching afternoons almost every day to clarify his doubts from an uncle. Aditya is shy and humble. He has been taking part in quiz programmes at his school and has been performing good. Recently he stood first in his district in Terra Quiz Competition. He wants to do computer engineering from the United States. He also has his own website.

input : Lt Col A K Vohra