At least six people lost their lives and five others sustained injuries after a series of avalanches struck the Srinagar-Leh National Highway on Friday, burying nearly a dozen vehicles under heavy snow.

Officials confirmed that the incident occurred along the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg near Zoji La during the afternoon hours. The sudden snow slides trapped multiple cars, leading to casualties and injuries.

Following the tragedy, VK Saxena said he is closely overseeing the situation. He stated that district authorities and senior police officials in Kargil have been instructed to rush to the site and coordinate rescue operations.

Emergency response teams, including disaster relief forces and the Border Roads Organisation, have been placed on high alert to assist in relief efforts and clear the affected highway stretch. Rescue operations are currently underway as authorities work to locate any survivors and restore connectivity.

Washington: US President Donald Trump had a productive conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said on Friday, referring to the talks between the two leaders on Tuesday.

The New York Times reported that billionaire businessman Elon Musk joined the phone call between Modi and Trump on Tuesday when the two leaders discussed the situation in West Asia.

“President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Elon Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis.

the inclusion of Musk, confirmed by two US officials, suggests that the world’s richest man is back on better terms with the president.

Trump and Musk had a falling out last year following the billionaire’s departure from the government, where he had been tasked with slashing the work force.

The report said it is unclear why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke.

It was the first conversation between the two leaders since the West Asia conflict began on February 28.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible, noting that it is vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.

Banaskantha (Gujarat), March 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on March 31 to lay the foundation stone and launch multiple development projects, including a major drinking water scheme for the pilgrimage town of Ambaji and adjoining tribal areas, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate Part I and Part II of the Rs 141-crore Ambaji drinking water project, which is expected to benefit around 78,000 residents across 34 villages and Ambaji town in Banaskantha district.

The scheme covers villages in Danta and Amirgadh talukas, regions that have long struggled with reliable access to drinking water due to their hilly and rocky terrain. At present, many of these areas are dependent on groundwater sources.

Officials from the Water Supply Department said the project marks a significant shift from groundwater dependence to a surface water-based supply system, which is likely to bring substantial public health benefits along with improved water availability.

The project has also been planned with future demand in mind, given the growing footfall at the Ambaji Temple, a prominent pilgrimage destination. Authorities said the infrastructure has been designed to cater to both current needs and anticipated expansion in the region.

Highlighting the broader policy framework, the department noted that Gujarat has been steadily advancing in water management through sustained planning and infrastructure development. The initiative forms part of the state’s larger push to expand access under the ‘Statewide Water Supply Grid’.

Under this grid, more than 3,300 km of bulk pipelines have already been laid, enabling surface water supply to over 15,000 villages and 251 urban centres, benefiting an estimated population of over five crore people.

Officials added that the state has significantly reduced its reliance on groundwater by implementing water supply schemes based on rivers, canals and reservoirs.

Further momentum is expected under Phase II of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to expedite water connectivity in the remaining rural areas. For grievance redressal, a 24-hour rural helpline has also been put in place to address water-related complaints promptly.