Mumbai: Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide visited the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla (East) today (September 17, 2026) to review the various ongoing projects and initiatives there.

During the visit, Ashwini Bhide viewed the hibiscus exhibition at the garden. She also planted a ‘Century Palm’ sapling within the premises as part of the Central Government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign and to commemorate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday.

Furthermore, she inspected the construction progress of the ‘tunnel aquarium’ being built within the garden and zoo complex and issued instructions to complete the construction work by January 2027.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, Deputy Commissioner (Gardens) Ajit Kumar Ambi, Director (Zoo) Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, and Garden Superintendent Jitendra Pardeshi, along with other concerned officials and staff, were present on the occasion. A hibiscus exhibition has been organized at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo, showcasing approximately 50 varieties of hibiscus flowers in various colors. The exhibition is open to the public. On this occasion, Ms. Ashwini Bhide appealed to citizens to visit the exhibition and view the diverse varieties of hibiscus flowers.

Mumbai: The administration of Sanjay Gandhi National Park announces the death of the tigress Bijli (T2), aged approximately 18 years and 4 months, who passed away at 9:45 PM on September 16, 2026, due to age-related health issues.

She had been a beloved member of the Sanjay Gandhi family since 2016. Over the years, she captivated the hearts of countless visitors. A gradual decline in her food intake had been observed over the past month, prompting close monitoring of her health. Appropriate veterinary and supportive care was being provided by the veterinary officer under the guidance and technical advice of the Technical Veterinary Advisory Team from Western Maharashtra. Despite their tireless medical efforts and constant monitoring, Bijli peacefully breathed her last at 9:45 PM on September 16, 2026. Bijli had been brought to Sanjay Gandhi National Park from Pench Tiger Reserve on July 11, 2016, and remained under the care and protection of SGNP for over a decade. Her long association with Sanjay Gandhi National Park was a significant part of the park’s wildlife management, conservation education, and captive animal care initiatives. Although Bijli (T2) passed away due to old age, a standard post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The SGNP administration appeals to all wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers to share their memories and photographs of Bijli (T2) on social media platforms so that we may honor her legacy and her contribution to wildlife conservation. The park administration once again expresses its sorrow over the loss of the tigress Bijli (T2). This announcement is issued by the Sanjay Gandhi National Park administration, Borivali, Mumbai.

Jerusalem, Sep 17: Extending warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday lauded the Indian leader for transforming India into a world power.

Netanyahu also underscored the growing ties between India and Israel, describing it as an “unprecedented partnership” between two great democracies.

“Happy birthday, Narendra! Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Your leadership has transformed India into a world power. Together, we have built an unprecedented partnership between our two great democracies. The friendship between Israel and India has never been stronger, and together we will take it to even greater heights. I wish you many more years of leadership, health and fulfillment,” the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel posted on X, quoting Netanyahu.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi and appreciated his contribution to strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

The Russian Embassy in India shared President Putin’s message for PM Modi on Instagram. In the message, President Putin expressed gratitude to PM Modi for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his recent visit to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.

‘You are rightly enjoying deep respect from your compatriots and great authority on the global stage. It is impossible to overstate your personal contribution to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia,” the Russian Embassy in India posted on Instagram.

According to the statement, President Putin described his recent talks with PM Modi as “substantive, frank and productive” and said he is ready to continue cooperation between the two nations on bilateral and international issues.

As greetings continue to pour in for Prime Minister Modi’s 76th birthday, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also extended heartfelt wishes to the Indian leader, wishing him good health and strength in his service to the nation.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I extend warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. May the year ahead bring you good health and continued strength in service to the people of India,” Skerrit posted on X.

Several foreign envoys and diplomatic missions in India also extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the enduring ties and close partnerships between India and their respective countries.