Overview

• New local data from Mpower in Pune report a rise in high‑risk suicide cases from 4 in 2022 to 34 so far in 2025, with young women aged 21–30 identified as most vulnerable alongside triggers such as depression, anxiety, relationship strain and financial stress.
• Union health minister JP Nadda urged open conversations to reduce stigma, as Tele‑MANAS now runs 53 cells across 36 states and UTs, has handled over a million calls, and can be reached at 14416 for free, confidential support.
• College‑based COPE Clubs train 25 students per campus as Youth Mental Health First Aiders to spot warning signs, offer peer support and connect classmates to professional care, while Mpower operates a 24×7 helpline (1800‑1208‑20050).
• Coverage on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) under the 2024–2026 theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ reiterates WHO’s estimate of 700,000+ deaths a year and India’s 170,924 suicides in 2022, including 7.6% involving students.
• Experts emphasize practical steps for families and friends: recognize signs such as giving away possessions or sudden calm, ask directly about suicidal thoughts, remove access to lethal means, connect the person to professional help and follow up consistently, with Pune groups also mounting a city candle march on September 13.