National Current Affairs
World Mental Health Day
- 13 Oct 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda launched a series of new features under the National Tele-Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS).
Key Points
- App Enhancements: The Tele-MANAS mobile app enables users to access mental health support anytime, anywhere, strengthening India’s digital healthcare framework.
- The app now features a multi-lingual interface, chatbot, accessibility improvements, and an emergency response module.
- Available in 10 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi) in addition to English and Hindi.
- Accessibility features make the interface user-friendly for persons with disabilities, including the visually impaired.
- Chatbot “Asmi” allows users to engage, seek information, and access mental health support.
- Emergency module ensures quick guidance and support during crises.
- Mental Health Ambassador: The Minister announced that Deepika Padukone has been designated as the Mental Health Ambassador to raise awareness about access to mental health services.
- World Mental Health Day:
- About: World Mental Health Day, observed on 10th October, aims to raise global awareness about mental health issues, encourage dialogue, and mobilise efforts to make mental health care accessible for all.
- Theme: The 2025 theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” underscores the importance of ensuring mental health care during crises such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and pandemics.
