Why it is in the news
On 9 October 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) announced, through a PIB release, its observance of World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2026, reaffirming “accessible, inclusive and people-centred” mental health care. The Ministry cited the global theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”, reported that Tele-MANAS has received over 47.75 lakh calls since its launch on 10 October 2022, and announced MANN Jaagriti, a community awareness initiative for 2026.
The exam angle
Issue: India has a rights-based law and a national helpline, yet treatment gaps of 70–92% and rising student distress show that legal rights have not become services on the ground.