Update on Tele-Manas

• Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) is India's flagship 24x7 free tele-mental health service under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), launched to bridge the mental-health treatment gap, especially in remote/under-served areas.
• Operates via toll-free helpline 14416 (also 1-800-891-4416) with NIMHANS, Bengaluru as nodal centre and IIIT-Bangalore providing tech support.
• UPSC relevance: intersects GS-II (Health, Welfare schemes) and GS-III (S&T applications); frequently asked in Prelims for numbers, ministry, and nodal body.