Brands
Astrotalk sees 50 per cent rise in career, relocation queries amid global tensions
Parents lead surge as families rethink overseas plans in uncertain times
NEW DELHI: Astrotalk has reported a sharp 50 per cent rise in queries related to education, careers and relocation, as geopolitical uncertainties prompt Indian families to rethink their future plans.
The spike, compared to March 2025, reflects a noticeable shift in how decisions are being made. What was once driven by ambition is now increasingly shaped by caution. These queries now account for nearly 40 per cent of all consultations on the platform, signalling a growing appetite for guidance in uncertain times.
Parents are leading this trend, contributing 73 per cent of the increase. Much of the focus is on children at key life stages, particularly those aged 16, 18 and 21. Questions around overseas education and travel feasibility are becoming more frequent, especially among parents of 18-year-olds weighing global opportunities against rising instability.
About 35 per cent of the queries centre on education and relocation, while another 27 per cent come from parents planning early for younger students. These include decisions around subject choices and coaching pathways, aimed at staying competitive in what many perceive as a tightening global economy.
The concern is not limited to students. Around 25 per cent of queries are from working professionals with four to five years of experience who had earlier planned to move abroad but are now reassessing timelines and destinations. Another 13 per cent come from soon-to-be graduates reconsidering international study plans and long-term settlement goals.
Commenting on the trend, Astrotalk founder and ceo Puneet Gupta said, “This is the first time we’re seeing global mobility being questioned at scale by Indian families. Parents today are not just planning for opportunity, they are planning against disruption. Whether it’s visas, job markets, or geopolitical shifts, there’s a visible anxiety around stability, and that’s driving earlier, more cautious decision-making for their children.”
As uncertainty continues to shape global narratives, platforms like Astrotalk are finding themselves at the intersection of decision-making and reassurance. For many families, the future is no longer just about where to go next, but whether to go at all.
Brands
Vodafone Idea elevates Vineeth Jayendranath as VP, marketing head Mumbai
Telecom marketer takes charge of Mumbai circle with growth and brand focus
MUMBAI: Vodafone Idea Limited has promoted Vineeth Jayendranath to vice president, marketing head for the Mumbai circle, marking a key milestone in his career as the telecom operator sharpens its regional strategy.
In his new role, Jayendranath will lead marketing efforts across prepaid and postpaid segments in one of the country’s most competitive telecom markets. His mandate includes driving revenue growth, strengthening brand positioning, and deepening customer engagement, while also managing profit and loss responsibilities for the circle.
Sharing the update, Vineeth Jayendranath said, “Excited to share, I am starting my new stint as Vice President, Marketing Head for Mumbai circle at Vodafone Idea Ltd. Would like to thank everyone who has supported me in this journey.”
Jayendranath brings over 12 years of experience spanning telecom and IT, with a strong focus on customer value management and data-led marketing. Since joining Vodafone Idea, he has held multiple leadership roles, most recently serving as general manager leading customer value management and prepaid business across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa.
During this period, he handled large subscriber bases and multi-billion rupee revenue portfolios, while rolling out hyper-personalised campaigns and a “segment of one” strategy to improve customer retention and upgrades. He also championed a digital-first approach, pushing adoption of data services and unlimited plans through targeted, insight-driven initiatives.
Earlier, he worked with Idea Cellular Ltd in strategy and business intelligence roles, and began his career at Infosys as a systems engineer. A brief stint at Hyundai Motor India Ltd during his internship added early exposure to marketing strategy.
An alumnus of SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Jayendranath has steadily built a reputation for combining analytics with marketing execution.
His elevation comes as telecom players double down on circle-level strategies to stay competitive, and Vodafone Idea appears to be betting on data-backed marketing to keep Mumbai firmly in its corner.
