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
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
