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Astrotalk logs 50 per cent jump in January queries as love worries dominate
NATIONAL: Astrotalk began 2026 with a rush of cosmic consultations, recording a 50 per cent year-on-year spike in user queries in January as Indians increasingly turned to personalised, on-demand astrology to navigate everyday decisions.
Data from the online astrology platform shows a decisive move away from passive horoscope browsing towards real-time, situation-driven guidance, particularly during high-intent moments such as the start of a new year.
More than half of all queries in January were forward-looking, centred on how the months ahead would shape personal lives across love, careers, finances and health, rather than on generic zodiac predictions.
Love and relationships emerged as the dominant concern, accounting for close to 60 per cent of all questions. Users repeatedly sought clarity on marriage timelines and emotional uncertainty, with queries such as “When will I get married?” and “Will it be a love or arranged marriage?” topping astrologers’ inboxes.
Career and financial anxieties followed, together making up about 28 per cent of total queries. Among the most common questions was “When will I get a job?”, reflecting mounting concern over employment prospects, business stability and income security at the start of the year.
Astrotalk founder and chief executive Puneet Gupta, said the surge reflected a deeper shift in how people engage with astrology.
“Users are no longer checking astrology occasionally,” he said. “They’re turning to it in real time during moments of uncertainty, emotional need and decision-making. Astrology today is less about prediction and more about perspective and reassurance.”
The trend mirrors broader behavioural shifts seen on the platform. Throughout 2025, Astrotalk recorded a 50 per cent rise in job-related anxiety, with growing fears around artificial intelligence and career disruption driving repeated questions such as “Is AI going to take my job?”
Together, the data suggests astrology is becoming woven into daily life: a tool for navigating change rather than forecasting fate.
Digital immediacy has played a central role in this transformation. Unlike traditional astrology consumption, which was periodic and ritual-based, today’s consultations are increasingly spontaneous and context-specific, shaped by fast-paced, decision-heavy modern lifestyles.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Noida, Astrotalk connects users with astrologers through chat and voice services. The platform now hosts around 20,000 astrologers and serves users across India as well as markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It has also expanded into astrology-based products through its subsidiary, Astrotalk Store.
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
