Hydrometeorological extremes are becoming a significant challenge under changing climate, particularly in regions with complex terrain and high environmental sensitivity. Among these extremes, localized intense rainfall events, known as cloudbursts, have gained attention due to their sudden occurrence and ability to trigger flash floods, landslides and widespread damage. This study examines cloudburst events in Northwest India, focusing on the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, along with their downstream impacts on adjoining plains. The northwestern Himalaya act as hotspots for cloudbursts due to moisture transport, atmospheric instability and orographic uplift. These events can cause rapid runoff, debris flows and severe impacts on settlements, infrastructure, agriculture and ecosystems. The article highlights cloudburst mechanisms, increasing vulnerability due to land-use changes, forecasting challenges and the role of advanced technologies such as Doppler Weather Radar, satellite observations and numerical models. It also emphasizes the emerging occurrence of cloudburst-like events and other abnormal weather phenomena in traditionally less vulnerable plains regions, driven by changing climatic conditions and evolving rainfall patterns. Thus, comprehensive understanding of changing precipitation patterns, improved prediction systems and climateadaptive management approaches are essential to minimize the impacts of future extreme rainfall events across Northwest India.

Digital detox refers to voluntary and time-bound reductions in the use of digital devices or selected digital activities. Complete disconnection, however, is neither practical nor necessary for many users, particularly where smartphones support education, work, public services and agricultural advisory. Evidence from digital-detox interventions remains mixed, although targeted restrictions on selected forms of use may improve attention and wellbeing under some conditions. The value of digital detox lies less in reducing total screen time than in restoring control over when, why and how digital technologies are used. This article discusses the available evidence, the relevance of digital well-being in India, implications for agricultural extension and a simple seven-day approach for reviewing everyday digital habits.