Just beyond the busy curves of Mussoorie, where the chatter of tourists slowly dissolves into birdsong and mountain wind, is a village that seems to breathe at its own pace. Sainji does not announce its arrival by signboards or souvenir shops. It states its name in colour: rows of golden corn cobs hang outside homes, within balconies, or across wooden windows, gently swaying in the crisp, fragrant Himalayan air, catching sunlight and soft breezes.This tiny hamlet in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district has been wontedly termed India’s Corn Village, the name only a hint at a deeper story. Here, maize is not decoration or branding. Memory, survival, and a lifeline in how people have learned to prosper in harmony with their land.

How corn drying became the village’s agricultural identity

In the Sainji villages, the corn hung around the houses for display or for the outside world to see via photography on online social networking websites has never happened. This tradition has existed for many centuries and has arisen as a matter of wisdom. Once the harvests are complete, the corn is hung in bunches to dry in the cool mountain climate.It sustains the crop for months, ensures seed survival for the upcoming crop cycle, and also offers an endless source of flour for every meal. Over the years, this vital agricultural practice developed into the biggest mark in the village, where every corner is lit up with colours ranging from yellow to gold, symbolising dwellings that signify prosperity and future planning in every nook and cranny. Sainji consists of approximately 40 to 50 families, with agricultural practices that signify communal knowledge as opposed to contemporary agricultural trends. Most farmlands in Sainji are organic, as chemical fertilisers and intensive farmlands never took root in Sainji since there was no need for them in the first place.Crop rotation, seed conservation, and natural manure are also practised and have been passed down through observation and experience.

Why is community Sainji’s greatest resource

What truly distinguishes Sainji is not just what it grows, but how its people live together. Daily life here is deeply communal. Farming knowledge, seeds, and even labour are shared, ensuring no family stands alone during difficult seasons.Festivals, weddings, and celebrations are collective affairs, strengthening bonds and reducing unnecessary consumption. Even cultural practices follow local rhythms. Diwali, for instance, is celebrated later than in most of India, guided by regional traditions rather than mainstream calendars.This strong sense of togetherness has allowed Sainji to remain largely self-sufficient, proving that sustainability can thrive when community comes before convenience.

Discovering Sainji through everyday life, not attractions

Sainji’s growing recognition as an offbeat destination has emerged quietly. Travellers who find their way here are usually seeking something different from crowded hill stations, a slower, more grounded experience.There are no curated tours or staged cultural performances here. Instead, visitors wander through narrow lanes lined with corn-draped homes, walk past terraced fields, and sit quietly as village life unfolds around them. Conversations with locals often turn into lessons about farming, food, and the rhythms of mountain living.The food is simple and regional. Corn-based foods like makki ki roti and veggies are indicative of food with its roots in soil, and not in indulgences. Sainji’s houses are another aspect that holds an element of silent interest. Most of these are painted in bright colours, and the doorframes are made of wood with lower entrances. The lower entrances were originally meant to keep evil spirits at bay.In some of the houses, there are doors that look like windows. These details encourage questions and discussions among the guests. These architectural details show how the generations have learned to adapt to the environment with houses designed to overcome the weather, retain warmth, and observe traditions.

Why Sainji feels so different

Sainji leaves a lasting impression because nothing feels performative. Clean lanes, neatly stored harvests, and shared spaces reflect pride without display. Corn hanging outside homes was once a symbol of prosperity. Today, it still represents abundance, but of a quieter kind.There is enough food, enough community, and enough care for the land. Modern influences have reached the village, but they have not replaced its core values. Farming still dictates daily rhythms, neighbours still depend on one another, and sustainability remains a lived practice rather than a borrowed concept.

How to reach Sainji and the best time to visit

Sainji is in the Tehri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand, five kilometres away from Kempty Falls, which in turn is near Mussoorie. The nearest major transportation hub is Dehra Dun, easily accessible from anywhere by all kinds of transportation methods available on the route. One can drive or take a taxi to Mussoorie from Dehradun.The best time to visit the village will be during September and October, after the harvest period. It is during this time that corn is dried, making the entire village a gold canvas. The weather is also ideal, with greenery and daily village life that exhibits the authenticity of their culture.

A sensational bowling performance from Wanindu Hasaranga powered Sri Lanka to a crucial 14-run victory [DLS] over Pakistan in a rain-shortened third T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday. The match, reduced to a 12-overs-a-side contest due to persistent showers, saw Sri Lanka defend a challenging total to square the series in dramatic fashion.

Sri Lanka post massive total after aggressive batting display

After Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl, Sri Lanka came out with clear attacking intent despite losing Pathum Nissanka early. Kamil Mishara provided early momentum with a brisk 20 off eight balls, but it was Kusal Mendis who anchored the innings with a fluent 30 from just 16 deliveries, keeping the run rate well above 12 an over.

Middle-order contributions from Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka ensured Sri Lanka maintained pressure despite regular wickets. Captain Dasun Shanaka then played a powerful cameo, smashing 34 off just nine balls as Sri Lanka surged past the 150-run mark in the final over.

Late hitting from Janith Liyanage (22 not out off 8) pushed Sri Lanka to an imposing 160 for 6 from 12 overs, a total that proved decisive on a damp surface. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Wasim Jr, struggled with execution as the shortened format left little margin for error.

Pakistan’s chase falters despite Salman Agha’s blitz

Pakistan’s reply began brightly through Salman Agha, who played a breathtaking knock of 45 from just 12 balls. His clean striking briefly swung momentum in Pakistan’s favour, especially during a rapid 51-run partnership that raised hopes of a successful chase.

However, Sri Lanka struck back at crucial moments. The dismissal of Salman Agha by Matheesha Pathirana triggered a collapse as wickets fell in quick succession. Saim Ayub and Usman Khan were also dismissed in single digits, leaving Pakistan behind the required rate.

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana power India to thrilling ODI win over New Zealand in Vadodara

Wanindu Hasaranga turns the match with game-changing spell

Hasaranga delivered the decisive blow with a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets for 35 runs in his three overs. His scalps included key batters Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan, breaking Pakistan’s middle-order resistance. Supported by disciplined bowling from Pathirana and Eshan Malinga, Sri Lanka tightened the screws in the final overs.

Despite late resistance from the tailenders, Pakistan finished on 146 for 8, falling 14 runs short of the target.

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Washington is working “along really well” with Venezuela, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday (local time), pointing to oil shipments from the country. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was talking about US’s approach towards the new leadership in Caracas after Nicolas Maduro was captured by American forces. “Venezuela is really working out well. We’re working along really well with the leadership, and we’ll see how it all works out,” he said.The US President further added that the acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, asked US if they could “take 50 million barrels of oil.” “I said, ‘yes, we can’ — that’s $4.2 billion, and it’s on its way right now to the United States,” Trump further added highlighting the scale of the deal.

This comes as the Trump administration is pushingimed at claiming control over Venezuelan oil production and sales. Earlier this week, the president invited oil executives to the White House and pressed them to move quickly into Venezuela, saying the administration was seeking around $100 billion in private investment to revive the country’s oil industry and fully tap its large reserves.Trump said that Washington had seized tankers carrying Venezuelan oil and would now take over the sale of between 30 million and 50 million barrels that had previously been under sanctions, with the US controlling sales globally for an indefinite period.In the meeting with oil industry leaders, Trump told executives, “You have total safety.” “You’re dealing with us directly and not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don’t want you to deal with Venezuela.”He stressed that the expected investments would come from private companies rather than public funds. “Our giant oil companies will be spending at least $100 billion of their money, not the government’s money. They don’t need government money. But they need government protection,” Trump said.According to the president, security assurances would be provided through cooperation with Venezuelan leaders and their people, rather than the deployment of US troops, although he added that companies would “bring over some security.”Trump also acknowledged the risks involved, noting that oil executives were accustomed to operating in challenging environments, even as Venezuela remains vulnerable to economic collapse.The White House meeting came shortly after US forces seized a fifth tanker in the past month linked to Venezuelan oil. The seizure reflected the administration’s determination to take control of Venezuela’s oil exports, refining and production, signalling continued US involvement in the sector as it pushes for firm investment commitments from private companies.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Quarterfinals, Live Score: In-form batters Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal will be keen to continue their stunning run when domestic heavyweights Mumbai and Karnataka clash in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinals here on Monday. The second quarterfinal, featuring Uttar Pradesh and Saurashtra, will also be played at the Centre of Excellence on the same day.

Karnataka’s only defeat in the group stage came in their final league outing on January 8, but they will back themselves to bring their best against Mumbai in a high-stakes knockout encounter.

Padikkal has been in sublime touch, topping the tournament’s run charts with 640 runs from seven innings, including four centuries and a half-century. If he continues to pile on runs, it will be difficult for the selectors to overlook him as attention gradually shifts towards the 2027 ODI World Cup once the T20 showpiece concludes in a couple of months.

Sarfaraz, too, has been pressing his case by seamlessly carrying his explosive T20 form into the 50-over format. In Mumbai’s surprise defeat to Punjab in their final league match, Sarfaraz struck the fastest fifty by an Indian in men’s List A cricket. Although the result had no bearing on qualification, it served as yet another reminder to the selectors of his exceptional talent in the shorter formats.

In the other quarterfinal, Uttar Pradesh will start as favourites against Saurashtra after finishing the league stage unbeaten — the only team across the four groups to achieve the feat.

However, Uttar Pradesh will be without Dhruv Jurel, who has joined the Indian ODI squad following a side strain suffered by Rishabh Pant. Jurel was in sensational form during the league phase, amassing 558 runs in seven innings and proving virtually unstoppable.

Saurashtra, meanwhile, recovered strongly after losing two of their first three matches, winning their final four games to seal a place in the last eight. Their batters appear to be hitting form at the right time, while pacer Chetan Sakariya has also found good rhythm heading into the knockout clash.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared an image of his Wikipedia page that described him as the “Acting President of Venezuela”.Shared on Truth Social, the image listed Trump as assuming office on January 20, 2025, and remaining incumbent as of January 2026. It also identified US Vice President JD Vance as his deputy.

However, the image appeared doctored, as no official documentation or legal framework exists indicating that the US president holds any governing role in Venezuela as of now.The controversial post comes amid major political and military developments in Venezuela following a US-led operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained during a US military operation in Caracas and flown to New York.The pair are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and face federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with gangs designated by the US as terrorist organisations. Maduro, however, has denied the allegations.US officials told CBS News that the operation was carried out by the US Army’s Delta Force following months of military build-up in the region, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and other naval assets in the Caribbean.Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s vice president and oil minister, Delcy Rodríguez, was formally sworn in last week as the country’s interim president. Rodríguez, a 56-year-old lawyer and senior figure within the ruling political movement, took the oath before the National Assembly, which is headed by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez.A total of 283 lawmakers elected in parliamentary elections held in May were also sworn in. Most opposition parties boycotted the vote, leaving the legislature dominated by pro-government figures. The only lawmaker absent from the ceremony was Cilia Flores, who remains in US custody, Reuters reported.Earlier, in a statement made in Washington, US President Trump said that the United States would “run” Venezuela temporarily during a transition period and would “get the oil flowing”. He later said the US was “in charge” of Venezuela. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to clarify the administration’s position, saying the US does not intend to directly govern the country but will enforce an “oil quarantine” as part of efforts to influence policy outcomes.

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who recently forged an alliance with his estranged cousin Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the BMC polls, warned Uttar Pradesh and Bihar migrants against the Hindi imposition. Thackeray said he would “kick” people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh out of Maharashtra if they “try to impose Hindi”.

“People from UP and Bihar should understand that Hindi is not your language. I don’t hate the language… But if you try to impose it, I’ll kick you. They’re coming from all sides to Maharashtra and snatching away your share… If land and language are gone, you will be finished,” Raj Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.Calling the BMC polls the “last election for the Marathi man”, Thackeray said: “If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished. Unite for Marathi and Maharashtra.” “Today, this crisis has arrived at your doorstep… This is the last election for the Marathi man… If you miss this opportunity today, you will be finished. Unite for Marathi and Maharashtra. Mumbai was obtained through the sacrifices of so many people… What will we tell them?… The BLA (Booth Level Agents) appointed at 6 AM should be ready on election day… Be alert, be vigilant, don’t be careless… If anyone comes to vote again, throw them out,” Thackeray said.Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray on Sunday mounted a joint attack on the rival BJP over what they described as “fake Hindutva” at a rally held ahead of the civic polls, saying their political reunion was prompted by an imminent “danger” to Mumbai.Uddhav said he and Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), had set aside their differences in the interest of the Marathi manoos, Hindus, and Maharashtra.Appealing to the core Marathi votebank, Raj said the two leaders had come together as Mumbai was facing danger.“This is the last election for Marathi manoos. If he makes a mistake now, the battle (for Mumbai) will be lost forever,” he said.Speaking after Raj, the Sena (UBT) chief questioned whether the BJP wanted to rename Mumbai as “Bombay”, referring to remarks made by Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai.Accusing the BJP of practising divisive politics ahead of elections, Uddhav said, “BJP’s Hindutva and nationalism are fake.”“The BJP has become a party which says corruption first, instead of nation first,” he added.

“What’s the point of all I achieved?” Those raw words from MC Mary Kom – a six-time world boxing champion and Olympic bronze medalist – cut deep. The 43-year-old boxing legend opened up to PTI in a recent interview and spoke about one of the darkest chapters of her life: A painful divorce from husband Onler Kom, near-bankruptcy, stolen properties, and relentless social media slander. Here’s what she revealed:From Olympic glory to personal lossMary Kom was married to Onler Kom for over 20 years, and so the news of their divorce a few months ago came as a huge surprise for everyone. Speaking about what really went wrong in her marriage for the first time, she told PTI in an interview that things were fine till she was competing and not managing her finances. “Things were fine till I was competing and had very little involvement in my finances, but when I got injured before the 2022 Commonwealth Games, I realised I was living a lie.“But a career-ending injury before the 2022 Commonwealth Games changed everything. “I was bedridden for several months, and needed a walker after that. It was then that I realised that the man I had trusted was not what I believed him to be. I did not want it to be a spectacle for the world, so I sought a divorce after several attempts to resolve it between us,” she shared.The betrayal stung deepest financially. “He transferred my properties to his name, took crores in loans, mortgaged my land.” Locals in Churachandpur seized her hard-earned property when debts went unpaid.Mary Kom on being made the villain in her marriage

Mary stayed silent for two years after her divorce, hoping privacy would heal her wounds. But people were unkind and judgmental towards her on social media. Recalling the painful period, Mary Kom further said, “I informed my family and his family that it cannot continue, and they understood. I was hoping that it would stay private, but then a concerted attempt has been made to slander me for the last one year. I thought I would not respond, but then my silence was being misread and the attacks kept increasing.“…there are news reports that call me the greedy one, who forced him to contest elections (2022 in Manipur). I did not do any of it. Things which were only discussed between me and him are being fed to tabloids to paint me as the villain and my character is being questioned. I had to react at some point,” she added.Sharing her pain after the divorce, Mary said that all she now wants to simply focus on raising her kids and taking care of her elderly parents.“What is the point of my achievements? Kya fayda, I have been left broken but I can’t even afford to grieve. Because I have four kids to take care of, parents who are dependent on me… I haven’t and don’t wish to take any police action but just leave me alone, stop slandering me,” she said.What Onler has to say about Mary’s allegations against him

Onler denies wrongdoing, reports PTI, “Not involved in anything wrong,” he is supposed to have said.When motherhood became Mary’s fightFor the unversed, Mary Kom has four children with her ex-husband Onler: three sons, including twins, and a daughter. And in such difficult times, her children are what inspire her to keep going. “Can you stay down with children watching?,” she asks. Mary shared that she is now rebuilding her life through endorsements, IOA appearances, and heading the Athletes Commission. “God gives strength. This is one long boxing bout,” she added.Why Mary Kom’s story resonates with manyIndian sports icon betrayed isn’t just tabloid fodder. It’s every woman rebuilding after trust shatters. Mary Kom-Onler divorce gains people’s attention because her vulnerability humanises the legend.What moves you most about Mary’s fight? Share in the comment section below.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will square off against UP Warriorz (UPW) in the fifth match of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, on Monday.

RCB, buoyed by a thrilling three-wicket chase over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the tournament, chase consolidation, while UPW hunts a first win post their narrow loss to Gujarat Giants (GG).

RCB vs UPW, WPL 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: January 12; 7:30 pm IST / 2:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

RCB vs UPW, Head-to-Head Record in WPL

Matches played: 06 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru won: 03 | UP Warriorz won: 03 | No result/Tied: 0

Dr DY Patil Sports Academy Pitch Report

The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy is a renowned batting paradise, offering a hard, flat surface with reliable bounce. For this evening fixture, the ball is expected to reach the bat smoothly, favoring aggressive stroke-makers. Although the red soil might provide pacers some early swing, the short boundaries and lightning-fast outfield heavily benefit the hitters.

A critical factor is the evening dew, which typically arrives during the second innings. This moisture makes the ball difficult for spinners to grip, often tilting the scales further toward the batting side. Given these conditions, the toss will be vital; captains are likely to bowl first to avoid the worst of the dew and capitalize on favorable chasing conditions under the lights.

Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar, D. Hemalatha, Sayali Satghare

UP Warriorz: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni

Also READ: WPL 2026 – Full list of commentators and presenters at the Women’s Premier League

RCB vs UPW, WPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• RCB wins the toss and bowls first
• UP Warriorz powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• UP Warriorz total score: 190-200

Case 2:

• UP Warriorz wins the toss and bowls first
• RCB’s powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• RCB’s total score: 160-170

Match result: UP Warriorz to win the contest.

Also READ: Jemimah Rodrigues reveals how Richa Ghosh dismantled Alyssa Healy’s sledge with an unforgettable reply

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.