Foreign YouTuber highlights Varanasi's condition, describes it as dirtiest
Says South India is positive, modern
A video that is now going viral on X and Youtube sheds light on the contrasting realities of Varanasi, a city Prime Minister Narendra Modi once promised to transform into a "Kyoto-like" urban center.
Marc Travels, a YouTuber with approximately 216,000 subscribers has shared his candid impressions of the city in his travel vlog and shared it on Youtube.
The clip has then been shared by many on X.
Marc's experience in Varanasi was less than ideal, as he described the city as "the dirtiest" he had encountered in India.
He noted that Varanasi seemed to epitomize the image of India often portrayed in Western media—a stark contrast to his positive experiences in the southern parts of the country, which he found modern and impressive.
"To be quite honest, when I came here, Varanasi felt like a little bit of the India that is promoted in Western TV," Marc remarked.
He further said that his overall picture of India, particularly the South, remained positive and modern, an impression that couldn't be altered despite his experience in Varanasi. He acknowledged the city's chaotic nature, calling it "hectic" and "extreme."
In his vlog's description, Marc reflected on his months-long journey through India, expressing gratitude for the diverse experiences and memories he gained.
However, he singled out Varanasi as an intense visit due to a bout of food poisoning he suffered there. Despite this, he appreciated the opportunity to see this side of India, which he mentioned he typically only knew from Western portrayals of the country.
Prime Minister Modi's 2014 announcement to transform Varanasi into a city akin to Kyoto has faced scrutiny and criticism.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has often mocked Modi's promises, pointing out the lack of significant changes in Varanasi.
During the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address last month, Akhilesh questioned the progress in the villages adopted by Modi, alleging they saw no growth.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
