Comprehension 1 of 10
"The rapid urbanization of the twenty-first century has created a paradox: cities are becoming engines of economic growth and hubs of cultural innovation, yet they are increasingly plagued by systemic inequality. As rural populations migrate to urban centers in search of a better life, the infrastructure in many developing nations struggles to keep pace. This leads to the proliferation of informal settlements where basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity remain elusive luxuries. Furthermore, the rise of 'smart cities'—often characterized by high-tech surveillance and automated services—threatens to widen this divide. When urban planning prioritizes the convenience of the tech-savvy elite, the needs of the working-class majority are frequently sidelined. True urban sustainability, therefore, is not merely about smart technology; it is about inclusive governance that ensures the city serves all its inhabitants, not just the privileged few."