Urbanisation refers to the increasing number of people (1) _______ . It predominantly results in the physical growth of urban areas. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, (2) _______ will live in cities. This concentration of people in urban areas is due to natural population increase within cities and rural-urban migration.

     Urbanisation has both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, urban areas offer better employment opportunities, better access to healthcare and education, and (3) _______ compared to rural areas. Cities are also centres for culture, entertainment, and innovation. However, the fast-growing city or (4) _______ can lead to overcrowding, housing shortages, increased pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure. It can also result in the loss of agricultural land, deforestation, and the destruction of natural habitats.

     (5) _______ , governments need to invest in urban planning, affordable housing, efficient public transportation, and sustainable infrastructure. They should also focus on providing basic services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare to (6) _______ . Additionally, efforts should be made to promote green spaces, reduce pollution, and protect the environment. Finally, there is a need for effective policies to manage rural-urban migration and ensure balanced regional development.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 42 to 47.