4.6

• What is a world city and what role does it play in globalisation?

  A world city is a hub in the global economy where major political and economic decisions are made. These cities attract large flows of capital, economic migrants, and are usually well-connected through international airports that link to secondary cities
• Why does rapid urban growth create social challenges?

  In rapidly growing countries like India, TNCs are offered low taxes, which reduces government revenue. This limits public investment in infrastructure and basic services such as housing and education. As a result, private companies often step in to provide essentials like water, energy, and healthcare. This can lead to the rise of shantytowns in LICs and NEEs and increased homelessness in wealthier cities due to unaffordable housing.
• What are some environmental challenges linked to rapid urban growth?

  Rapid urbanisation increases air pollution from diesel, coal burning, forest fires, and poorly maintained vehicles. A WHO survey of 1,600 cities found New Delhi to have the worst air quality, with 153 micrograms of harmful particles per cubic metre. Pollution from sewage, industrial chemicals, and fuel spills are also serious environmental issues.
• Why is New Delhi an example of hyper-urbanisation?

  New Delhi is India’s fastest-growing city with one of the world’s highest rates of rural-to-urban migration, along with a high birth rate and low death rate. Rural migrants arrive in search of better opportunities or to invest in urban life, but many end up living in slums or commuting long distances from city edges due to housing shortages.
• What economic impact has globalisation had on New Delhi?

  Increased FDI has made New Delhi a global financial hub, with major corporations like Microsoft and Coca-Cola establishing operations there. However, while new jobs have been created, many migrants still struggle to find stable work.
• What challenges do women face in New Delhi’s urban environment?

  Many girls and women are vulnerable to assault on public transport. Despite the development of a modern metro system, most cannot afford to use it regularly, which limits their mobility and safety.
• Why is London considered a global property hotspot?

  In 2013, 82% of central London property deals involved foreign buyers. Wealthy investors from Qatar and Russia have purchased iconic developments such as The Shard, Canary Wharf, and Harrods. Between 2004–2014, one-third of London’s residential property was bought by Russians.
• What is the impact of elite migration on London housing?

  The high demand for luxury property has inflated prices, making central London unaffordable for many locals. In 2011, a flat in One Hyde Park was sold for £136 million, highlighting the extreme property price inflation.
• Why do UAE and Qatar depend on low-wage migrant workers?

  Both countries face labour shortages and rely heavily on migrant workers from countries like India and Pakistan. In the UAE, 90% of the workforce is made up of migrants. Entry visas are tied to jobs, and migrants risk deportation once contracts end.
• What conditions do low-wage migrants face in the Gulf States?

  Migrants often earn as little as $4 a day while building luxury infrastructure for tourism and services. In Qatar, 1.4 million migrants were involved in building World Cup 2022 stadiums. Between 2012 and 2013, 964 workers from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh died in work-related accidents