Comprehension

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :

The Digital Divide

Opportunities emerging from the Information and Communication Technology-based development is unevenly distributed across the globe. There are wide ranging economic, political and social differences among countries. How quickly countries can provide ICT access and benefits to its citizens is the deciding factor. While developed countries in general have surged forward, the developing countries have lagged behind and this is known as the digital divide. Similarly digital divides exist within countries. For example, in large countries like India or Russia, it is inevitable that certain areas like metropolitan centres possess better connectivity and access to the digital world versus peripheral rural areas.

Question: 1

Define the term 'digital divide'.

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Define it as the gap in ICT access between developed and developing countries and within countries.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the passage:
The passage says developed countries moved ahead in ICT while developing countries lagged behind. It calls this the digital divide.

Step 2: Write the definition:
The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to information and communication technology and those who do not.

Final Answer:
Digital divide means the unequal access to ICT (computers, internet, mobile networks) between developed and developing countries, or between regions and groups within a country.
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Question: 2

Mention the reason of uneven development of information and communication technology.

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Quote the passage: wide economic, political and social differences among countries decide the speed of ICT access.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the passage:
The passage states that ICT-based opportunities are unevenly spread over the globe.

Step 2: Find the reason:
It says that economic, political and social differences exist among countries.
It also says the deciding factor is how quickly a country can provide ICT access and benefits to its citizens.

Final Answer:
The uneven development of ICT is due to the economic, political and social differences among countries, which decide how fast each country gives its people ICT access.
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Question: 3

Why does digital divide exist within countries ?

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Use the passage example: metropolitan centres of India or Russia have better connectivity than rural areas.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the passage:
The passage gives an example from large countries like India or Russia.

Step 2: Find the reason:
In such countries metropolitan centres have better connectivity and access to the digital world.
Peripheral rural areas have poorer access. So the divide arises from uneven connectivity between urban and rural areas.

Final Answer:
The digital divide exists within countries because cities have better connectivity and digital access, whereas remote rural areas do not.
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