2004 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2004 · General Studies
Question 39: International Relations and Current Affairs
What was the reason for 5 lakh people of Hong Kong to make a demonstration around the middle of 2003?
aThey were demanding tax relief
bThey were against the Hong Kong Government's plan to impose an internal security law
cThey were the members of Falun Gong group who were demanding religious freedom
dThey were demanding more direct elections in Hong Kong
AnswerThe answer is (b).
In July 2003 about half a million people marched in Hong Kong against the proposed national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, fearing it would curb civil liberties and press freedom. The government later withdrew the bill. Falun Gong and demands for more direct elections were not the cause of that march.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Tax relief was not the issue.
- (b) Correct: the protest was against the proposed security law.
- (c) Falun Gong members did not make up the 2003 march.
- (d) Direct elections were a demand but not the cause of the 2003 march.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2004, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.