Explanation: NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, is a significant policy think tank established by the Government of India in 2015. It was created to replace the Planning Commission, which had been in operation since 1950. The primary objectives of NITI Aayog are to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance cooperative federalism in the country.
Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. These goals aim to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and sustainable consumption. NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in formulating policies and strategies to achieve these goals at the national and state levels.
Cooperative federalism is a concept that emphasizes the collaboration and cooperation between the central government and state governments. NITI Aayog facilitates this cooperation by providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the central and state governments. It helps in aligning state-level policies with national objectives and promotes a more integrated approach to governance.
The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog. This means that the Prime Minister holds this position by virtue of his office and is responsible for guiding the institution's policies and initiatives. The Prime Minister's involvement underscores the importance of NITI Aayog in the governance structure of India.
Regarding the number of full-time members in NITI Aayog, it is important to note that the exact number is not fixed at 8. The composition of the full-time members can vary based on the specific needs and objectives of the institution. Therefore, statement III is incorrect.
In summary, the correct answer is D, as statements I and II are correct. NITI Aayog aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and enhance cooperative federalism, and the Prime Minister of India is the ex officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog. The number of full-time members in NITI Aayog is not fixed at 8, making statement III incorrect.