Explanations:NITI Aayog, or National Institution for Transforming India, is a significant policy think tank established by the Government of India in 2015. It replaced the Planning Commission, which was a legacy institution from the pre-independence era. The primary objectives of NITI Aayog are to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance cooperative federalism in the country. These goals are central to the mission of NITI Aayog, making statement I correct.
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 their office, without the need for an additional appointment. This role underscores the importance of the Prime Minister's involvement in the strategic direction and policy formulation of the country, making statement II correct.
Regarding the number of full-time members in NITI Aayog, the organization has a more complex structure than just a fixed number of full-time members. It includes a Governing Council, which comprises the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Chief Ministers of all States, and the Administrators of Union Territories. Additionally, there are several full-time members who are experts in various fields, but the exact number can vary. Therefore, statement III is incorrect as it specifies a fixed number of full-time members, which is not accurate.
In summary, the correct answer is D) Only I & II. This is because NITI Aayog's primary objectives include achieving Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing cooperative federalism, and the Prime Minister of India is the ex officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog. Understanding these roles and objectives is crucial for comprehending the functioning and significance of NITI Aayog in the Indian governance structure.