Q1. When was the NITI Aayog officially established?
- 13 August 2014
- 1 January 2015
- 15 August 2014
- 2 October 2014
Correct Option: 2. 1 January 2015.
Explanation: The NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015 by an executive resolution of the Government of India, replacing the Planning Commission which was scrapped on 13 August 2014.
Q2. Which of the following statements about NITI Aayog is TRUE?
- It is a constitutional body.
- It was created by an Act of Parliament.
- It has statutory authority.
- It was created by an executive resolution.
Correct Option: 4. It was created by an executive resolution.
Explanation: NITI Aayog is a non-constitutional and non-statutory body formed through an executive decision of the Union Cabinet. It has no legal or constitutional status.
Q3. Who is the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog?
- Vice President of India
- Prime Minister of India
- President of India
- Finance Minister
Correct Option: 2. Prime Minister of India.
Explanation: The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of the NITI Aayog.
Q4. Which of the following best describes the core mission of the NITI Aayog?
- Allocate funds to states
- Provide direct employment
- Act as a policy think-tank and strategic advisory body
- Regulate economic sectors
Correct Option: 3. Act as a policy think-tank and strategic advisory body.
Explanation: NITI Aayog functions as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional, strategic and technical advice.
Q5. Which of the following was a major criticism against the formation of NITI Aayog?
- It lacked constitutional status and was seen as a gimmick
- It gave too much power to the states
- It focused too much on agriculture
- It continued the command economy model
Correct Option: 3. Act as a policy think-tank and strategic advisory body.
Explanation: Critics, especially from opposition parties, argued that NITI Aayog was a cosmetic change and lacked any legal or constitutional backing. Some also feared it would encourage corporate influence over policymaking.