UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 42

Correct answer: Option D. NITI Aayog was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It was designed as a policy think tank emphasizing cooperative federalism, strategic policy advice and a less centralized planning framework. It did not replace the Finance Commission, Human Rights Commission or Law Commission, each of which has a distinct constitutional or statutory role. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Human Rights Commission” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “Finance Commission” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “Law Commission” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Planning Commission” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.