Non-Constitutional & Statutory Bodies (Indian Polity).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Indian Polity and Governance; Mains GS2
NITI Aayog for UPSC: 2015 Cabinet resolution, structure, Governing Council, think-tank role, indices and how it differs from the Planning Commission.
RTI Act for UPSC: origins in the MKSS movement, how to file, 30-day rule, Section 8 exemptions, Information Commissions, the 2019 amendment…
Lokpal for UPSC: the 2013 Act, composition and selection committee, jurisdiction over the Prime Minister, Lokayuktas in States, performance and real PYQs.
NHRC for UPSC: Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, composition after the 2019 amendment, appointment, powers, limits, State commissions and real PYQs.
On 17 August 2026 the Central Information Commission launched AppCoMS 2.0, its upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System for second appeals and complaints under the RTI Act, 2005. Applicants and CPIOs now get user accounts linked to e-mail and mobile. Applicants can track timelines and download notices, and the Commission can sign orders digitally.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CIC.
17 Aug 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved appointments to the National Statistical Commission, MoSPI said on 17 June 2026. Set up in 2005, the NSC is the nodal body for core statistical activities, priorities and standards. It has a part-time Chairperson, four part-time Members, the NITI Aayog CEO as ex-officio Member, and the MoSPI Secretary as its Secretary.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NSC composition.
17 Jun 2026
The roadmap stresses that states and private investors must share the work. Talent and fabrication capacity are the real bottlenecks.
UPSC angle: Prelims: National Quantum Mission, NITI Frontier Tech Hub. · Mains: frontier technology policy.
4 Dec 2025
Researchers lose time to procurement rules and audits. Money alone will not fix that, which is why NITI is looking at rules and processes.
UPSC angle: Mains: R&D ecosystem.
2 Nov 2025
Outdoor workers and homeless people bear the heat burden.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NHRC.
1 May 2025