A
2 only
B
Both 1 and 2
C
Neither 1 nor 2
D
1 only
Correct answer: (d) 1 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because El Niño causes periodic warming of equatorial Pacific waters, leading to weakened Indian southwest monsoon rainfall due to suppressed convection over South Asia. Statement 2 is incorrect because monsoon withdrawal traditionally begins from northwest India in September, not southern India, as continental high pressure builds. Thus, only statement 1 is correct.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.