Explanations –

Statement 1 is correct. El Niño is characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, including off the coasts of Peru and Ecuador. It disrupts normal oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant climatic impacts globally.

Statement 2 is incorrect. El Niño typically causes warmer-than-normal temperatures and reduced monsoon rainfall in India, which can negatively impact both kharif and rabi crops. Rather than improving rabi crop yields, it often results in heat stress and reduced agricultural productivity.

Source: The Hindu