Correct Option (a):
The African and Eurasian desert belt, which includes major deserts like the Sahara, Arabian, and Thar, is primarily located within the sub-tropical high-pressure cells, approximately between 20° and 30° latitudes in both hemispheres. These high-pressure zones are characterized by descending air, which warms as it descends, suppressing cloud formation and precipitation. This results in clear skies, high temperatures, low humidity, and arid conditions, making it a fundamental reason for desert formation. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Incorrect Options:
Statement 2 is incorrect. The western margins of many deserts within this belt, such as the Sahara Desert, are influenced by cold ocean currents (e.g., the Canary Current). Cold ocean currents cool the overlying air, increasing its stability and reducing its moisture-holding capacity. This prevents convection and cloud formation, thereby suppressing precipitation and contributing to the aridity of coastal regions. Warm ocean currents, conversely, typically bring moisture and lead to increased rainfall, which is not conducive to desert formation.
Since statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect, options (b) "2 only", (c) "Both 1 & 2", and (d) "Neither 1 nor 2" are incorrect.