The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Advancing Monsoon, also known as the South-West Monsoon, is a significant seasonal weather phenomenon in India driven by differential heating of land and sea masses and the shifting of pressure belts.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The South-East Trade winds originate in the Southern Hemisphere. Attracted by the intense low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent, they cross the equator. Due to the Coriolis force, these winds are deflected to the right towards the Indian peninsula, blowing in a south-westerly direction.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Since these winds travel over the warm oceans (the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea) before reaching the landmass, they pick up abundant moisture. They are moisture-laden winds responsible for widespread rainfall over India, not dry winds.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The advance of the monsoon is rapid. It typically strikes the southern tip of the Indian peninsula by the first week of June. It progresses swiftly, reaching Mumbai by roughly the 10th of June and covering the Saurashtra-Kutch region by mid-June. By mid-July, the monsoon extends to Himachal Pradesh and the rest of the country. Thus, the entire country is covered in approximately one month to 45 days.
Key Takeaway:
The South-West Monsoon is formed by South-East Trade winds that cross the equator, pick up moisture from the ocean, and cover the Indian subcontinent roughly between early June and mid-July.