Statement I : In the northern hemisphere the ocean currents flowing from equator towards the north pole and from pole towards the equator are deflected to their right Statement II : This happens due to rotation of the Earth on the axis from west to east

Statement I is correct as ocean currents and winds in the Northern Hemisphere are deflected to the right of their path of motion, regardless of whether they move from the equator toward the pole or vice versa [1]. This phenomenon is known as the Coriolis effect. Statement II provides the correct explanation: this deflection is an apparent force caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis from west to east [1]. Because the Earth rotates, the surface moves beneath freely moving objects like water and air, creating a curved path relative to the ground [3]. In the Northern Hemisphere, this rotation results in a rightward deflection, while in the Southern Hemisphere, objects deflect to the left [2]. Therefore, the rotation of the Earth is the fundamental cause of the deflection described in Statement I.

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > UPSC Prelims 2011] Which one of the following weather conditions is indicated by a sudden fall in barometer reading? > p. 308
2. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Why Tropical Cyclones Do Not Form At The Equator? > p. 310
3. [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Movements of Ocean Currents > p. 110