9th SLINEX (Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise)

Current Context: The 9th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and Sri Lanka named SLINEX has commenced from 7th March and will be held till 10th March 2022.

• It is being held at Visakhapatnam.
• The objective of the SLINEX is to enhance interoperability and develop mutual understanding between the navies of both countries.
• It is being held in two phases. The first phase is the Harbour Phase which was held at Visakhapatnam on 7th and 8th March 2022. The second phase is the Sea Phase which will be held at the Bay of Bengal. On 9th and 10th March 2022.
• India’s Navy is being represented by INS Kirch and Sri Lankan Navy is being represented by SLNS Sayurala.
• They will explore various multi-faceted maritime operations.
• The harbour phase includes practices like professional, cultural, sporting, and social exchanges. The sea phase includes practices like surface weapon firing, anti-air weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, aviation operations cross-deck flying, and advanced tactical manoeuvres.
• Static Part: 
• Capital of Sri Lanka: Sri Jayewardenapura Kotte, Colombo
• Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan Rupee

Question: 

Q.1 Which edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and Sri Lanka named SLINEX took place in March 2022?
a. 4th
b. 12th
c. 17th
d. 9th