Exercise Malabar - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following statements is/are correct about Exercise Malabar?

1. Exercise Malabar 2015 will be the first multilateral Malabar exercise to be held in waters near India since 2007.
2. Exercise Malabar is traditionally bilateral naval exercise between US & India which will include Australia this year.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
- Exercise Malabar 2015 will see Japan’s participation in a naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal after eight years, but Australia will not be participating.
- Exercise Malabar is a bilateral naval exercise involving the United States and India. Participation has been expanded in some years to include Japan, Australia and/or Singapore.
- The annual Malabar series began in 1992, and includes diverse activities, ranging from fighter combat operations from aircraft carriers, through Maritime Interdiction Operations Exercises.
- 2014 Malabar exercise were held at Sasebo naval base in Japan.