Rajiv Gandhi was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ after his death.

The correct answer is: B. Posthumous.

Posthumous means “after death.” Rajiv Gandhi was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1991, posthumously, after he was assassinated in 1991.

The other options are incorrect.

• Ephemeral means “lasting for a very short time.”
• Extempore means “without preparation.”
• Maiden means “first.”