Art & Culture Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The three Tamil Nadu temple bronzes whose return was announced in May 2026 are being repatriated from which institution?
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Correct answer: A — Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The bronzes are being repatriated from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the United States.
The Chola-period Shiva Nataraja (c. 990 CE) being repatriated from the Smithsonian originally belonged to a temple in which district of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — Thanjavur
It belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thanjavur district, where it was photographed in 1957.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav held on 11 May 2026 marked how many years since the consecration of the restored Somnath Temple?
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Correct answer: B — 75 years
The Mahotsav marked 75 years since the restored temple was consecrated in 1951; 1,000 years refers to Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack in 1026 AD.
In 1951 the restored Somnath Temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of which dignitary?
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Correct answer: D — President Dr Rajendra Prasad
PIB notes that in 1951 the restored temple was opened to devotees in the presence of the then President Dr Rajendra Prasad; Sardar Patel had taken up the restoration after Independence.
Consider the following statements about the Somnath Temple: 1. Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked and destroyed the temple in 1026 AD. 2. After Aurangzeb's desecration, a new temple was established by Ahilyabai Holkar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as recalled by the PM at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (PIB, 11 January 2026).
Pochishe Boishakh, observed on 9 May 2026, marks the birth anniversary of whom as per the Bengali calendar?
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Correct answer: D — Rabindranath Tagore
Pochishe Boishakh marks Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary as per the Bengali calendar; the PM paid tribute on the day.
At the NCM seminar on Parsis in Mumbai in May 2026, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju spoke of the Government's efforts to rejuvenate which language linked to the Parsi community?
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Correct answer: A — Avestan
Rijiju elaborated on efforts to rejuvenate the Avestan language and to address the declining Parsi population.
The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), whose 19th edition is scheduled for 15–21 June 2026, is dedicated to which kinds of films?
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Correct answer: C — Documentary, short fiction and animation films
MIFF, established in 1990, is South Asia's oldest festival for documentary, short fiction and animation films.
India's Pavilion opened in May 2026 at which edition of the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia?
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Correct answer: C — 61st
The Pavilion of India opened at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
What is the title of the exhibition at the Pavilion of India at the Venice Biennale 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Geographies of Distance: remembering home
The India Pavilion presents 'Geographies of Distance: remembering home', curated by Dr Amin Jaffer; 'In Minor Keys' is the exhibition it responds to.
The India Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale marks India's return to the Biennale Arte after which year?
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Correct answer: A — 2019
The exhibition marks India's return to the Biennale Arte since 2019.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), whose Phase 1 is targeted for July 2026, is being built at:
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Correct answer: A — Lothal, Gujarat
The NMHC is under construction at Lothal, Gujarat.
With how many countries has India signed MoUs for collaboration on the National Maritime Heritage Complex, as of May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 10
India has signed 10 MoUs with as many countries, and 4 more (Italy, France, Myanmar, Cambodia) are likely to sign.
Udant Martand, recalled at the release of IIMC's special issue on 200 years of Hindi journalism, was published from Calcutta in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1826
Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper, was published from Calcutta in 1826.
The holy relics of Lord Buddha exhibited in Leh from 1 May 2026 are linked to which stupa?
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Correct answer: A — Piprahwa Stupa, Kapilavastu
PM Modi said the relics are linked to the Piprahwa Stupa in Kapilavastu and were excavated in the closing years of the nineteenth century.
Consider the following statements about the Buddha relics exposition in Leh inaugurated on 1 May 2026: 1. The exposition will continue until 14 May 2026. 2. The exposition will also travel to Zanskar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the exposition continues until 14 May and will also travel to Zanskar.
While inaugurating the relics exposition in Leh, Amit Shah named four traditions that shaped Ladakh's spiritual identity. Which of the following was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: D — Theravada
The four traditions named were Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug; Theravada was not among them.
Who was appointed Festival Director of the 57th International Film Festival of India in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ashutosh Gowariker
The I&B Ministry appointed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director of IFFI 57.
Consider the following statements about the International Film Festival of India (IFFI): 1. IFFI was established in 1952. 2. The 57th edition of IFFI is to be held in Goa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: IFFI was born in 1952, and its 57th edition is to be held in Goa.
The 'Padma Doree' textile initiative launched in May 2026 blends Eri silk of Northeast India with which weaving tradition?
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Correct answer: B — Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh
Padma Doree blends Eri (Ahimsa) silk of Northeast India with the Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
'Padma Doree' was unveiled in May 2026 by NEHHDC. NEHHDC is a CPSE under which Ministry?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) is a CPSE under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
Raghu Rai, who died on 26 April 2026, was the first Indian photographer invited to join which photo agency?
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Correct answer: C — Magnum Photos
Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977 on the nomination of Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Which photographer nominated Raghu Rai to join Magnum Photos?
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Correct answer: A — Henri Cartier-Bresson
Rai was nominated by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, a founding member of Magnum.
In which year did Raghu Rai join Magnum Photos?
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Correct answer: D — 1977
The Indian Express and the BBC both report that Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977.
The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata announced in April 2026 is to be held in Ladakh during:
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Correct answer: A — 1–15 May 2026
The exposition is scheduled in Ladakh from 1 to 15 May 2026.
Which organisation is partnering the Ministry of Culture and the UT Administration of Ladakh in organising the 2026 exposition of Buddha's relics?
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Correct answer: D — International Buddhist Confederation
The exposition is organised by the Ministry of Culture with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the International Buddhist Confederation.
Who won the 61st Femina Miss India, wearing the traditional Kunbi weave in the 'Vishwa Sutra' collection?
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Correct answer: A — Sadhvi Satish Sail
Sadhvi Satish Sail, winner of the 61st Femina Miss India, wore the Kunbi weave reimagined in a Central European silhouette.
In the 'Vishwa Sutra' collection, the Patola weave was paired with design influences from which country?
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Correct answer: C — Spain
Patola was paired with Spanish influences; Odisha Ikat with Greek, Kanchipuram with Norwegian and Muga with Egyptian elements.
According to the PIB backgrounder of April 2026, how many centrally protected monuments does the Archaeological Survey of India safeguard?
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Correct answer: D — 3,686
The backgrounder says the ASI safeguards 3,686 centrally protected monuments.
Consider the following statements, based on the PIB backgrounder on monuments (April 2026): 1. India has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the latest being the Maratha Military Landscapes. 2. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 empowers the government, through the ASI, to regulate construction around protected monuments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the backgrounder.
Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri, where the Prime Minister inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira on 15 April 2026, is in which district of Karnataka?
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Correct answer: C — Mandya
PIB places Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya, Karnataka.
In the appeals made at Adichunchanagiri on 15 April 2026, by how much did the Prime Minister ask people to reduce the oil in their food to tackle obesity?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
The seventh appeal was to reduce the amount of oil in food by 10%.
Which birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was observed on 14 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 135th
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the 135th birth anniversary.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the Ambedkar Jayanti event at Prerna Sthal, functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
PIB states the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Consider the following statements: 1. Prerna Sthal, where the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti tributes were paid, is in the Parliament House premises in New Delhi. 2. The Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PIB places Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House premises and names Dr. Virendra Kumar as Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
What is the title of the philatelic exhibition inaugurated at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on 14 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat: Celebrating India's Unity & Democracy through Postage Stamps
The Department of Posts titled it 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat: Celebrating India's Unity & Democracy through Postage Stamps'.
Picture postcards released at the philatelic exhibition on 14 April 2026 marked which Foundation Day of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya?
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Correct answer: D — 4th
One set of picture postcards marked the 4th Foundation Day of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
On which date did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre take place in Amritsar?
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Correct answer: C — 13 April 1919
The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, 1951 refers to those killed or wounded on 13 April 1919 in Jallianwala Bagh.
The erection and management of the National Memorial at Jallianwala Bagh is provided for by which law, administered by the Ministry of Culture?
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Correct answer: D — Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, 1951
PRS notes that the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, 1951 (Ministry of Culture) provides for the erection of a National Memorial in memory of those killed or wounded on 13 April 1919 in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, and creates a Trust to manage it.
The Bizu festival, celebrated at the Chakma Yuva Samvad in New Delhi in April 2026, is a traditional festival of which community?
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Correct answer: D — Chakma
The Bizu festival is the traditional festival of the Chakma people.
Who delivered the keynote address as Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes at the Chakma Yuva Samvad on 12 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Antar Singh Arya
NCST Chairman Antar Singh Arya gave the keynote; NCST Member Nirupama Chakma was a Guest of Honour.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is established under which Article of the Constitution of India?
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Correct answer: B — Article 338A
Article 338A provides for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes; Article 338 is for the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
The 200th birth anniversary commemoration that began on 11 April 2026 honours which social reformer?
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Correct answer: A — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
The commemoration marks the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890).
Where were floral tributes to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule offered for the first time within Parliament premises on 11 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Prerna Sthal
For the first time, floral tributes were offered at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex.
Consider the following statements about the Phule 200th birth anniversary commemoration: 1. It is guided by a High-Level Committee chaired by the Prime Minister. 2. It was approved by a National Implementation Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: a 126-member High-Level Committee chaired by the PM guides it, and the NIC chaired by the Home Minister approved it on 6 April 2026.
Which organisation is the nodal agency for the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule 200th birth anniversary commemorative initiative?
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Correct answer: D — Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is the nodal agency, with activities anchored at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, whose Parkash Purab was marked on 7 April 2026, was which Guru of Sikhism?
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Correct answer: D — Ninth
The Home Ministry release describes Guru Tegh Bahadur as the ninth Guru of Sikhism.
By which title is Guru Tegh Bahadur revered, as cited in the Home Minister's Parkash Purab message of April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Hind di Chadar
Amit Shah's message refers to 'Hind di Chadar' Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) signed an MoU on 7 April 2026 with which body to expand the global reach of Indian cultural content?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
The I&B Ministry said Doordarshan signed the MoU with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Consider the following statements about the Doordarshan–ICCR MoU: 1. It provides for joint ownership of content rights, including digital rights, in perpetuity. 2. It was signed on 7 April 2026 at Doordarshan Bhawan, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the I&B Ministry release.
Where did Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 conclude on 5 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Sunder Nursery, New Delhi
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs said the closing ceremony was held at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi.
Which brand for tribal craftsmanship was launched during Bharat Tribes Fest 2026?
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Correct answer: A — RISA
The release says the RISA brand was launched on 18 March 2026 by Jual Oram and Savitri Thakur.
For how many days was Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 held?
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Correct answer: D — 19 days
The ministry described the closing as the culmination of a 19-day celebration.
Where was the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders addressed by the Vice President on 5 April 2026 held?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The Vice President's Secretariat said the conference was held at Bharat Mandapam.
Which Tamil sage did the Vice President cite at the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders, describing the body as a temple and meditation as a means to realise the Divine within?
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Correct answer: D — Thirumoolar
The Vice President recalled the teachings of the Tamil sage Thirumoolar.
Where was the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh Sahyog Sammelan held on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Varanasi
The MP-UP Cooperation Conference was held in Varanasi on 31 March 2026.
The MoU signed at the MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan between the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and the Mahakaleshwar temple is expected to help preparations for which event?
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Correct answer: B — Simhastha 2028, Ujjain
CM Mohan Yadav said the experience gained in Varanasi would be useful for preparations for Simhastha-2028 in Ujjain.
The Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, a Jain Heritage Museum inaugurated on 31 March 2026, is located at:
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Correct answer: A — Koba Tirth, Gandhinagar
The PM inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
On which occasion was the Samrat Samprati Museum inaugurated in March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti
It was inaugurated on 31 March 2026, the occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti.
The Gyan Bharatam Survey, highlighted in the 132nd Mann Ki Baat on 29 March 2026, collects information about:
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Correct answer: D — Manuscripts
The PM said the objective of the Gyan Bharatam Survey is to collect information about manuscripts across the country, through the Gyan Bharatam App.
According to the PM in Mann Ki Baat (March 2026), about how many artificial water harvesting structures have been created under the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan?
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Correct answer: C — 50 lakh
Nearly 50 lakh artificial water harvesting structures have been created under the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan; nearly 70,000 Amrit Sarovars have been built.
Chizami village, praised in Mann Ki Baat for women preserving over 150 traditional seed varieties in a community seed bank, is in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Nagaland
The PM cited Chizami village in Nagaland, where women preserve over 150 varieties of traditional seeds.
Match the place with its mention in Mann Ki Baat (29 March 2026): 1. Wangmun – a. Seed bank run by women 2. Chizami – b. Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Jampui Hills Which is the correct match?
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Correct answer: B — 1-b, 2-a
Wangmun village in Tripura's Jampui Hills adopted rooftop rainwater harvesting; Chizami village in Nagaland has a women-run community seed bank.
Which Indian athlete, mentioned in Mann Ki Baat in March 2026, became the first Indian to complete a half marathon in under an hour?
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Correct answer: B — Gulveer Singh
The PM said Gulveer Singh of Uttar Pradesh finished third in the New York City Half Marathon and became the first Indian to complete a half marathon in under an hour.
The Madhavpur Mela, for which the PM extended greetings in March 2026, is held in which district of Gujarat?
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Correct answer: D — Porbandar
The PM extended greetings for the ongoing Madhavpur Mela taking place in Porbandar, Gujarat.
According to the PM, the Madhavpur Mela reinforces the cultural bond between Gujarat and which region?
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Correct answer: B — The Northeast
The PM said the festival reinforces the timeless cultural bond between Gujarat and the Northeast.
The 'Surya Tilak' witnessed by PM Modi on 27 March 2026 took place at which temple?
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Correct answer: C — Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya
The Surya Tilak took place at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya, on Ram Navami.
The Surya Tilak at Ayodhya on Ram Navami is achieved by:
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Correct answer: D — Sunlight directed through a system of mirrors and lenses
A system of mirrors and lenses directs sunlight onto the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol at noon.