In August 2025, Assam has launched the Operation Falcon ___________.

The correct answer is to protect one-horned rhinos from poachers . Key Points Operation Falcon was launched by the Assam government in August 2025 to address the critical issue of poaching of one-horned rhinos in the state. The state of Assam is globally renowned for its Kaziranga National Park , which houses the majority of the world's population of Indian one-horned rhinos . The operation aims to strengthen anti-poaching measures by deploying advanced surveillance technology , increasing manpower, and intensifying security protocols in rhino habitats. One-horned rhinos are classified as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List , and their conservation is critical for maintaining biodiversity. Rhino poaching is primarily driven by the illegal trade of rhino horns , which are falsely believed to have medicinal properties in certain cultures. Additional Information One-Horned Rhino Conservation Efforts: The Indian one-horned rhinoceros , also known as the Indian rhinoceros , is primarily found in Assam, particularly in Kaziranga National Park , Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and Manas National Park. Conservation efforts have included the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 , which aimed to increase the population of rhinos to 3,000 by 2020 across protected areas in Assam. Efforts like anti-poaching camps , community awareness programs, and strict enforcement of wildlife laws have been implemented. Technology such as drones and GPS tracking has been increasingly employed for surveillance and monitoring of rhino habitats. Illegal Trade and Threats: Rhino horns are often trafficked in international markets, particularly in Asia , where they are falsely believed to have medicinal properties. The horns are composed primarily of keratin , the same substance found in human hair and nails, and have no proven medicinal value. Poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict are the primary threats to rhino populations. Indian Wildlife Protection Framework: The conservation of rhinos is supported under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 , which prohibits hunting and trade of endangered species. The National Board for Wildlife and various state wildlife boards actively work toward the protection of endangered species. Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Assam, famous for its population of one-horned rhinos. The park spans an area of approximately 430 square kilometers and includes grasslands, wetlands, and tropical forests. Kaziranga has been a success story in rhino conservation, with the rhino population increasing due to stringent anti-poaching measures. Important Points Other Conservation Programs: The Project Tiger and Project Elephant are similar initiatives aimed at conserving other endangered species in India. Community participation plays a vital role in wildlife conservation. Programs like the Eco-development Committees engage local communities in conservation efforts. International Agreements: India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) , which regulates trade in endangered species. Collaborative efforts with neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan have been undertaken for transboundary conservation. Threatened Species in India: Other vulnerable species in India include the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and Indian elephant , which are also subject to conservation initiatives.