IWC-70 in Hobart: India backs science-based cetacean conservation
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At the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Hobart, Australia (28 September to 2 October 2026), India called for science-based conservation of whales and other cetaceans. The meeting marks 80 years of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in 1946. India has been an IWC member since 1981.
- Meeting
- IWC-70, Hobart, Australia
- Dates
- 28 Sep to 2 Oct 2026
- Convention
- signed Washington DC, 2 Dec 1946
- Members
- 89 governments
- India member since
- 1981
- Indian law
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
IWC-70: what happened?
Whales and dolphins face threats from ships, nets and pollution. The IWC is the global body that manages whaling and whale conservation.
- India stressed collaboration among range countries and science-based conservation at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission, Hobart, 28 Sep–2 Oct 2026 [PIB].
What did India say?
- Range countries, scientists and international bodies must work together.
- Better data on population, movement, breeding and threats is needed.
- Cetaceans in Indian waters get the highest legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The Arabian Sea humpback whale is among 25 species picked for focused conservation.
What can Prelims ask on IWC-70?
- IWC was set up under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, 1946.
- India joined the IWC in 1981.
- IWC-70 was held in Hobart.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB, MoEFCC (2026-09-28): india stressed collaboration among range countries and science-based conservation at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission, Hobart, 28 Sep–2 Oct 2026.
- International environmental bodies and their conventions are frequent Prelims items.
Quotable data pointIndia stressed collaboration among range countries and science-based conservation at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission, Hobart, 28 Sep–2 Oct 2026.
PIB, MoEFCC: India at IWC-70, Hobart, 28 Sep 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: IWC parent convention; cetacean examples (Gangetic dolphin).
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
The International Whaling Commission was set up under a convention signed in
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB, 28 Sep 2026.
Questions students ask about this
What is the IWC?
The global body for managing whaling and conserving whales, set up under the 1946 whaling convention.
Since when is India an IWC member?
Since 1981.
Where was IWC-70 held?
In Hobart, Australia.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB, MoEFCC: India at IWC-70, Hobart, 28 Sep 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending