Russia has agreed to release nearly 100 whales which have been held for months in cramped pens by firms hoping to sell them in China.
A petition signed by nearly 1.5 million people helped to raise awareness of the plight of the whales, which will now be freed with the help of international scientists.
Lucy Taylor reports from Moscow:
Saudi Arabia says shrapnel from intercepted ballistic missile in Asir injures one
An Asian expat was injured after shrapnel from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in Ahad Rafidah governorate in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia's state news agency reported.
India's 'cockroach' youth party to protest, demand poll chief's resignation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced renewed pressure on Friday as the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party and a separate coalition of student and activist groups stage fresh protests, demanding the resignation of the elections commission chief over a controversial voter roll revision.
Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000, government data shows
The number of deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000, government data showed on Friday, as the worst epidemic in the country's history resists containment efforts.
About 400 French schools closed as some student protests turn violent
About 400 schools in France are expected to remain closed on Friday after student protests that began over education-related grievances escalated into violence in some places.
Yemeni air force carries out strikes on Houthi targets in Taiz province
Yemen's armed forces spokesperson said on Friday its warplanes carried out around 40 precision strikes targeting Houthi movements, reinforcements, gatherings, personnel, vehicles, and military equipment in Taiz province.
