Garry Kasparov

Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead in Moscow late on February 27, was well-known as an oppositional leader and one of the main figures to harshly criticize Russia's politics as led by President Vladimir Putin.

Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen retained his title as World Chess Champion on Nov. 24, defeating rival Viswanathan Anand for the second year in a row.

The 23-year-old world number one beat India's Anand, title-holder of the championship from 2007 to 2013 when he was dethroned by Carlsen, in two of 11 games of the competition, with the others ending in draws.        

Russian authorities blocked on Thursday three websites and a blog that had connections with the opposition.

The country's General Prosecutor ordered the sites because they had encouraged "illegal activities and participation in public events held in violation of the established order," The New York Times has quoted Russian officials as saying.