India’s Somdev through to Chennai Open second round

CHENNAI - Somdev Devvarman advanced to the second round of the Chennai Open tennis with a 6-3, 6-3 win against American Kevin Kim here Tuesday keeping Indian interest alive as in the $450,000 tournament.

Djokovic unruffled despite Brisbane shock loss

BRISBANE - Novak Djokovic’s upcoming defence of his Australian Open title was plunged into chaos Tuesday as the Serb crashed out 4-6, 4-6 against Latvia’s Ernests Gublisin in his opening match at the Brisbane International tennis.

India, Spain set up anti-terror mechanism

NEW DELHI - India Monday shared with Spain the evidence linking Pakistan-based elements to Mumbai’s terror carnage even as the two countries set up a joint anti-terror mechanism to deal with this global menace.

Hundreds of Cubans apply for Spanish citizenship

HAVANA - Hundreds of Cubans are applying for Spanish citizenship as part of Madrid’s new ‘law of grandchildren’, which comes into force next week, EFE reported Saturday.

Spain refuses to receive Guantanamo prisoners

MADRID - Spain has refused to accept any inmate from the Guantánamo prison, saying that would create serious legal problems.

Spain rules out more troops for Afghanistan

MADRID - Spain has ruled out more troops for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) fighting the Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan but said it was considering sending peacekeepers to war-ravaged Somalia.

Bangalore expats scale down yearend celebrations

BANGALORE - They are an increasingly visible part of Bangalore’s seven million population but expatriates in India’s IT hub have been known for their whole-hearted participation in major events the city celebrates, including the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. But not this year.