Bolt’s running shoe auctioned for $18,000

London: A signed running shoe belonging to Usain Bolt was sold for 16,000 euros (Rs 7,919,728.56 or $18,152) in an internet auction. After 30 bids, the final amount doubled the initial expectations (around $9,065) of the auction house Catawiki. The shoe belongs to a pair used by Bolt during the 2015 World Championship in Beijing in the 100 metre sprint where he finished ahead of US’ Justin Gatlin. IANS

Canada to US tourists: Leave guns at home

Ottawa: A rash of gun-toting Americans visiting Canada prompted its border agency to launch a public awareness campaign, reminding Americans about their northern neighbours' relatively strict firearms laws. "Non-restricted firearms can be used for hunting purposes and protection against wildlife in remote areas," the Canada Border Services Agency said. But, it added, the "use of firearms for personal protection, or protection of property is not deemed a valid purpose to import firearms." AFP

Paris tourism lost 750 m euros after attacks 

Paris: Islamist attacks, strikes and floods kept foreign tourists away from the French capital in the first half of the year and cost the Paris region tourism industry 750 million euros ($849.38 million) in lost revenue, officials said. Tourism generates over 7 per cent of national gross domestic product and over 13 pc of that of the Ile-de-France region, which includes Paris, world’s most visited city. Reuters

Largest 34-kg pearl on display soon 

Manila: The world's largest natural pearl, 67 cm long, 30.5 cm wide and weighing 34 kg, will be put on display in Philippines soon. The $100 m treasure was recovered from a burnt house. An official said the pearl was first found in 2006 by a fisherman of Palawan Island. The previous record was held by the Pearl of Lao Tze, which weighs 6.4 kg and is worth $35 million. It was also retrieved near Palawan. IANS