MANAMA: An emotional welcome greeted Bahraini fisherman Adel Ali Mohammed yesterday, as he returned home four months after being detained in Qatar. He was shot and arrested in May for allegedly straying into the country's territorial waters, but released in time for the Eid Al Fitr holidays following a Royal pardon.

MANAMA: Bahrain is cracking down on rogue clerics accused of using mosques to incite violence. Strict new rules are being drawn up by the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry, after His Majesty King Hamad called for urgent action during a televised address.

MANAMA: Gulf Air is one of 12 carriers targeted for takeover by British Airways and Iberia on their way to creating the world's largest airline group, it is being claimed.

MANAMA: Bahrain is making giant social and economic strides despite challenges, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said last night. In an interview with American newspaper USA Today, HRH the Premier stressed the need to find a balanced solution to address such challenges and bring about better change.

TEARS of joy were shed as a Bahraini fisherman, arrested after being shot for allegedly straying into Qatar's territorial waters, returned home safely yesterday. Flowers were strewn across the Muharraq jetty to mark the homecoming of Adel Ali Mohammed in time for Eid Al Fitr holiday.

A HUMANITARIAN mission to turn a family's rundown house into a dream home almost went up in smoke, when flames ripped through the property on Sunday. Six students had spent two weeks decorating, repairing and furnishing the Hamad Town villa belonging to a Bahraini family of 12 - with new furniture being delivered to the family today.

A MAJOR fire that destroyed a Ramadan tent and damaged a house and car in Bilad Al Qadeem caused damage worth an estimated BD5,000, it emerged yesterday.

MANAMA: His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday issued a circular on Eid Al Fitr holidays.

A SHIP at the centre of a pay row between seven Indonesian crewmen and their Kuwaiti bosses was seized by Bahraini authorities, after it emerged its owner allegedly owed $100,000 (BD37,800) to a local firm.

AN absence of shamal winds that traditionally sweep down the Gulf was responsible for soaring temperatures last month, according to Bahrain's met office. August has been named the third hottest month since records began in 1902, with a mean temperature of 35.7C.

A CRACKDOWN has been launched against rogue clerics, allegedly using mosques to incite violence on Bahrain's streets. Work is already underway to draw up strict new rules governing Islamic preaching by the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry.

A GROUP of Bahrain citizens and residents are spearheading a campaign against acts of terror as a show of support to the government and people.

BAHRAIN's third shipment of aid to flood-hit Pakistan will be dispatched today. It is part of the BD2.6 million aid consignment, consisting of medical equipment, medicine, food and tents.

TEN Indian workers, who claim they have been stranded at their labour camp without power and water since early July, were yesterday given their passports and tickets home.

SIX Indian workers filed a complaint at the Indian Embassy yesterday claiming they had not been paid in two months.

CAMPAIGNERS yesterday demanded to know how patients reportedly suffering from serious infectious conditions were placed in the same ward as sickle cell patients.

A TOP health official yesterday pledged to ensure a full medical service provided to a teenage girl, who allegedly caught Hepatitis C following a blood transfusion.

HIS Majesty King Hamad yesterday received a phone call from UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stressing his country's solidarity with Bahrain over measures taken to protect its security and stability.