Latest news with #Cyanide
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Circling back to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, a traumatic moment in Madras' history
It was a summer night of stifling heat. The kind that forces you to seek refuge in the terrace, sprinkle some water, roll a mat, and lapse into intermittent sleep. It was May 21, 1991, and Madras denizens, coping with a humid day, were all set to rest. Traffic on the streets dwindled, some flights glided through the clear skies, a few discussed the annual kathiri-veyil (peak summer), and suddenly, a man ran across with a lament: 'Rajiv Gandhiye konnutanga (Rajiv Gandhi has been killed).' There was a sense of disbelief before the truth settled down in all its gory details. Yes, India's former prime minister had been assassinated during an election rally at Sriperumbudur. A suicide bomber had done the terrible deed, and the motive extended all the way to Sri Lanka, with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) being the conspirators. India's earlier attempt at playing mediator during the Sri Lankan Tamil crisis evoked varying reactions. Obviously, the LTTE was not in agreement, and the subsequent move to have an Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) stationed in the neighbouring island added to the complications. Once news spread about the assassination, the city plunged into shock. Public aversion cropped up against the LTTE as Tamil Nadu, known for its hospitality, had to now confront a political murder in its backyard. There was always a kinship with Sri Lankan Tamils, that feeling remained, but any latent support to outfits like LTTE began to dwindle. Doordarshan and All India Radio were sought for updates. This was the pre-internet era and there were no cellphones either, and news trickled in slowly. The night was long and eventually at dawn, papers ranging from The Hindu to Dina Thanthi were scanned for information about a killing that triggered shockwaves through India and the world. Recently, the 34th anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi's death passed by, and a memorial at Sriperumbudur on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway serves as a stark reminder of a sombre night three decades ago. Much has been written about the ghastly incident, and attempts were made even in films, cutting across languages, to capture the emotion and chaos of that time. Movies like Cyanide, Kuttrapathirikai, Madras Cafe, Mission 90 Days, and The Terrorist, all dealt with this theme. A nuanced gaze on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue was also sensitively revealed by Mani Ratnam's evocative Kannathil Muthamittal. And just as another May recedes, Chennai continues to grapple with heat and the odd summer rain. There is also the matter of dealing with a queasy memory from a distant night, one that altered India's political landscape.
North Wales Live
12-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Banned baby names in the UK: Real cases when parents were told 'no' and why
Parents in the UK usually have the liberty to name their offspring as they please but there are stringent regulations in place to prevent certain names from ever appearing on a birth certificate, according to the UK Deed Poll Office. The objective is to shield children from possible harm, mockery, or confusion, and to maintain official records that are clear and consistent. While the UK doesn't have an official list of proscribed baby names it doesn't mean there aren't existing guidelines, reports the Mirror. The UK Deed Poll Office notes that names may be declined for reasons such as: Inclusion of insulting language or profanity Use of symbols, numbers, or punctuation Excessive length or difficulty in pronunciation Potential to cause deception by using titles like King or Doctor Any names considered inappropriate or against public decency Simply put anything that might result in a child being subjected to bullying, derision, or mistaken for a healthcare professional could be ruled out. Instances of real names that didn't make the cut There have been notable cases where baby names have been turned down in the UK, including: Cyanide – Prohibited for its connection with poison. Martian – Discarded due to potential mockery. King – Refused as it may imply a title. Princess – Similarly blocked for its capacity to mislead. The UK Deed Poll Office website states: "While we don't have an official list of banned names we assess applications on a case-by-case basis and names that could cause a child harm or confusion will likely be rejected." Countries around the globe are cracking down on extreme baby names. The UK is joined by New Zealand, Germany, and Iceland in setting boundaries for baby naming. New Zealand has prohibited names like Lucifer, 4Real, and Anal while Germany has made names such as "Adolf Hitler" and "Osama Bin Laden" illegal. A notable case in the UK involved a mother who chose the names Cyanide and Preacher for her twins. The courts permitted Preacher but denied Cyanide. The UK Deed Poll Office explained that the name Cyanide was considered "inappropriate and harmful" due to its association with a lethal poison. Should a baby's name be rejected by the General Register Office or local registrar parents are required to pick an alternative. Official documents like birth certificates and passports are withheld until an acceptable name is provided. Read about a Welsh woman left unable to get a passport after legally changing her name to Pudsey Bear. The UK Deed Poll Office cautions that even registered names can face legal challenges if they're later deemed to contravene regulations, especially where the child's welfare is concerned. How to choose a name that is both legal and unique requires careful consideration. According to guidance from the UK Deed Poll Office, parents should:
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Banned baby names in the UK: Real cases when parents were told 'no' and why
Banned baby names in the UK: Real cases when parents were told 'no' and why While parents in the UK generally have the freedom to choose any name they like for their child there are a number of rules in place that mean certain names will never make it onto a birth certificate Parents in the UK usually have the liberty to name their offspring as they please but there are stringent regulations in place to prevent certain names from ever appearing on a birth certificate, according to the UK Deed Poll Office. The objective is to shield children from possible harm, mockery, or confusion, and to maintain official records that are clear and consistent. While the UK doesn't have an official list of proscribed baby names it doesn't mean there aren't existing guidelines, reports the Mirror. The UK Deed Poll Office notes that names may be declined for reasons such as: Inclusion of insulting language or profanity Use of symbols, numbers, or punctuation Excessive length or difficulty in pronunciation Potential to cause deception by using titles like King or Doctor Any names considered inappropriate or against public decency Simply put anything that might result in a child being subjected to bullying, derision, or mistaken for a healthcare professional could be ruled out. Instances of real names that didn't make the cut There have been notable cases where baby names have been turned down in the UK, including: Cyanide – Prohibited for its connection with poison. Martian – Discarded due to potential mockery. King – Refused as it may imply a title. Princess – Similarly blocked for its capacity to mislead. Article continues below The UK Deed Poll Office website states: "While we don't have an official list of banned names we assess applications on a case-by-case basis and names that could cause a child harm or confusion will likely be rejected." Countries around the globe are cracking down on extreme baby names. The UK is joined by New Zealand, Germany, and Iceland in setting boundaries for baby naming. New Zealand has prohibited names like Lucifer, 4Real, and Anal while Germany has made names such as "Adolf Hitler" and "Osama Bin Laden" illegal. A notable case in the UK involved a mother who chose the names Cyanide and Preacher for her twins. The courts permitted Preacher but denied Cyanide. The UK Deed Poll Office explained that the name Cyanide was considered "inappropriate and harmful" due to its association with a lethal poison. Should a baby's name be rejected by the General Register Office or local registrar parents are required to pick an alternative. Official documents like birth certificates and passports are withheld until an acceptable name is provided. Read about a Welsh woman left unable to get a passport after legally changing her name to Pudsey Bear. The UK Deed Poll Office cautions that even registered names can face legal challenges if they're later deemed to contravene regulations, especially where the child's welfare is concerned. How to choose a name that is both legal and unique requires careful consideration. According to guidance from the UK Deed Poll Office, parents should: Avoid offensive or rude language Refrain from using symbols or numbers in names Opt for a short and easy-to-spell name Avoid assigning official titles such as Lord or Sir Article continues below For those uncertain about their choices the Deed Poll Office provides ample resources and support to assist families in making suitable decisions.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Banned UK baby names and six reasons why they are outlawed including 'vulgar' titles
The UK doesn't have an official list of banned baby names, but there are several rules that parents must follow Choosing a baby name is one of life's toughest decisions. Some parents may opt for traditional titles while others will go for the kooky, eccentric, and 'out there' options. But if you are the latter and live in the UK, issues could arise. While parents typically have the freedom to name their offspring whatever they like, the UK Deed Police Office details certain strict guidelines to ensure some names will never appear on a birth certificate. The objective? To shield kids from possible harm, mockery, or confusion - and to ensure official documents remain clear and uniform. So, which monikers are actually off-limits? There's no published roster of prohibited names in the UK. However, that doesn't imply an absence of regulations, reports the Mirror. As per the UK Deed Poll Office, names could be declined for several reasons: Containing profanity or vulgar terms. Incorporating symbols, digits, or punctuations. Being excessively lengthy or tricky to articulate. Having the potential to deceive, such as rank labels like "King" or professional titles like "Doctor". Being judged unsuitable or in conflict with public norms. In essence, anything that might subject a kid to ridicule, teasing, or mistaken identity could be vetoed. Examples of names that got red-flagged - "Cyanide" – Prohibited because of its toxic associations. - "Martian" – Axed over possible ridicule. - "King" – Disallowed due to its semblance to a titled role. - "Princess" – Also prevented for projecting a deceptive image. The UK Deed Poll Office website states: "While we don't have an official list of banned names, we assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and names that could cause a child harm or confusion will likely be rejected." A UK baby name drama emerged involving the names 'Cyanide,' as mentioned above, and 'Preacher'. The high-profile incident saw a mother try to name her twins 'Cyanide' and 'Preacher,' sparking huge debate among Brits. Eventually, the courts approved the name "Preacher" but barred the use of "Cyanide". The UK Deed Poll Office commented that Cyanide was deemed not suitable due to its strong association with poison and potential harm to the child's welfare. It comes amid a crackdown on controversial baby names worldwide. The UK is monitoring baby naming choices closely, and it is not alone. Countries such as New Zealand, Germany, and Iceland have also established regulations. New Zealand has put a stop to names like "Lucifer, "4Real," and "Anal". Similarly, Germany has specifically forbidden names like "Adolf Hitler" and "Osama Bin Laden." Should the General Register Office or a local registrar reject a given name in the UK, parents are required to settle on an alternative option. No birth certificates or passports are issued until an acceptable name is finalised. Parents are urged to heed the warning from the UK Deed Poll Office as names that fall foul of these standards can still face legal challenges after registration if they're found to compromise the child's well-being. To ensure that baby names are within legal boundaries, the UK Deed Poll Office recommends that parents follow certain guidelines: Refrain from using offensive or rude language. Exclude symbols or numbers. Opt for names that are short and simple to spell. Stay away from official titles such as "Lord" or "Sir". While the UK is quite permissive regarding baby names, there are still certain restrictions. These rules aim to protect children from potential harm and prevent confusion in official records, according to the Deed Poll Office. The Deed Poll Office also provides an array of resources and support for families needing assistance in choosing a suitable name. So, before you decide on a distinctive name for your new-born, check its legality, or find yourself in a sticky situation. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Banned baby names in the UK: full list of rules and cases where parents were told 'No'
Picking the perfect name for your baby can be one of the most exciting—and personal—decisions any parent makes. But in the UK, some names are strictly off-limits, and you might be surprised by what's not allowed. According to the UK Deed Poll Office, while mums and dads generally have the freedom to call their children whatever they like, a list of strict rules means certain names will never make it onto a birth certificate. The aim? To protect children from potential harm, ridicule, or confusion—and to make sure official documents stay clear and standardised. So What Names Are Actually Banned? The UK doesn't publish an official list of banned baby names, but that doesn't mean there aren't rules. The UK Deed Poll Office confirms names may be rejected if they: Include offensive language or obscenity Contain symbols, numbers or punctuation marks Are too long or hard to pronounce Might mislead people, such as titles like 'King' or 'Doctor' Are deemed inappropriate or against public policy In plain terms: anything that might get a child bullied, laughed at, or confused with a medical professional could be off the table. There have already been some headline-grabbing cases of baby names being rejected in the UK. These include: 'Cyanide' – Banned for its direct link to poison 'Martian' – Scrapped due to concerns about ridicule 'King' – Rejected because it could be mistaken for a title 'Princess' – Also barred for giving a misleading impression The UK Deed Poll Office website says: 'While we don't have an official list of banned names, we assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and names that could cause a child harm or confusion will likely be rejected.' Global Crackdown on Extreme Baby Names The UK isn't the only country keeping an eye on the baby name trend. Other nations including New Zealand, Germany, and Iceland have drawn similar lines in the sand. In New Zealand, names like 'Lucifer,' '4Real,' and 'Anal' have all been banned, while Germany has outlawed names such as 'Adolf Hitler' and 'Osama Bin Laden.' The Twins Named 'Cyanide' and 'Preacher' One of the UK's most talked-about baby name controversies involved a mother who wanted to call her newborn twins 'Cyanide' and 'Preacher.' While the courts allowed 'Preacher' to stand, 'Cyanide' was blocked. The UK Deed Poll Office said the decision was based on the fact that Cyanide is known primarily as a deadly poison, making it 'inappropriate and harmful.' What Happens If Your Baby's Name Gets Rejected? If the General Register Office or local registrar refuses a baby name, parents must choose a different one. Birth certificates and even passports won't be issued until a compliant name is selected. The UK Deed Poll Office warns that even after registration, names that are found to breach the rules can be challenged in court—particularly if they affect the child's welfare. How to Pick a Name That's Legal and Unique To stay on the right side of the law, the UK Deed Poll Office advises that parents: Avoid offensive or rude language Don't include symbols or numbers Keep it short and easy to spell Steer clear of official titles like 'Lord' or 'Sir' And if you're not sure, the Deed Poll Office offers plenty of resources and support to help families make the right call. Final Thoughts While the UK remains fairly liberal when it comes to baby names, not everything goes. The restrictions, say experts at the UK Deed Poll Office, are all about protecting kids from harm and avoiding chaos in official documents. So if you're thinking about giving your baby a unique name—just make sure it's legal first.
