Renaming of Kerala to Keralam: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the long-pending proposal to change the name of Kerala to 'Kerala'. The decision was taken in the first cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi at the new building of the Prime Minister's Office, 'Sevatheerth'. The President will seek the opinion of the Kerala Legislative Assembly before introducing the bill in Parliament.

The Centre will then introduce the bill in Parliament. A simple majority is enough for its approval. The name will be officially changed with the President's assent. The Kerala Assembly has already passed several resolutions requesting the Centre to change the name. Kerala Legislative Assembly elections are due in April.