- The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on December 29, 2018 dedicated the campus of the International Rice Research Institute, at Varanasi, to the nation. He visited various laboratories of the Institute.
- Referring to the International Rice Research Institute campus in Varanasi, he said this Centre is a result of efforts to make agriculture more profitable, using technology.
- Deendayal Hastkala Sankul: At the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, the Prime Minister visited the One District, One Product (ODOP) Exhibition.
- SAMPANN: He launched a Comprehensive Pension Management Scheme. The Prime Minister said that SAMPANN – the System for Authority and Management of Pension will greatly facilitate pensioners of the telecom department, and help in timely disbursement of pension.
- One District, One Product: He described the Uttar Pradesh Government’s “One District, One Product” scheme as an extension of “Make in India.” He said the One District, One Product scheme will convert these expressions of art, into profitable business, by ensuring good machines, training and marketing support.
- Various Industries: The Prime Minister said that in the State of Uttar Pradesh, the small and medium sector enterprises have been a part of traditions. In this context, he mentioned the carpet industry of Bhadohi, the sports goods industry of Meerut, and the silk industry of Varanasi, among others. He described Varanasi and Poorvanchal as a hub of handicrafts, and art. The Prime Minister said 10 products of Varanasi and nearby regions, have received Geographical Indication tags. He said that he has been informed that loans worth Rs. 2000 crore are likely to be disbursed during this event.
