According to the Commerce Ministry report Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS), which Indian state topped the logistics index chart in terms of logistics performance?

Introduction / Context:
The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index is an initiative of the Commerce Ministry to rank Indian states on their logistics environment, performance and regulatory climate. It provides a comparative picture of how efficiently goods can move through different regions. This question asks which state topped the logistics index chart in that report.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ranking is based on the LEADS report of the Commerce Ministry.
• We are asked about the state that came first on the logistics index chart.
• Options include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka.
• We assume the initial widely cited edition of the index where the top state gained attention in current affairs.

Concept / Approach:
The LEADS index evaluates states on infrastructure, services, safety, regulatory processes and other logistics related factors. In the first widely publicised report and in several subsequent years, Gujarat emerged at the top due to its strong port infrastructure, industrial corridors and logistics friendly policies. Competitive exam notes often highlight Gujarat as the leading state in logistics performance in this index.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall what the LEADS index measures and which states are industrial leaders in logistics.Step 2: Identify Gujarat as a state with major ports, good road connectivity and robust industrial zones.Step 3: Remember that news headlines emphasised Gujarat topping the first LEADS index prepared by the Commerce Ministry.Step 4: Compare this with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, which performed well but were not consistently ranked number one in those early reports.Step 5: Conclude that Gujarat is the state referred to in the question.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Press information releases and economic survey style summaries highlight that Gujarat led the rankings in the LEADS index when it was introduced, followed by a few other states. Exam oriented compilations of that year also list Gujarat at the top under questions about logistics performance. Since the question asks which state topped the chart, Gujarat is the answer that matches both official releases and preparation material.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maharashtra is an important industrial state with major ports and large cargo movement, but it did not occupy the top spot in the particular LEADS ranking being referenced. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also have strong infrastructure but were placed lower than Gujarat in the same report. Hence, while all these states are significant players in logistics, the question is specifically about the state that ranked first, which is Gujarat.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes guess Maharashtra because of Mumbai port and the state large economy, or Karnataka due to its technology driven growth. Others may confuse different rankings such as ease of doing business with logistics performance. To avoid such mistakes, associate Gujarat specifically with logistics leadership in the LEADS index, while other states may lead in different indices.

Final Answer:
According to the LEADS logistics index, Gujarat topped the logistics performance chart among Indian states.