<h4>Introduction to the LEADS Report</h4><p>The <strong>Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) report</strong> is a crucial annual assessment for India's logistics sector. It is released by the <strong>Ministry of Commerce & Industry</strong> and aims to enhance inter-state competitiveness.</p><p>Recently, the <strong>6th Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report</strong> was published, providing insights into the performance of states and UTs.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>What is LEADS?</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Annual Assessment:</strong> Released yearly by the <strong>Ministry of Commerce and Industry</strong>.</li><li><strong>Purpose:</strong> To promote <strong>inter-state competitiveness</strong> and assist policymakers in improving <strong>logistics performance</strong>.</li></ul></div><h4>Objectives of the LEADS Report</h4><p>The primary objective of the <strong>LEADS report</strong> is to systematically evaluate the logistics performance across <strong>States and Union Territories (UTs)</strong>. This evaluation serves several key purposes for national development.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Key Objectives:</strong></p><ul><li>To identify areas for <strong>reforms</strong> in the logistics sector.</li><li>To attract greater <strong>investments</strong> into logistics infrastructure and services.</li><li>To significantly improve overall <strong>logistics efficiency</strong> across the nation.</li></ul></div><h4>Evaluation Pillars of LEADS 2024</h4><p>The <strong>LEADS report</strong> assesses logistics performance based on a comprehensive framework comprising four key pillars. These pillars provide a holistic view of the logistics ecosystem in each state and UT.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Four Key Pillars of Evaluation:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Logistics Infrastructure:</strong> Assesses the availability and quality of physical infrastructure like roads, railways, ports, and warehouses.</li><li><strong>Logistics Services:</strong> Evaluates the efficiency and reach of services such as freight forwarders, couriers, and warehousing operators.</li><li><strong>Operating and Regulatory Environment:</strong> Examines the policy framework, ease of doing business, and regulatory support for logistics.</li><li><strong>Sustainable Logistics:</strong> This pillar was <strong>introduced in 2024</strong>, focusing on environmentally friendly and socially responsible logistics practices.</li></ol></div><h4>Ranking of States and UTs in LEADS 2024</h4><p>The <strong>LEADS 2024 report</strong> categorizes states and UTs into three groups based on their logistics performance: <strong>Achievers</strong>, <strong>Fast Movers</strong>, and <strong>Aspirers</strong>. This classification helps in understanding relative progress and identifying areas for improvement.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Understanding the categories and key states within them can be useful for Mains answers on economic development, infrastructure, and regional disparities. Focus on the 'Achievers' and the 'Sustainable Logistics' pillar introduced in <strong>2024</strong>.</p></div><table class='info-table'><tr><th>Group</th><th>Achievers</th><th>Fast Movers</th><th>Aspirers</th></tr><tr><td><strong>Coastal States</strong></td><td><strong>Gujarat</strong>, <strong>Karnataka</strong>, <strong>Maharashtra</strong>, <strong>Odisha</strong>, <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong></td><td><strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong>, <strong>Goa</strong></td><td><strong>Kerala</strong>, <strong>West Bengal</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Landlocked States</strong></td><td><strong>Haryana</strong>, <strong>Telangana</strong>, <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>, <strong>Uttarakhand</strong></td><td><strong>Bihar</strong>, <strong>Himachal Pradesh</strong>, <strong>Madhya Pradesh</strong>, <strong>Punjab</strong>, <strong>Rajasthan</strong></td><td><strong>Chhattisgarh</strong>, <strong>Jharkhand</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>North-Eastern States</strong></td><td><strong>Assam</strong>, <strong>Arunachal Pradesh</strong></td><td><strong>Meghalaya</strong>, <strong>Mizoram</strong>, <strong>Nagaland</strong>, <strong>Sikkim</strong>, <strong>Tripura</strong></td><td><strong>Manipur</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Union Territories</strong></td><td><strong>Chandigarh</strong>, <strong>Delhi</strong></td><td><strong>Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu</strong>, <strong>Jammu & Kashmir</strong>, <strong>Lakshadweep</strong>, <strong>Puducherry</strong></td><td><strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands</strong>, <strong>Ladakh</strong></td></tr></table>