Which state tops the list of ease of doing business index in the country? It's Andhra Pradesh. The Telugu state has scored 98.42 percent in the latest Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion’s Business Reforms Action Plan report. At No. 2 is Telangana with a score of 98.33 percent.

Celebrating the emergence of AP on the top, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, "Proud to inform that our efforts in improving the business scenario in AP have paid off as it has been declared the No. 1 State in Ease Of Doing Business for the second time in a row. Developmental reforms made in the past few years have made AP the most investor-friendly State."

What has made AP the topper of the year? The TDP government has heralded reforms in areas as wide-ranging as tax payment, protection of minority investors' interests, issuance of construction permits, registration of property and ease in starting a business, among others.

Acknowledging his state's No. 2 position, Telangana Minister KTR says, "We missed the 1st spot in EODB rankings 2018 by a whisker; 0.09% Nevertheless, inspirational leadership from KCR garu and good work by our bureaucracy has resulted in a good rank this year too. Congratulations to Andhra Pradesh led by @ncbn Garu on topping the list."