RBI study finds brighter ways to track states' data

What happened: An RBI study developed a quarterly framework to track economic activity in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka using night-time light and Google Trends data, since GSVA figures are released annually with a 12-18 month lag. Key numbers: GSVA released annually with a 12-18 month lag. Why it matters: Researchers said the framework could supplement official statistics with more timely estimates, but cautioned it was tested only in three industrial states and is meant to complement, not replace, official data.

An RBI study developed a quarterly framework to track economic activity in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka using night-time light and Google Trends data, since GSVA figures are released annually with a 12-18 month lag.

Researchers said the framework could supplement official statistics with more timely estimates, but cautioned it was tested only in three industrial states and is meant to complement, not replace, official data.