Daily Prelims Notes 12 April 2024

April 12, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

12 April 2024

Table Of Contents

1. How invasive species threaten natural ecosystems

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

In a bid to manage the teeming population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island (officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration recently sought help from the Wildlife Institute of India.

More on news:

Chital, native to mainland India, were introduced to the tiny island (0.3 sq km small) by the British in the early 20th century.
Having no natural predators or competitors, and being good swimmers, chital swiftly spread across the Andamans.

What are invasive alien species?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as “species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity”.
These include animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, and can influence all kinds of ecosystems.
The CBD, the United Nations’ global treaty on safeguarding biological diversity, sums up characteristics of IAS as follows: “arrive, survive and thrive.”
This means that these species need an introduction either through natural or human intervention, survive on native food resources, reproduce at a fast rate, and edge out native species in the competition over resources.
In India, the legal definition of IAS under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), is narrower.
They are defined as species of animal or plant which is not native to India, and whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.
This leaves out species within India which might be invasive to a particular region — like the chital in Andamans, which are protected in mainland India, but have become a menace in the island chain.

What are some examples of invasive wildlife in India?

The list of invasive wildlife in India is dominated by certain species of fish such as the African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar, and turtle species such as the red-eared slider.
The red-eared slider, for instance, is a favorite among India’s exotic pet owners, and many have been abandoned in local water bodies.
This turtle, native to North America, notoriously edges out local freshwater species, owing to its fast rates of reproduction, and the following competition for food.
The African catfish was brought over from Bangladesh specifically for aquaculture purposes.
The occurrence of C gariepinus (the species’ scientific name) has been reported from several inland systems of India including the mighty rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Sutlej, Godavari, Periyar River and the lakes like Vembanad Lake.

How do IAS impact native flora and fauna?

Invasive species act as disruptors in the food chain and disturb the balance of the ecosystem.
In habitats where there is no competition, invasive species can dominate the entire ecosystem.
In Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur in Rajasthan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the African catfish has been known to prey on water fowls and migratory birds as well.
Studies have shown that the proliferation of chital in the Andamans has affected the regeneration of native vegetation, as the deer are known to consume seeds and seedlings.

What is the IAS’ economic impact?

In September 2023, the UN-founded Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) brought out an exhaustive report on invasive species.
As per India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, published by the National Biodiversity Authority, the cotton mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) is an invasive species native to North America, which has severely affected cotton crops in the Deccan, leading to yield losses.

2. Amended DTAA between India and Mauritius

Subject: Economy

Section: Fiscal policy

Purpose of Amendment:
- The amendment aims to plug treaty abuse for tax evasion or avoidance.
- Introduces the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to ensure tax benefits are not obtained as the primary purpose of a transaction or arrangement.
Key Amendments:
- Article 27B introduced, defining ‘entitlement to benefits’ under the treaty.
- PPT will deny treaty benefits (like reduction of withholding tax) if obtaining such benefits is one of the principal purposes of the transaction.
Effect on Investments:
- Mauritius historically favored for investments due to non-taxability of capital gains until 2016.
- Last amended in May 2016 to allow taxing capital gains on shares acquired by Mauritian tax residents, exempting investments until March 31, 2017.
Impact on FPIs:
- DTAA was a major reason for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) routing investments through Mauritius.
- Mauritius ranks fourth in FPI investments in India, after the US, Singapore, and Luxembourg.
Amended Preamble:
- Preamble now focuses on eliminating double taxation without creating avenues for non-taxation or reduced taxation through tax evasion.
- Aims to prevent “treaty shopping arrangements” for indirect benefits to residents of third jurisdictions.
Expectations and Litigation:
- BEPS MLI Impact: Structuring investments through Mauritius should consider BEPS MLI impact for availing tax treaty benefits.
- Rise in Litigation: Investors need to demonstrate commercial rationale behind transactions to avoid denial of treaty benefits.
- Ongoing litigation on beneficial ownership and substance concerning Indian investments already prevalent.
India’s Global Alignment:
- Reflects India’s intent to align with global efforts against treaty abuse, particularly under the BEPS framework.
- Anticipated Developments: Possible announcements in the budget post-elections in July 2024 regarding Pillar Two amendments in domestic tax laws.
Global Tax Regime:
- Pillar Two Regime: Over 135 jurisdictions agreed to implement a minimum tax rate of 15% for multinationals.
- Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules introduced to ensure a global minimum corporate tax rate.
- Expected to generate around $150 billion in additional global tax revenues annually.

Conclusion:

The amended DTAA between India and Mauritius aims to prevent tax evasion, aligning with global efforts against treaty abuse under the BEPS framework.

However, uncertainties remain regarding the treatment of grandfathered investments, highlighting the need for guidance from the CBDT. This amendment may lead to a rise in litigation as investors must demonstrate the commercial rationale behind their transactions. India’s intent to align with global tax regimes, such as the Pillar Two Regime, reflects a broader effort to ensure fair taxation and prevent tax avoidance on a global scale.

About Principal Purpose Test (PPT)

The Principal Purpose Test (PPT) is a provision commonly found in modern tax treaties, including Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs). It is designed to prevent treaty abuse and ensure that the benefits of a tax treaty are not granted inappropriately to those who do not have a legitimate claim to them.

Objective:

The main objective of the PPT is to counteract tax avoidance strategies that abuse tax treaties.
It aims to ensure that the benefits of a tax treaty are granted only to those transactions or arrangements that have a genuine commercial or economic purpose.

Conditions for Application:

The PPT provision comes into play when one of the principal purposes of a transaction or arrangement is to obtain tax benefits.
If it is established that obtaining the tax benefit was a principal purpose, the treaty benefits can be denied.

In essence, the Principal Purpose Test is a mechanism to ensure that tax treaties are not used as a tool for tax avoidance. It emphasizes the importance of genuine economic activities and commercial purposes in availing treaty benefits, discouraging artificial or abusive arrangements solely for tax advantages.

Grandfathering rule

The “grandfathering rule” is a provision often included in tax laws or treaties to protect existing investments or arrangements from the impact of new tax laws or changes in tax treaties. It allows certain investments or transactions that were made before the new rules came into effect to continue enjoying the benefits of the old rules. It provides continuity of benefits, stability, and predictability for investors and businesses, ensuring that they are not unduly affected by sudden changes in tax regimes.

3. History of Sulthan Bathery, which Kerala BJP chief wants renamed as Ganapathyvattam

Subject: History

Section: Modern India

Context:

Sulthan Bathery, a municipal town in Wayanad, the Lok Sabha constituency of Rahul Gandhi, is home to a temple that was partly destroyed by Tipu Sultan and used as a store for arms.

More on news:

The name Sulthan Bathery emerged as part of [Tipu Sultan’s] invasion.

Where does the name Ganapathyvattam come from?

Sulthan Bathery, one of the three municipal towns in Wayanad (the other two are Mananthavady and Kalpetta), has a stone temple that was once known as Ganapathyvattam.
The temple, built in the prevalent architectural style of the Vijayanagar dynasty, was constructed by Jains who migrated to Wayanad from areas in present-day Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the 13th century.
The temple was partly destroyed during the invasions of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore in the second half of the 18th century.
Between 1750 and 1790, today’s northern Kerala was invaded several times by the rulers of Mysore, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu.
It remained abandoned for nearly 150 years.
Later, it was taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India, which declared it as a monument of national importance.

Geography of Sultan Bathery:

Sultan Bathery is a town in the mountainous Wayanad region of Kerala, South India.
It takes its name from the ancient Bathery Jain Temple on the edge of town, which was used as an ammunition battery by Tipu Sultan’s army in the 1700s.
In the Ambukuthi Hills to the southwest, Neolithic carvings are preserved on the walls of Edakkal Caves.

What is the history of “Sultan Bathery”?

The armies of Tipu destroyed temples and churches, and forced many in the path of the invasion to flee in order to escape forced religious conversion.
Tipu Sultan used the Maha Ganapathy temple in Sulthan Bathery as a battery or store for weapons for his army in the Malabar region (today’s North Kerala, including Wayanad).
This led to the British recording Ganapathi Vattam as “[Tipu] Sultan’s Battery”, and the name survived as Sulthan Bathery.

4. Statue of Valour watches over battle for Ahom pride in Assam’s tea capital, Jorhat

Subject: History

Section: Medieval India

Context:

PM Modi inaugurated the ‘Statue of Valour’ in Jorhat, Assam in honor of General Lachit Barphukan.

More on news:

The 125-foot statue depicts Lachit Borphukan, the iconic Ahom general revered for leading the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 to prevent the Mughal army from occupying Assam.
The park encompasses the maidam, or earthen pyramid, where he was buried after the battle.

About Lachit Barphukan:

Lachit Borphukan (24 November 1622 – 25 April 1672) son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua was an Ahom Borphukan.
He was primarily known for commanding the Ahom Army and the victory in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) that thwarted an invasion by the vastly superior Mughal Forces under the command of Ramsingh I.
He died about a year later in April 1672.

Ahom Dynasty:

Dedicated to Swargadeo (or emperor) Sukapha, who came from China’s Yunnan to establish the Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam for 600 years until the British takeover in the 1800s, this represents Ahom pride as much as the Lachit statue park.
The Ahom community, to which the Gogois belong, make up the majority of voters in the Jorhat constituency.
Catering to the aspirations of the Ahoms, one of six communities demanding Scheduled Tribe status, is crucial for political parties, especially as the Sivasagar and Charaideo districts form half the constituency.
These districts comprised the core of the erstwhile Ahom kingdom.

About Majuli islands:

Mājuli or Majuli (mazuli) is a large river island located in Assam, India.
It is formed by the Brahmaputra River to the south and east, the Subansiri River to the west and an anabranch of the Brahmaputra River called Kherkutia Xuti to the North.
The island is inhabited by members of the Mising, Deori and Sonowal Kachri tribes and is a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.
The caste Assamese and the Mising tribe, who dominate this island which is often referred to as Assam’s spiritual capital.

Other Areas in Assam in news:

Meleng
Hoollongapar: The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, formerly known as the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary or Hollongapar Reserved Forest is an isolated protected area of evergreen forest located in Assam, India.

5. What is the ‘Adjudicating Authority’ that has confirmed ED’s attachment of Rahul-Sonia-promoted company’s assets?

Subject: Polity

Section: Legislation inn news

Context:

The Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) on April 10 confirmed the attachment of assets worth Rs 751.9 crore belonging to the Congress party-promoted National Herald newspaper.

More on news:

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had provisionally attached these properties in November 2023 in a PMLA case against Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) that publishes National Herald, and Young Indian (YI), that owns the newspaper.

What is the role of the Adjudicating Authority?

Section 5 of the PMLA provides for the attachment of any property that is suspected to have been acquired with the proceeds of crime in a case of any offense that is listed in the schedule of the law.
The attachment order is issued if the ED Director feels that such proceeds of crime are likely to be concealed, transferred or dealt with in any manner which may result in frustrating any proceedings relating to confiscation of such proceeds of crime.
This provisional attachment order is valid for a period of 180 days.
It must be confirmed within this time by an Adjudicating Authority appointed by the central government, failing which the property is automatically released from attachment.
As the initial attachment is provisional, the accused can continue to enjoy the property until the Adjudicating Authority confirms the attachment — after which the ED has the power to claim possession.

What happens after the Adjudicating Authority confirms the attachment?

The accused has the right to challenge the Adjudicating Authority’s confirmation order at the PMLA’s Appellate Tribunal within 45 days.
If the Appellate Tribunal too confirms the order, the accused can file a plea in the High Court, and so on.
Unless the property is released along the way, it shall remain out of bounds for the owner until the trial is completed.
Following final confirmation, in case of a residential property, the ED will ask the owner to vacate the premises along with his belongings, and will take over possession.
In case of a conviction, the trial court may order confiscation of the attached property, and vest the rights to the property with the central government.
Attached properties may remain locked for years as the legal process continues, and may start to crumble and decay.
Any vehicles that are attached are sent to warehouses owned by the Central Warehousing Corporation, where the ED pays to park the vehicle. As cases drag on for years, the vehicles too rot.
At the end of the trial, neither the accused nor the ED recovers anything from the vehicle.
The agency could, in fact, end up paying more rent than the value of the vehicle.

6. Progress in combating malnutrition remains ‘sluggish’

Subject: Schemes

Section: Health

Context:

Malnutrition remains a major health challenge in India, impacting its progress towards meeting the United Nations’ goal of eradicating malnutrition by 2030, a key focus of the 2016–2025 Decade of Nutrition led by WHO.

About the study:

The study from the Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad investigates undernutrition in children under three across India, using data from the National Family Health Surveys.
It assesses the prevalence and evolution of undernutrition over a decade at both national and state levels.
The study highlights that undernutrition in children can cause serious health issues such as vision impairment, weakened bones, protein deficiency, and gastrointestinal problems.
The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding the epidemiology of undernutrition to effectively customize policies and interventions.

Key findings:

The study analyzing data from India’s National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) between 1992-93 and 2019-20 revealed mixed trends in child malnutrition.
Stunting (impaired growth) and underweight prevalence among children decreased from 51.9% and 34.1% in the first survey to 45.8% and 29.4% in the fifth, respectively.
Conversely, the prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) saw a marginal increase from 19.9% to 20.5%.
The study also highlighted significant geographical variations, with each state and union territory following the national trend of reduced stunting and underweight, but showing no consistent pattern for wasting.
Urban children showed increased risks of malnutrition over time.
Male children had higher risks of stunting, underweight, and wasting compared to females, though this wasn’t uniformly seen across all surveys.
Maternal education was a critical determinant of children’s nutritional status, with children of less educated mothers facing higher risks of stunting and being underweight. These risks, however, have declined over successive surveys.

Valuable insights:

The study on malnutrition trends in India from the National Family Health Surveys has provided crucial insights into the changing patterns of child malnutrition and their associations with socio-demographic factors.
It warns that, despite efforts, India might not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) and Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2) targets by 2030, and could see a decline in its Global Hunger Index ranking if current trends continue.
Government initiatives like Mission Indradhanush, as well as parents, caregivers, and preschool educators, are crucial for combating undernutrition in India.

Government initiatives to reduce malnutrition in India:

The schemes/programmes (Direct intervention) include:
- The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS),
- National Health Mission (NHM),
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme,
- Rajiv Gandhi Schemes for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) namely SABLA,
- Indira Gandhi MatritvaSahyogYojna (IGMSY)
Besides, indirect Multi-sectoral interventions include:
- Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS),
- National Horticulture Mission,
- National Food Security Mission,
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS),
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,
- National Rural Drinking Water Programme
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme provides a package of six services namely supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition & health education, immunization, health check-up and referral services.
Under National Health Mission of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the remedial steps taken are as follows:
- Promotion of appropriate infant and young child feeding practices that include early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months of age and appropriate complementary feeding after 6 months of age.
- Management of malnutrition and common neonatal and childhood illnesses at community and facility level by training service providers in IMNCI (Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses) training.
- Treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition at special units called the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), set up at public health facilities. Presently 875 such centres are functional all over the country.
- Specific program to prevent and combat micronutrient deficiencies of Vitamin A and Iron & Folic Acid (IFA) in under-five children, children of 5 to 10 years of age, and adolescents.
- Village Health and Nutrition Days and Mother and Child Protection Card are the joint initiative of the Ministries of Health & Family welfare and the Ministry of Woman and Child for addressing the nutrition concerns in children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Source: TH

7. SRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone & the space debris crisis

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Space

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully minimized space debris from its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission.

Details:

After the mission’s primary goal of satellite deployment was achieved, ISRO converted the PSLV’s fourth stage into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3).
This module was then intentionally lowered in orbit from 650 kilometers to 350 kilometers to facilitate its re-entry and disintegration in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Additionally, ISRO took measures to “passivate” the stage by draining its fuel to prevent any risk of explosion and the resultant debris scattering in orbit. This approach ensured that the mission produced negligible debris.

What is POEM (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Orbital Experimental Module)?

POEM is a cost-effective orbital platform developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
It repurposes the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket, utilizing it as a stable platform for conducting scientific experiments in orbit.
First used during the PSLV-C53 mission in June 2022, POEM is equipped with solar panels and a lithium-ion battery for power.
It features a dedicated navigation, guidance, and control (NGC) system with helium control thrusters to maintain its altitude.
This system includes Sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyroscopes, and communication with ISRO’s NavIC satellite constellation for precise navigation. Additionally, POEM can communicate with ground stations via a telecommand system.
The concept of reusing the rocket’s fourth stage was first demonstrated by ISRO in the PSLV C-44 mission in 2019, where the stage, carrying a student payload, was relocated to a higher orbit for extended observational activities.

What has POEM-3 achieved?

The POEM-3, a component of ISRO’s PSLV C-58 mission launched on January 1, 2024, successfully achieved its mission objectives before reentering the Earth’s atmosphere on March 21, 2024.
After deploying the XpoSat satellite into a 650 km orbit, POEM-3 was subsequently lowered to a 350 km orbit. This lower orbit increases atmospheric drag, requiring more energy to maintain position.
Notable achievements include the completion of experiments like ARKA200, RUDRA, and LEAP-TD, with other experiments collecting data for ground analysis.
Two fuel cells demonstrated power generation capability.

Why is it significant?

The increasing number of satellites and consequent space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) poses significant risks due to high-speed collisions that can damage active satellites and other space assets.
LEO, ranging from 100 km to 2000 km above Earth, is crowded with operational satellites and millions of debris pieces, including those from spacecraft, rockets, and defunct satellites.
The Space Situational Assessment report by ISRO in 2022 noted a sharp increase in objects placed in space, rising from 1,860 in 2021 to 2,533 in 2022.
Additionally, incidents such as the intentional destruction of satellites and accidental explosions have contributed significantly to debris accumulation.
This issue is not only a risk in space but also on Earth, as demonstrated by an incident where a piece of space debris damaged a house in Florida.
The rapid expansion of satellite constellations, notably SpaceX’s Starlink project planning 42,000 satellites, further underscores the urgent need for effective debris management and mitigation strategies to safeguard space infrastructure and ensure long-term sustainability in space operations.

How are space agencies dealing with debris?

Space agencies globally are addressing the problem of space debris through various initiatives, despite the absence of specific international laws governing debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Agencies adhere to the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines endorsed by the U.N. in 2007, which aim to reduce risks associated with debris in space, including preventing long-term presence in LEO and limiting interference in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).
NASA, which started its Orbital Debris Program in 1979, focuses on tracking and studying space debris, though it has yet to implement debris removal technologies. The U.S. Space Force actively monitors space debris to prevent collisions.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has pledged to achieve zero space debris by 2030 through its ‘Zero Debris charter’ and encourages other agencies to adopt similar policies.
China recently launched a spacecraft with a solar sail designed to accelerate the de-orbiting of defunct spacecraft by utilizing solar radiation pressure.
Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), in partnership with Astroscale, is advancing the Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) project, which involves capturing and removing space debris.
Private companies are contributing too, with ventures like Astroscale in Japan working on technologies to refuel and repair satellites to extend their operational life and enhance debris removal efficiency. China’s Origin Space has developed a prototype for capturing debris with a large net.
In India, ISRO is actively working on debris mitigation with initiatives like the POEM missions and the establishment of the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to safeguard satellites against potential collisions.
‘Project NETRA’ of ISRO is also an early warning system in space to detect debris and other hazards to Indian satellites.
Indian startups like Manastu Space are developing technologies for in-space refueling, satellite life extension, and de-orbiting strategies.

Source: TH

8. Crafted in Indian labs, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in cancer care

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

NexCar19:

NexCar19 is a type of CAR-T and gene therapy developed indigenously in India by ImmunoACT, which is a company incubated at IIT Bombay.
- It is designed to target cancer cells that carry the CD19 protein.
CAR-T therapy modifies a patient’s T cells to attack cancer cells, had already been launched in the US but was prohibitively expensive, costing up to ₹4 crores excluding additional hospitalization costs.

How are CAR-T cells made?

CAR-T cells are created by collecting T-cells, a type of white blood cell, from a patient using a procedure known as leukapheresis. These T-cells are then genetically modified in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs).
This modification involves inserting a synthetically developed gene that codes for the CAR into the T-cells using viral vectors, commonly lentiviral vectors. After the modification, these engineered T-cells are cultured in the lab to increase their number into the millions. These cells are then returned to the hospital and infused into the patient, who typically undergoes chemotherapy prior to this infusion to improve the effectiveness of the therapy.
The structure of a CAR includes both an external segment, which is composed of antibody fragments specifically chosen to target cancer cell antigens, and an internal segment responsible for initiating cellular signaling once the CAR binds to an antigen.
This dual structure enables the CAR-T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells effectively. Notably, while similar therapies in the US use murine-derived antibodies, NexCAR19 includes human proteins alongside mouse antibodies, creating a ‘humanized’ CAR that potentially reduces toxicity.
To date, the FDA has approved six CAR-T cell therapies, with four targeting CD19, a marker found on certain leukemia and lymphoma cells. NexCAR19 follows this target approach but stands out due to its humanized antibody design.

Collaboration with National Cancer Institute (NCI):

The team sought expertise from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), enhancing their approach through insights gained at a conference hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
By October 2023, the team achieved a major milestone when CDSCO approved the therapy for treating relapsed or refractory B-lymphomas and B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) after other treatments had failed.
This accomplishment marked the emergence of a Made-in-India CAR-T cell therapy, a testament to the team’s commitment and the impactful collaboration with NCI.

Risks of CAR-T cell therapy:

The most common side effect is cytokine release syndrome (CRS), an intense inflammatory response that can lead to severe complications.
Neurotoxicity, infections, and low blood cell counts are also potential side effects, although the early clinical trials using ‘humanized’ antibodies in NexCAR19 did not report neurotoxicity.
Despite its efficacy, the cost of CAR-T therapy remains a barrier.
- NexCAR19, developed to be more affordable than its US counterparts, still costs between ₹40 to 45 lakh, making it one of the most expensive cancer treatments available.
- Factors influencing the cost include labor, logistics, materials, facility expenses, and the costs associated with marketing, distribution, and intellectual property.

Source: TH