Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?

1. A

   Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.

   (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. Prosopis juliflora (vilayati kikar/mesquite) is not in the news primarily as a cosmetic crop. This option is not the key.

2. B

   It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

   (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. The species is a notorious invasive in India: it forms thickets, depletes groundwater, and displaces native grassland and scrub species. That biodiversity harm is why it is often mentioned. This option is the official key.

3. C

   Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.

   (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. That is not the standard news reason for naming this plant. This option is not the key.

4. D

   None of these

   (d) None of these. Option (b) is a correct description, so “none” fails. This option is not the key.

Summary. Official key is (b). Prosopis juliflora is an exotic invasive tree/shrub in India, blamed for suppressing native plants and drying sites it colonises. Cosmetic or pesticide-extract stories are not why it appears in environment news. Because (b) holds, (d) “none of these” is wrong. The WRAP letter is (b).