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

Prosopis juliflora, known locally as vilayati babool, is an invasive alien species. It was introduced in the colonial period and later promoted for fuelwood and desert greening, but it spread aggressively into grazing lands, wastelands and water bodies. Option B is correct because it tends to crowd out native vegetation and reduce biodiversity wherever it grows.

Why the others fail:

• A is wrong. The plant's news profile has nothing to do with cosmetic extracts. The concern is ecological.
• C is wrong. Pesticide synthesis from this plant is not a recognised reason for news coverage.
• D is wrong because B is correct.

Core concept: invasive alien species and their ecosystem impact, including allelopathic suppression of native plants, heavy water use that can lower groundwater, and displacement of native fauna. For Mains GS-III (environment and biodiversity), it is a good case study on how well-intended afforestation can backfire without ecological assessment, and why several states run removal drives.

Trap: aspirants pick A or C because the plant has some economic uses, or they choose D after overthinking a simple news-based question.