Why in News?  

President Droupadi Murmu approved 85% reservation in Ladakh by amending the J&K Reservation Act. 

About Ladakh 

Geographical Features 

• Also known as the “Land of Passes”. 
• Borders: Tibet (east), Himachal Pradesh (south), Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (west), Xinjiang (north). 
• Rivers: Drained by the Indus and its tributaries—Shyok, Nubra, Zanskar, Suru, etc. 
• Climate: Cold desert—temperatures range from -40°C to +35°C, low rainfall (10–30 cm), and high solar radiation. 
• Soil: Coarse, sandy, alkaline, and low in organic matter. 

Strategic Importance 

• Became a Union Territory in 2019 after abrogation of Article 370. 
• Vital for water security—part of the upper Indus Basin which supports over 200 million people. 
• Rich in solar radiation and geothermal potential. 
• Growing tourism sector, known as “Lama Land” or “Little Tibet”. 
• Connects South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East—key for market access and energy pipelines. 

Geopolitical Significance 

• Lies on the ancient Silk Route—influencing trade, religion, and culture. 
• Resources and strategic location make it a flashpoint among India, Pakistan, and China. 
• Important for India's energy, defence, and connectivity needs. 

Map: Ladakh