Best of BS Opinion: Banks merger, coronavirus outbreak, and more

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday that the proposed merger of public sector banks is on track. The announcement should be welcomed as it will end the uncertainty on this front. Meanwhile, global policymakers are trying to contain the damage being caused by the spread of the coronavirus. In an emergency move, the US Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 50 basis points on Tuesday.  

Business Standard Opinion pieces for the day talk about bank merger and coronavirus among other issues.

The US Fed’s policy action and the reaction of both the stock and bond markets, in a way, reflect the extent of uncertainty posed by the coronavirus, argues our lead editorial

The Union Cabinet’s decision on Wednesday to clear the merger of 10 public-sector banks (PSBs) into four ends the prolonged uncertainty over the exercise, notes our second editorial

India’s interests are best served if people get the services they need for productivity and wellbeing with ease, at reasonable prices, writes Shyam Ponappa

The government should say no to the request for a tariff floor in telecom, writes Nivedita Mookerji

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“The banks' merger is on course and decisions have already been taken by the respective bank boards.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman