Shares of city gas distributors jumped by up to 6% on Wednesday after the government approved an incentive scheme to promote domestic PNG connections, which it called a major initiative to bring clean, safe and affordable piped cooking gas to households across the country.

Mahanagar Gas (MGL) shares jumped nearly 6% to trade at Rs 1,173 apiece on Wednesday morning, while those of Indraprastha Gas (IGL) and Adani Total Gas jumped over 5% each despite an overall muted market sentiment.

New scheme for promotion of domestic PNG connections

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on Tuesday announced that the scheme, which will take effect from September 1 onwards, is designed to fast-track the expansion of active PNG connections ensuring that more families can start using piped natural gas in their kitchens at the earliest.

Under the scheme, the eligible city gas distribution (CGD) entities will be allocated an additional 200 SCM of domestically-produced, lower-priced (APM) gas for every incremental billed domestic PNG connection achieved during the period, over and above the threshold Level determined for the respective geographical area.

The new scheme will be implemented over two trachea spanning six months, and the additional gas allocation will substitute the costlier LNG that CGD entities currently procure for their CNG segment, thereby lowering their overall gas-sourcing costs, the government said in its press release.

Also read | Government offers cheaper domestic gas to city gas distributors to boost PNG connections

How will city gas distributors benefit?

The Ministry added that the subsequent cost savings are expected to shorten the payback period for capital expenditure incurred on D-PNG connections from around 10 years to approximately 3 years, which in turn would give CGD entities a strong financial incentive to expand household PNG connectivity more rapidly, bringing the benefits of clean, safe and affordable piped cooking gas to a larger number of Indian households in the months ahead.At present, there are 1.74 crore domestic PNG connections across the country, according to the government, which said that the new scheme directly incentivises the city gas distribution (CGD) companies to actively convert unbilled connections into working gas connections, and expand the PNG network to new areas.

In its press release, the government highlighted that PNG offers households a safer, cleaner and more convenient alternative to LPG cylinders and traditional cooking fuels. “This Scheme builds on a series of steps the Government has taken over the past few months to accelerate PNG expansion and make the transition to clean cooking fuel easier for households,” it added.

Also read | Mahanagar Gas eyes 1 million new PNG connections in FY27, capex raised

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Desks, computers, meetings are not the only features of the modern workplace. With large time commitments at work, there is an increasing interest in designing spaces that are comfortable, focused, relaxing and in turn help people to adopt healthier, more sustainable daily habits. This transition has paved the way for companies and individuals to discover products that promote health and are suitable for the workplace.

One of these new choices are plant-based aromatherapy and tiny micro diffusers. The products are formulated with botanical ingredients and today’s technology to provide a modern solution to personal wellness without tobacco or nicotine.

Bringing Botanical Wellness Into Everyday Life

Botanical wellness is about using plants and their experiences as tools for wellbeing in your life. Perhaps one of the plants that has been gaining traction in this column is mullein, a plant with a long tradition of use in herbal remedies.

In today’s modern times, botanical concepts are being brought into more convenient formats of modern wellness products. A mullein inhaler can be incorporated into an individual’s natural healing regimen, and used in a small volume to try a new way of using botanicals for aromatherapy.

Focusing on the sensory and lifestyle benefits of botanical wellness, and avoiding any claims that a product may diagnose, prevent or treat a medical condition.

The Role of Micro-Diffuser Technology

More and more, technology is becoming an integral part of personal wellness. For those who like to use botanicals without a fuss or prefer to have short and compact devices, adding botanicals to their busy lives may be easier.

Smart micro-diffusers can integrate botanical products with the latest hardware technology, including LED indicators, compact design and easy controls. These features can help integrate a wellness device into a modern world.

A well-designed device can seamlessly fit into a professional routine when the time is right for them, and they’re not able to engage in other activities.A well-designed device can fit into a professional routine naturally when the time is right for them, during appropriate breaks, quiet moments, or after-work relaxation time.

Exploring Botanical Mullein Products

Consumers are increasingly interested in plant wellness and are also seeking to know what is in the products, and how they are being used. One contemporary way for mullein lovers to use a botanical lifestyle is through a botanical mullein extract inhaler.

Transparency is important in this category. Consumers need to check ingredient information, manufacturer’s directions and recommendations on how to use a product before using one for the first time. While botanical may sound safe, it is not necessarily safe and can have differing effects on different people.

Personal wellness products should be used responsibly and according to company policy in the workplace.

Supporting a Balanced Workplace Routine

Productivity is not everything when it comes to having an energizing work environment. Taking breaks, staying hydrated, moving throughout the day, stress reduction, and getting sufficient sleep would all contribute to having a better balanced lifestyle.

The use of botanics in aromatherapy can also be added to these practices to give a unique experience of a personal routine. For example, an employee could get away from the computer screen, breathe deeply, stretch, and smell a botanical essence.

This kind of ritual can be used for a nice transition between working times and resting times.

A Strict Zero-Tobacco Approach

Communication is particularly critical for products to be inhaled. Micro-diffusers that use plants should be separated from tobacco and nicotine products.

In a true zero-tobacco setting, the focus remains on botanical aromatherapy, herbal extracts, personal wellness and on the effective technology of micro-diffusers. It does not link botanical wellness products to smoking, tobacco or nicotine.

This distinction can also help consumers to understand that today’s botanical wellness hardware is a different category and should be assessed accordingly to its ingredients, intended use, and manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean Living in the Modern Workplace

Clean living is becoming more of an awareness of good choices in various aspects of daily life. Simple actions can make a difference, from eating well, to making your work area comfortable and setting up a daily relaxation plan.

In aromatherapy, this lifestyle can include plant-based aromatherapy and the use of smart micro-diffusers. What they can be most useful for is helping others bring about intentional pauses rather than giving quick fixes.

It is important to read the ingredients and directions for use in inhaled botanical products before using them. Allergic and sensitive individuals, and those with respiratory health issues, should seek advice from trained health professionals before using such products.

Looking Toward the Future of Workplace Wellness

The mix of botanicals and clever hardware speaks to a trend of personalized wellness tech. With consumers looking for efficient and effective ways to weave plant-based experiences into their daily lives, micro-diffuser products could be more prevalent in today’s wellness world.

In the end, workplace vitality is a result of sustainable habits, healthy boundaries, movement, rest and mindful routines. Responsible and properly presented with accurate and transparent information, botanical aromatherapy can support that effective approach.

Modern wellness products can bring a new, truly zero-tobacco, way to clean living by using natural botanical principles in the context of modern micro-diffuser technology that can be seamlessly integrated into the daily life.

Wayne Pickup
MD, CEO & Director

Good morning, and thank you for joining today’s call on The Lottery Corporation’s FY 2026 Financial Results. I am Wayne Pickup, the company’s MD and CEO, and I am joined by our CFO, Adam Newman. We will walk through the investor presentation lodged with the ASX this morning, then open the line for questions. Since I joined The Lottery Corporation 9 months ago now, you may have heard me say that it operates from a position of strength with a privileged market position and strong fundamentals. But while that is true, we need to position the business for the next chapter of growth to evolve from being a lottery operator to a digitally-led entertainment platform. To achieve that, we have refreshed the strategy and implemented a new operating model. New teams are in place, and we are moving at pace to execute.

We are preserving what has been successful over many, many years, but modernizing it for how Australians want to play and engage today as customers move online and demand more. That creates a clear opportunity, underpinned by a simple vision, to be the place where Australia comes to play. Looking back on the first year, 3 things stand

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More than 600 bags of frozen dog food are facing a recall after FDA testing prompted by a consumer complaint found salmonella contamination.

Connecticut-based Oma’s Pride issued a recall for one lot of Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, the company announced on Monday.

A total of 639 bags are affected by the recall effort. The impacted products have a manufacturing date of Jan 27, 2026, and a best-by date of Jan. 27, 2029. The recalled product is a raw dog food sold in a six-pound gusseted stand-up pouch containing 12 individually-wrapped, eight-ounce vacuum-sealed portions.

The recalled lot of dog food was distributed to retailers and wholesalers in 11 states: Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, as well as directly to consumers through online orders. The products were distributed between Feb. 12 and May 15 of this year.

RECALL ISSUED FOR DOG AND HORSE MEDICATION AFTER GLASS FIBER FOUND IN VIALS

Oma’s Pride ships its products to consumers across 48 states, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii.

The recall was initiated after the FDA received a consumer complaint. The agency then collected and analyzed a sample of the product, which tested positive for salmonella.

Oma’s Pride said it is continuing an investigation to determine the source and root cause of the contamination.

Three illnesses in dogs have been reported in connection with the dog food. No human illnesses have been reported.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the dog food, the company said, adding that there is risk to people from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after touching the food or any surfaces exposed to it.

Pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or people.

Owners with pets who have consumed the recalled product and are showing these symptoms are urged to contact a veterinarian.

Healthy people infected with salmonella are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can cause additional ailments such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.

People showing these signs after having contact with the recalled dog food should contact a healthcare provider.

POPULAR PET FOOD RECALLED OVER POSSIBLE SHARP METAL AND PLASTIC CONTAMINATION

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

Consumers who purchased the affected dog food are instructed to stop feeding it to their pets immediately, safely dispose of it and contact Oma’s Pride for a refund.

They should also wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.

“Oma’s Pride is conducting further investigation to better understand this finding,” the company said. “The health and safety of pets and the people who care for them is our highest priority. We are proud of the food we make, and we remain committed to producing high-quality, biologically appropriate pet food. We will continue to update our customers as more information becomes available.”

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A strong software development team is not necessarily a large one. The better approach is to match the team’s skills to the product, give people clear responsibilities, and fix technical bottlenecks before adding more headcount.

There is still strong demand for software talent. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports that employment of software developers is expected to increase by 15.8% between 2024 and 2034, adding 267,700 jobs. Median annual pay for software developers reached $133,080 in May 2024. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

For companies hiring in 2026, the challenge is not simply finding developers. It is building a team that can deliver and scale software without creating unnecessary complexity.

Define the Software Development Team Before Hiring

The best hiring decisions start with the product, not the job title. Before writing a job description, identify what the team needs to maintain and improve.

Consider:

1. Current programming languages and frameworks
2. Product and development roadmap
3. Existing technical gaps
4. Infrastructure and cloud requirements
5. Testing and security responsibilities
6. Expected workload over the next 6 to 12 months
7. Decisions that require senior technical ownership

This process also determines whether the business needs a generalist, a specialist, or a senior technical lead.

A small product may work well with a few full-stack developers. A growing platform may need separate front-end, back-end, QA, DevOps, and technical leadership responsibilities.

Build a Balanced Software Development Team

A balanced team brings together different technical skills:

• Front-end developers handle interfaces, browser performance, accessibility, and client-side functionality.
• Back-end developers work on application logic, APIs, databases, authentication, and server-side systems.
• Full-stack developers cover both sides of the application and can be useful in smaller teams.
• QA engineers test software and prevent defects from reaching production.
• DevOps engineers handle areas such as cloud infrastructure, deployment automation, monitoring, and reliability.
• Technical leads or architects deal with larger decisions around system design, security, scalability, and technical standards.

The structure should change as the product grows. A five-person startup team will not need the same setup as a 50-person engineering department.

When Does a Business Need a DevOps Engineer?

Businesses should consider dedicated DevOps expertise when infrastructure and deployment issues begin affecting development speed, reliability, or cost.

Common signs include:

• Manual or unreliable deployments
• Poor production monitoring
• Rising cloud costs
• Slow incident response
• Developers spending too much time on infrastructure
• Difficulty scaling applications

A DevOps engineer can handle CI/CD, infrastructure as code, cloud environments, containers, monitoring, automation, and production reliability.

When these problems become persistent, it may be time to hire devops engineer with experience that matches the company’s cloud platform and operating environment.

What to Look for When Hiring a PHP Developer

PHP hiring should be based on the requirements of the application, as well as the candidate’s years of experience. Look for developers who understand PHP, Laravel or Symfony, databases, APIs, testing, security, and the existing codebase.

It is also worth checking how candidates approach real development problems. Ask how they would improve slow queries, structure an API, refactor legacy code, handle security issues, or test a new feature. These questions give a better view of practical ability than a list of technologies on a CV.

When you hire a PHP developer, make sure their experience matches the project’s current stack and future plans. A developer who can work with the existing system while improving its reliability and maintainability will usually bring more value over someone who simply knows the language.

Build a Hiring Process That Tests Real Skills

A CV can show where someone has worked, but it does not show how they will handle an unfamiliar technical problem.

A more effective hiring process for software developers should pair experience with practical assessment.

A practical hiring process should include:

1. A technical screening against the actual role.
2. A discussion about previous projects.
3. A realistic technical exercise.
4. Questions about debugging and trade-offs.
5. A conversation about communication and teamwork.
6. References where appropriate.

It’s not the point to trick candidates with challenging technical questions. It’s to find out how they solve problems when there isn’t a clear answer.

Hire for Engineering Judgement

A good developer is more than just a coder. They also need to make sensible decisions around performance, security, cost, and maintainability.

This is important as development teams adopt new tools. In Stack Overflow’s 2025 Developer Survey, 84% of respondents said they were using or planning to use AI tools in their development process. But 46% are sceptical about the accuracy of AI output, compared to 33% who trust it. (Stack Overflow Developer Survey).

The lesson for employers is so simple. New tools can speed up development, but experienced engineers still need to review code, spot risks, and decide what is suitable for production.

In-House vs External Development Teams

There is no single approach that works for every business. An in-house team offers strong product knowledge and close collaboration, but hiring specialists can take time and cost more.

External developers provide access to a wider talent pool and specialist skills but can bring challenges around communication, time zones, and long-term ownership.

Consider the budget, project length, technical requirements, security needs, and internal capacity before choosing the best way forward. In some cases, a hybrid model can also work well.

Use Data Before Adding Headcount

Hiring decisions should be based on the company’s own numbers as well as wider labour-market data.

Measure	Latest figure	Reasons for importance
Software developer employment, 2024	1.69 million	Shows the size of the profession
Projected employment, 2034	1.96 million	Demand is expected to continue
Projected growth	15.8%	Skilled developers will remain in demand
Additional jobs, 2024-34	267,700	Significant long-term hiring need
Median annual wage, 2024	$133,080	Shows the cost of technical talent
Developers using or planning to use AI	84%	Development workflows are changing

BLS figures provide the labour-market context, while the Stack Overflow data shows how developer workflows are changing. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Businesses should also track their own time-to-hire, developer turnover, project delays, workload, and unfilled-role costs. Those figures can reveal where another hire likely will have the greatest impact.

Scale the Team by Solving Bottlenecks

Sometimes, another developer isn’t the solution.

• If features are taking too long, it may be a capacity issue on the development side.
• If releases keep failing, maybe it is better to invest in DevOps.
• If customers are reporting too many bugs the gap could be with QA.
• If projects are stalling because of technical decisions, it shows that the team may need senior engineering leadership.

As the team grows, documentation, testing, code reviews, CI/CD, monitoring, and clear ownership become increasingly important.

The Right Team Beats a Larger Team

A strong software development team starts with a clear understanding of the work ahead. Identify the gaps, hire to fill them, test practical skills, and monitor performance.

The best team is rarely the one with the most people. It is the one with the right skills and enough technical discipline to keep delivering the tangible goods as the business grows.

Yes. Corporate subscriptions are available for teams and organisations, with discounted rates as user numbers increase. Pricing starts from $1,625 + GST per user.
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Business News subscriptions are used by executives, investors, consultants and professionals who need to stay informed and make better decisions about the WA market. When you subscribe you’ll get

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• Data & Insights — detailed profiles of WA companies, people, projects and deals
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• Special publications and industry reports
• Daily and weekly email newsletters

Data & Insights is a research tool built specifically for the WA market. It draws on more than 30 years of Business News reporting, updated regularly to reflect what’s happening now. Use it to:

• Look up detailed profiles of WA companies, including financials, directors and ownership
• Find decision-makers and track their career movements
• Research live and completed projects across WA industries
• Monitor deals, appointments and market activity
• Access industry rankings and league tables

Data & Insights is updated daily by our dedicated research team, which uses the latest announcements, ASX filings and editorial coverage to keep our person, company, list and project records up to date.

Business News welcome all opportunities to make our dataset accurate, complete and current, so if you have an update request, please email the team at
general@businessnews.com.au, and we’d be happy to assist.

MyBN
is part of every subscription. It’s your personalised view of Business News. You can follow the companies, people, sectors and projects that matter to you, and get a news feed and alerts tailored to your interests. You can save articles to read later and retain only what you need.

Only subscribers have full access to all content on the Business News website.

If staying informed about the WA economy is part of your job, and/or you’re looking for networking opportunities in WA, Business News is built for you.

Business News subscribers are:

• Executives and directors tracking competitors, clients and market movements
• Investors and advisers researching companies, deals and industry trends
• Consultants and professionals staying across sectors relevant to their clients
• Business owners looking for leads, context and market intelligence

Most Business News publications cover national or global markets. Business News is focused entirely on Western Australia, which means the journalism, the data and the intelligence are all built around WA companies, people and projects — not adapted from a national feed. Data & Insights, included with every subscription, combines more than 30 years of WA-specific editorial research with live business data. There’s no comparable product for the WA market.

The Morning Digest Email provides a comprehensive wrap of the major headlines, relevant to WA business, and includes with a snapshot of the overnight news covering oil, gold and ASX-listed companies.

The Afternoon Wrap Email focuses on the news covered by our team of journalists during the course of the working day, including exclusive stories and analysis, all of which relates to WA business and the local economy.

The BN Weekender Email contains a wrap of the Business News from the week that was, highlighting the top stories in each area of WA business.
Sign up for free.

We’re happy to help.
Get in touch
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