Transport & Infrastructure: Georgia and the Asian Development Bank signed a $250m loan for the Tbilisi bypass, covering two sections (Airport–Lochini and Lochini–Rustavi) to ease capital traffic and boost corridor capacity. EU/Regional Security: OSCE chair Ignazio Cassis said Azerbaijan and Armenia are making progress toward a peace deal and urged steps toward signature and implementation. Energy Corridors: A new report says Russia is using Azerbaijan as the preferred transit route for gas exports to Iran, reviving an older Soviet-era corridor logic. Tbilisi Governance & Rights: The government’s new “hate speech” unit faces pushback after US concerns; Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says free speech is protected but insults and abuse aren’t. Justice Under UNM Scrutiny: A Georgian court convicted two men over torture and extortion of businessperson Besarion Khardziani during UNM rule. Civil Society & Culture: The Tbilisi International Literature Festival urged international figures to avoid “normalization” of repression in Georgia. Public Life: Construction continues on Batumi’s Ambassadori Island first tower, advancing in two zones. International Spotlight: Georgia’s US Embassy reset claims drew a sharp response from PM Irakli Kobakhidze.