Morning news brief: Voting in UK polls; Canada names first woman to lead military, and more

In the United Kingdom, voters are gearing up to cast their ballots in a pivotal general election today (Thursday, July 4). The election is widely seen as a referendum on 14 years of Conservative governance.

In Australia, pro-Palestine protesters scaled the roof of the Parliament House in Canberra, brandishing banners declaring "Palestine will be free" and accusing Israel of war crimes.

Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 25 soldiers were sentenced to death for fleeing the enemy during battles against M23 rebels.

In Canada, Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan made history by appointing its first womanChief of the Defence Staff, a move by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to elevate women to senior roles.

Lastly, the Indian cricket team, fondly known as the 'Men in Blue'have arrived in New Delhi five days after winning the World Cup.

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Voters in the UK are heading to the polls on Thursday (July 4) for a key general election that is being seen as a referendum on 14 years of Conservative rule.

Pro-Palestine protesters scaled the roof of the Australian Parliament House in the capital Canberra on Thursday (July 4). Carrying banners that said "Palestine will be free", the protesters accused Israel of war crimes.

Twenty-five soldiers accused of "fleeing the enemy" while fighting M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo were sentenced to death Wednesday during a one-day trial, according to their lawyers.

In a historic first, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday (July 3)appointed Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as the country's top soldier, in charge of leading the military. This appointment is in line with Trudeau's continuing push to appoint women to the most senior jobs.

Watch |The men in blue landed in New Delhi five days winning WC