Asia’s largest and first of its kind optical telescope Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) was unveiled at Devasthal in Nainital District, Uttrakahnd. 
•    It was remotely activated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel from Belgium. 
•    Aries telescope was joint collaborative technological effort between Indian and Belgian scientists. 
•    It has been located at a height of 2,500 metres at Devasthal in Nainital district. The site was chosen for getting a clear view of the sky.
•    The ARIES optical telescope has mirror of 3.6 m diameter. The telescope facility has been incorporated with high end technology which enables it to be operated with the help of remote control from anywhere in the world. 
•    It will help in the study and exploration of planets, starts, magnetic field and astronomical debris. 
•    It will also help research of star structures and magnetic field structures of stars. 
•    The ARIES telescope has been a joint international effort between Indian, Russian and Belgian scientist. 
•    In March 2007 ARIES and Belgian company Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS) had entered a contract for design, manufacture, integration, testing, supply and installation of the telescope. 
•    Belgium also had funded 7 per cent of the project whose total cost is estimated to be more than 120 crore rupees.