Optimize Notification Queries

[nensii21]

Description

Unread notification count currently loads notifications before counting.

Replace inefficient queries with SQL COUNT.

Acceptance Criteria
COUNT(*)
Reduced database load
Existing behavior unchanged

[Ayush-0918]

Hi @nensii21,

I'd like to work on this issue as part of ECSoC 2026.

My approach would be to identify where unread notifications are currently being loaded into memory, replace that logic with an optimized SQL COUNT(*) query, and ensure the existing functionality and response remain unchanged while reducing unnecessary database load. I'll also verify that the current behavior is preserved after the optimization.

If this issue is available, I'd be happy to work on it.

Thank you!