fix: Restore projects display, theme toggle, favorites, and modal close

[Alvi24-hub]

📝 Description

Changes Made:

• ✅ Fixed projects grid loading (0 → 38 projects displaying)
• ✅ Generated missing banner images for all projects
• ✅ Fixed theme toggle (dark/light mode with persistence)
• ✅ Added working favorites system with star buttons
• ✅ Fixed modal close button (no more page reload needed)
• ✅ Resolved search and category filter functionality

Current Status:

• Projects now display properly on homepage
• Theme switching works across all toggles
• Favorites can be added/removed and persist
• Modal opens and closes correctly

🔗 Linked Issue

Closes #912

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📋 Contribution Checklist

• My code strictly adheres to the project guidelines (Standard library only, procedural code, clean spacing).
• I have verified that my files are placed in the correct directory.
• I have tested my changes thoroughly on my local machine.
• I have included interactive emojis and clean console/UI outputs.
• GSSoC 2026: I have been formally assigned to this issue and noted it above.

[vercel]

@Alvi24-hub is attempting to deploy a commit to the Anuj's projects Team on Vercel.

A member of the Team first needs to authorize it.

[Alvi24-hub]

@steam-bell-92 Please assign Issue #961 to me, so that i can fix the functioning of the projects.

[Alvi24-hub]

@steam-bell-92 Please merge this PR. These fixes resolve critical issues that affect all users.
These are permanent fixes that improve the website for everyone. The remaining modal content issue (#961) is separate and can be fixed in a follow-up PR.
Please merge so all contributors and users get these working features.

[steam-bell-92]

@Alvi24-hub thought you were gonna rework everything, nvm you can continue after this

[github-actions]

🎉 Thank you for your contribution!

Your Pull Request has been merged successfully.

We appreciate the time and effort you put into improving this project. Contributions like yours help the repository grow and stay useful for everyone.

If you'd like to contribute again, please check the open issues and make sure you are assigned before opening another Pull Request.

Thanks again for your support! 🙌

[Alvi24-hub]

@steam-bell-92 Please add the GSSoC labels to this merged PR .