What is the difference between carnatic music and the other kinds of music?

It is a
very broad question. What is more important is the way carnatic music is performed
and composed along with its many differet rules and structures. This is what makes it
distinct from any other music.
A raaga is simply a scale. There have been many raagas discovered(not invented!) by
many great carnatic exponents. A raaga is said to be able to invoke great emotions in a
person simply by listening to it. This is a common fact, that music invokes certain
emotions. But this isnt the only quality of a raaga. A raaga is said to be able to heal,
cause weather to change any many other spiritual implications. One may find it easier
to meditate to a certain raaga compared to another. Similarly, there are raagas which
may further disturb the mind.